The Palais de l’Ile, Annecy, France
Deep in the French Alps, the ancient town of Annecy sits along the picturesque shores of Lac d’Annecy. At the heart of Annecy, at the intersection of the River Thiou and the city’s scenic, all-important canals, is the Palais de l’Ile, an impressive 12th-century building. Shaped like the prow of a ship setting sail, the Palais started out as a prison, became a coin mint, was transformed into a courthouse, housed the Presidial Council of the Province Genevois, and became military barracks. Today, it is a museum, though it is certainly more intriguing and alluring from the exterior. In a way, the Palais de l’Ile is the keystone of Annecy – the stone that holds the rest of the city’s splendour together. And what a beautiful city it is! Annecy is full of colourful facades, glittering canals, glowing lamps, bright plazas, cheerful terrace cafes, and arching bridges. It is often called the Pearl of the Alps, and any visitor to its streets, canals or lake will know that it certainly deserves its title.
More Beautiful Places in the Alps
- Innsbruck, Austria
- Megeve, France
- Sacra di San Michele, Italy
- Val d’Aosta, Italy
- French Alps
- Gutenberg Castle, Liechtenstein
- Lago di Braes, Italy
- Torino, Italy
- Chamonix, France
- Grenoble, France
Top Most Beautiful Places in Europe 