Experts' Choice Award Palais de l'Ile
What the experts agree on
This 12th-century palace on a canal island has shapeshifted through centuries as a mint, prison, and courthouse. Haunting prisoner graffiti still marks the medieval walls, offering tangible glimpses into its turbulent past.
“Sitting on a triangular islet surrounded by the Canal du Thiou, the 12th-century Palais de l’Isle has been a lordly residence, a courthouse, a mint and a prison over the centuries.”
– Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"Built on an island in the 12C, the residence of the counts of Geneva has been the state mint, a prison (last in use during the Occupation) and the courthouse." Full review
Independent "The old prison Palais de l’lle in the middle of the Thiou Canal, whose interior walls are still decorated with the graffiti of prisoners of days gone by."
Travel + Leisure "Palais de I'Île has served many functions over the years: a prison, a courthouse, a minting workshop, an administrative building, a gymnasium...original medieval structure now plays host to a museum."
Rough Guide
