The Storied Past - and Beautiful Present - of The Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais - or “The Prom” as Niçoises refer to it - is one of Nice’s most sought-after leisure attractions. It exists along the Mediterranean coast in France, along the Bay of Angels, and stretches along the water for 7 kilometers (or 4.35 miles). Its picturesque views give you full sight of surrounding palm trees and the Côte d'Azur.
The Promenade des Anglais has a storied history. It was built in the 18th century at the request of English aristocrats who vacationed at the seashore during that time. Because of the shoreline’s irregularities and the rockiness of the shore, these fancy people wanted to ensure long walks on the beach were not interrupted by inconsistencies and obstacles in their way. Because it was built with the finances and resources of the English, it was named “Walkway of the English.”
At one end, you will find the region’s airport, and toward the other, the Old Town of Nice and Castle Hill. Along its stretch exists tourist attractions like the Massena Museum, Museum of Fine Arts in Nice, and what remains of the Casino de la Jetée-Promenade, which did not survive World War II.
Over the years, The Promenade has become a hub for so much of Nice’s activity, including tourist escapes. The Le Negresco hotel - one of the most expensive hotels in the area - has played host to celebrities of all kinds, including Ava Gardner, Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill, countless royals, and even Michael Jackson several times during his heyday.
We highly recommend a stroll along the promenade before or after visiting the Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, which was actually featured in episodes 1 and 3 of La Pitchoune: Cooking in France. A day trip to the shore helps us to reinvigorate our senses and stock up on some of the region’s most incredible delicacies.
The famous Nice Carnival takes place on part of The Promenade once a year during the winter. For two weeks, festivities branch out across the city, including free and paid events. Much like Mardi Gras, parades are scheduled intermittently with different themes around street art, vendors, and international musical groups. The famous Flower Battle - during which daisies, carnations, lilies, roses, and more collected from the hills behind the Côte d'Azur are thrown - happens here. Makenna, Chris, Kendall, and Ross visited Nice for the final parade of carnival in Nice in 2023. It was nothing short of spectacular.
Trade shows, exhibitions, and sporting events are regularly held on or near The Promenade, boasting its picturesque backdrop. In the coming months, it will serve as a home for the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship and the Rugby World Cup. For the first time in history, the 111th Tour de France (in 2024) will end in Nice because of the Olympic Games being hosted in Paris around the same time.
If you are looking to experience the area through a lens other than your own, the locals have created many different ways to do so. Sightseeing cruises along the bay, cultural segway, electric bike, and walking tours are offered on a daily basis, and scheduled around other happenings in the area. There are some amazing culinary options along The Promenade to try. Babbel Babbel is a fantastic small plates restaurant with a sea view. Le Rocher, Chez Mina moules frites is near the old port, a non-fussy spot with a variety of different moules frites options.
