Centre d’Interprétation de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine d'Annecy
Centre for the interpretation of architecture and heritage in Annecy (CIAP), housed in the Palais de l’Île, a former prison and law court in the town centre.
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About the museum
The Palais de l’Île is a medieval building on a rocky islet in the middle of the Thiou; its oldest parts date back to the 12th century. Originally a fortified house, it served the counts of Geneva as a prison and a mint; it is mentioned as a prison from 1325. At the end of the 16th century it also housed the court. It remained a prison until 1864, then became a home for the elderly, a drawing school and a shelter.
Threatened with demolition at the end of the 19th century, the palace was saved thanks to scholars who spoke up for it, and was listed as a historic monument in 1900. Its last restoration campaign dates from 1983–1985.
As part of the “Ville d’art et d’histoire” label, it now houses the Centre for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage (CIAP). The permanent circuit presents the history and development of the Annecy urban area. Visitors can also see the cells of the former prison and the rooms of the former law court.
Highlights
- Cells of the former prison
- Rooms of the former law court
- Permanent circuit on the architecture and heritage of Annecy
- Play room with children’s books
- Historic monument listed in 1900
Permanent exhibition
- Parcours permanent du Centre d'interprétation de l'architecture et du patrimoine (CIAP) – Circuit on the heritage and architecture of the Annecy urban area, including a visit to the cells of the former prison and the rooms of the former law court.
- Operated by
- Ville d'Annecy – Musées d'Annecy
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Young people aged 12 to 25, students, job seekers, recipients of social minimum benefits, families with three or more children, holders of certain cards (CEZAM, Loisirs 74, carte mobilité inclusion) |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 11 · Free admission for children under 12 accompanied by at least one adult. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Free for the companion of a holder of the carte mobilité inclusion bearing the mention “besoin d’accompagnement”. |
| Students & apprentices | €2 |
| Groups (6+ people) | €3 per personGroups of more than 5 people aged over 12, outside July and August; €4 per person in July and August. |
| Combined ticket for the Musée-Château and the Palais de l’Île (full price) | €8Reduced rate: €5; €9 in July and August. |
| Individual children’s workshop outside school hours | €7By reservation. |
| Lecture | €5By reservation. |
| Annual Pass Expos (for Annecy residents only) | €22Pass valid for the Musée-Château, the Palais de l’Île and the Turbine sciences, on proof of residence. |
Free admission: First Sunday of each month, from October to May. Free admission also during European Heritage Days.
Full price of €4 (€5 in July and August) and reduced rate of €2 (€2.50 in July and August). Free admission for teachers, tour guides, holders of an ICOM or press card, and holders of a pass jeune, among others. Tickets are bought on site, without reservation.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description: no information
Wheelchair users can visit the former cells and the courtyard on the first floor. An easy-to-read booklet (FALC) helps visitors prepare their visit. Toilets on the first floor, near the ticket desk.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Playground / play area
The Palais de l’Île has a play room with children’s books, as well as devices and booklets about the city’s façades. Cultural mediators regularly organize visits and workshops for children and families, especially during school holidays.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Hôtel de Ville
Sibra buses: lines 26, 27, 15A, 15B and Y51, Hôtel de Ville stop; the Vaugelas stop is also nearby.
By car
Paid parking
Paid underground car park at the Hôtel de Ville (420 spaces, including 12 spaces for people with reduced mobility and 8 for electric vehicles); secure Vélonecy bicycle parking (26 spaces and 2 cargo bikes).
The palace is in a pedestrian zone, on an islet reached by a footbridge and a pedestrian bridge. Public toilets and a drinking-water point are nearby, at the Hôtel de Ville car park and esplanade.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography allowed without flash. |
| Good to know | Allow about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. Entry is without reservation; guided tours and workshops are by reservation, online (bookings open two weeks before the date) or by phone at +33 4 85 46 76 78 in the morning from 09:00 to 12:00, except on Wednesdays and at weekends. Animals are not admitted. School groups must announce their visit, even for free admission. |
