Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle is a boutique hotel in the historic heart of Annecy, set on Rue Perrière in the Old Town with rooms overlooking the Canal du Thiou and the Palais de l'Isle—a triangular 12th-century island fortification rising from the canal waters and one of the most photographed scenes in France. The hotel takes its name from this landmark, visible from canal-facing windows and balconies of upper-floor rooms. The surrounding streetscape of flower-decked bridges, pastel arcaded houses, and rushing blue-green waters provides an extraordinarily picturesque setting that draws visitors from across Europe. The hotel occupies a historic Annecy building with stone-flagged floors, exposed beams, and thick walls characteristic of the medieval Old Town, while contemporary furnishings and modern bathrooms have been carefully integrated. Room categories include Classic, Canal View, and Superior; Canal View rooms are the most sought-after and should be booked well in advance, particularly for summer visits. WiFi is available throughout, and the concierge team can advise on Annecy's cultural calendar and day-trip options. The Old Town is entirely pedestrianised and extremely compact; the Thursday and Sunday morning markets on Rue Sainte-Claire are among the finest in the French Alps, with fresh produce, Savoyard cheeses, and regional specialities. Lake Annecy's swimming beaches, the Canal Imperial, and the 41-kilometre cycling circuit around the lake are all within five to ten minutes on foot. The nearby Château d'Annecy, now a museum of regional art and Alpine heritage, is visible from the hotel and reachable on foot in five minutes. For an overnight stay in one of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes' most scenic destinations, this property provides authentic character and an incomparable canal-side address at the centre of the Old Town.
Room types
- classic room
- canal view room
- superior room
Amenities
- WiFi
- canal views
- historic building
- central location
Location
13 Rue Perrière, 74000 Annecy
45.8997, 6.1282 View on map
Highlights
- Canal-side boutique hotel with direct views of the 12th-century Palais de l'Isle from canal-view rooms
- Located in the pedestrianised Old Town of Annecy, steps from the medieval canal quarter
- Historic building with stone floors and exposed timber beams, combining period character with modern comfort
- Steps from Lake Annecy's swimming beaches and the famous Thursday and Sunday morning markets
Tips for visiting
- Canal View rooms book out months in advance for summer; reserve early for June through August stays
- The Thursday and Sunday morning markets on Rue Sainte-Claire are among the best in the Alps
- Nearly all of Annecy Old Town's historic highlights are within a 10-minute walk of the hotel
- Parking in Annecy Old Town is not possible; use the Parking Courier underground car park and walk in
- Lac d'Annecy's swimming beaches are a 10-minute walk; water temperature peaks in July and August
Accessibility
Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle occupies a medieval building with stone-flagged floors and possible steps in certain areas. The pedestrianised streets of the Old Town are flat in parts but cobblestoned throughout. Guests with wheelchair or mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly, as historic building constraints may limit access in some areas.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Palais de l'Isle?
The Palais de l'Isle is a 12th-century fortified building on a small island in the Canal du Thiou at the heart of Annecy's Old Town. It served as a courthouse, prison, and mint over the centuries and is now a classified historic monument and small museum.
How do guests reach the hotel by car?
Annecy's Old Town is pedestrianised and inaccessible by private car. The nearest underground car park (Parking Courier) is a five-minute walk from the hotel. Taxis can drop guests at the edge of the pedestrian zone.
Are canal-view rooms available?
Yes. Canal View rooms overlook the Thiou canal and the Palais de l'Isle. These are the most popular category and should be booked as early as possible, particularly for summer visits.
What is the nearest train station?
Annecy train station is approximately 1.5 km from the Old Town and is served by TGV and regional trains connecting to Lyon (around 2 hours), Chambéry, and Geneva (around 1 hour 40 minutes).
What outdoor activities are accessible from the hotel?
Lake Annecy's swimming beaches, the 41 km cycling circuit around the lake, boat hire, and paddleboarding are all within 10 minutes on foot. The Semnoz mountain above the town is accessible for hiking.