10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Annecy

The Fête du Lac d'Annecy takes place each summer, drawing on a tradition that started with a lavish Venetian-style party on the lakeshore in 1860. The event was held in honour of Napoleon III. For 1 spectacular night in August, a magnificent fireworks display lasting over 1 hour captures the attention of a wide-eyed crowd that can reach around 200,000 spectators.

The pyrotechnics are set to music and reflect off the lake’s shimmering surface. This is one of the most dazzling events on Annecy’s social calendar and not to be missed. On any other given evening, this lakeside spot is simply a great place for relaxing and taking in the views.

The Théâtre des Collines is a performing arts hub in Annecy. Together with Le Rabelais performance hall in Meythet and a former chapel turned entertainment space called the Espace des Forges, it forms part of a trio of venues staging a varied programme of dance, theatre and music.

The emphasis is on community involvement, so expect kid-friendly productions and occasional festivals. It’s worth taking a look at the Théâtre des Collines' event calendar if you’re in town for a few days.

Rue Sainte-Claire has a high concentration of restaurants and bars, making it a great place for those who don't want to limit themselves to a single venue. Captain Pub is a lively Irish bar that’s popular with a visiting crowd, while the nearby Casa Santa Clara offers a distinctly Spanish vibe and plenty of good tapas.

A few doors along Rue Sainte-Claire is Milton Pub. It's great for people-watching from one of its pavement tables or hanging out in its wood-clad interior. It also has several TV screens airing live sports throughout the evening. 

Glacier des Alpes is a popular ice cream parlour in Annecy. From its humble beginnings in a makeshift kitchen, the venue has grown into a successful business. A range of flavours, some of which are quite unusual, inject originality and fun into the proceedings – beer, mushrooms, and even smoked salmon with dill sit alongside traditional flavours like rum raisin, vanilla and wild strawberry.

While Glacier des Alpes has changed owners over the years, one thing that has been a constant is its commitment in providing new and unique flavours to ice cream lovers.

Beer O’Clock is a small pub chain in Annecy with a unique concept. As a child, founder Alexandre Loue watched his grandparents run a bar and hoped to open one of his own. But instead of taking orders behind a counter, Loue’s customers load up prepaid cards and pour their own until the money runs out.

A selection of craft beers is available at Beer O’Clock. Patrons can try a few mouthfuls or an entire glass, whichever they prefer. The place is casual, convivial, and above all, cool.

La Queue du Coq is a stylish cocktail bar in the heart of Annecy’s city centre. Tucked away in the Passage Pré Carré, there’s a hint of a Prohibition vibe about the place, while its exposed brick, rough stone and wooden bar top add bags of character.

Ingredients are mixed up to reimagine classic cocktail recipes, meaning you’ll find a traditional Dark & Stormy alongside a quirky Green Peace Collins. It’s a fun place in Annecy to hang out with friends, listen to some music, and drink something a little different.

La Cave is an Annecy wine bar offering more than 40 different wines by the glass and a far greater selection by bottle. The owner, Vincent, is a knowledgeable yet unpretentious sommelier. His enthusiasm for wine shines through when you see him at the bar. 

The place is divided into different spaces, which include a sleek interior and a terrace with a casual vibe. Order some traditional light bites to accompany your wine. You can find a range of cheeses and cooked meats, as well as interesting options such as marinated fish and oysters.

Le Brise Glace is a must-visit in Annecy if you’re into live music. The venue occupies an impressive contemporary glass-and-steel building, but all attention is on its performance stage. It hosts an intimate club that accommodates about 150 people and a larger hall with a capacity of 500. There are also 5 rehearsal rooms and a regular schedule of workshops for musicians.

Whether you have a preference for pop, rap or rock, or perhaps want to be part of open mic night, there’s something on Le Brise Glace's diverse programme to suit everyone’s taste. 

Casino Impérial Annecy first opened in 1921 in a grand building beside Lac Annecy. It closed 60 years later, but a decade on, it was reborn in a new location at the Imperial Palace Hotel. It’s been there ever since.

Today, in a beautifully renovated space, slot machines and table games evoke an elegant bygone era with all the technology you’d expect of a 21st-century casino. Night owls can enjoy roulette, poker, and blackjack at Casino Impérial Annecy until the early hours.

Le Garage is a contemporary nightclub in Annecy’s city centre. A resident DJ keeps the dancefloor full with an eclectic mix of sounds. From retro pop to modern house music, this place is all about the beat. It’s a great place to come with a group of friends.

On Thursdays, you can take advantage of Le Garage's free entry and reduced-priced drinks. Sip champagne or cocktails while you catch your breath, then party on until the sun comes up.