Promenade des anglais
So why the Promenade des Anglais ?
When you visit Nice, it is hard to avoid ‘La Prom’ as it is known by locals, simply because it is essential, mythical and world-famous ! It is also a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status.
It is hard to believe when you see it today that this splendid promenade was just a muddy footpath at the beginning of the 19th century ! From the mid-18th century onwards Nice was a favourite winter resort for wealthy British visitors but they complained that there was no seaside promenade. Not a problem ! The first section was built along the sea front so that visitors could stroll along in comfort. Today ‘La Prom’ extends for 7km from the airport to the harbour and is the perfect way to discover the coast of Nice.
On the south side there are pebble beaches and the Mediterranean Sea as far as the eye can see. On the north side stand beautiful, legendary luxury hotels like the Negresco and the Palais de la Méditerranée with its Art Deco façade, modern-style apartment blocks and others dating from the Belle Epoque, casinos and of course the palm trees which run the length of it.
You can have a stroll, have a swim, do different sports, admire the sunset while sitting on the famous blue chairs, relax to the sound of the sea on the pebbles, sunbathe… Locals, known as « nissarts », jog, cycle and roller skate along it. In fine weather or overcast, ‘La Prom’ is still a lovely place to go and the panorama across the Baie des Anges is simply magic !
Nice old town, its famous flower market
Enter the old town at « Les Ponchettes », just step through one of the archways to find yourself in the famous Cours Saleya and its famous flower and vegetable market (except on Mondays which is reserved for bric-a-brac). Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets and admire the red and yellow ochre-coloured buildings housing picturesque restaurants and all-night pubs. Taste delicious « nissarde » specialities like socca and pissaladière and enjoy an ice cream on the Place Rossetti near the Cathedral Sainte Réparate.
When you get to the Jardin Albert 1er, funnel into the Promenade du Paillon, the green heart of the town, before going up Avenue Jean Médecin to the Place Masséna… Don’t hesitate to stop at Rauba Capeu to admire a complete view of the Promenade or go to the top of the hill by the castle for a panoramic veiw of ‘La Prom’, the old town and the rest of the city to Cap d’Antibes in one direction and the harbour and coast towards Italy in the other.
If you feel like it, you can continue walking along the coastal path to Cap de Nice. If not, then go by car or by tram (from Place Masséna) or by ‘blue bike’. If you arrive in Nice by air and the Mistral is blowing, there’s a chance that you will fly over it ! After Cap de Nice and the Bay of Villefranche-sur-mer you can explore Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
So, see you along with visitors from around the world on the magnificent promenade in Alpes-Maritimes !
