In the old town, you'll find bars, cafes, pubs, and (in warmer months) street dances, fairs, and even carnivals. A calmer alternative is an evening of theater or dance at the Théâtre d'Annecy, 1 rue Jean-Jaurès (tel. 04-50-33-44-00; www.bonlieu-annecy.com); tickets cost 15€ to 31€ ($22-$45).
If a long day has left you thirsty, try the traditional Irish pub, Le Captain Pub, 11 rue Pont-Morens (tel. 04-50-45-79-80), with hearty ales on tap. Le Vieux Necy, 3 rue Filaterie (tel. 04-50-45-01-57), attracts a younger, more boisterous crowd.
The best piano bar in town is Le Duo, 104 av. de Genève (tel. 04-50-57-01-46). It's ideal for quiet conversation. Annecy's most visible and popular gay bar is the Happy People Disco, 48 rue Carnot (tel. 04-50-51-08-66), where both locals and visitors dance the night away.
For the most elegant evening on the town, head to the Casino de l'Impérial, 33 av. d'Albigny (tel. 04-50-09-30-00), part of the Belle Epoque-style Impérial Palace hotel on a peninsula jutting into Lac d'Annecy. Entrance to the gaming rooms is free; you must present a passport. The casino is open Sunday to Thursday noon to 2am, and Friday and Saturday noon to 4am.
