There are monuments that become a city’s landmark. But are there streets that tell more about a city than all of its attractions combined? Let’s find out.
The Promenade des Anglais is undoubtedly the most recognizable place in Nice. This seven-kilometer-long boardwalk along the beach invites locals, tourists, pedestrians, joggers, rollerbladers, and cyclists, who have their own designated bike path.
On one hand, it’s a place with history, as it dates back to the late 18th century. On the other, it’s an unconditionally beloved boardwalk by influencers, crowned by the popular sculpture with the inscription #ILOVENICE at its elevated point. Tradition, modernity, luxury, avant-garde, and everyday life blend here like in a melting pot, creating a one-of-a-kind promenade that can be found in every guidebook on France.
Where did the Promenade des Anglais and its name come from?
I don’t often write about the origins of streets or boardwalks, but the Promenade des Anglais is quite unique in this regard. The history of this place dates back to the 18th century, when Nice was a popular destination for English aristocrats. Particularly in winter, the mild local climate favored leisure, even for health purposes.
It was the English aristocracy that came up with the idea of modifying the local shoreline to create a pleasant walking path along the coast. The city authorities approved the idea and expanded its scale. The resulting street was initially named the English Path (fr. Chemin des Anglais) in honor of its initiators, and since 1860, it has been known as the Promenade des Anglais.
FUN FACT: The locals of Nice often refer to the Promenade des Anglais simply as “Promenade” or “La Prom.”
Attractions along the Promenade
A rather obvious attraction along the Promenade des Anglais is the beach and the palm trees that line it. While you won’t find sand here—more pebbles—the right footwear and a deck chair are enough to enjoy the charms of the coastline. Especially during the season, there’s no shortage of people eager to take a dip in the azure waters. The Nice beach is also a great spot for an afternoon picnic, an activity deeply ingrained in French culture.
Many people visit both the Promenade des Anglais and the beach itself during sunset. The benches and the iconic blue chairs along the boardwalk are mostly occupied at this time by those who have decided to take in the sight of the colorful Provençal sky.
The other side of the Promenade des Anglais is lined with hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Nearby, you’ll also find shops and service establishments, making it something of an all-in-one location. And since the promenade is well-connected to other parts of the city (with numerous bus stops along the Promenade des Anglais), it serves as a hub for both locals and tourists. From here, it’s just a stone’s throw away from key attractions such as the Old Town, Place Massena, Cours Saleya, the Massena Museum, and the Museum of Naive Art.
The Promenade des Anglais is also in close proximity to the airport. This is another plus for tourists visiting Nice, as they are practically in the city center as soon as they step off the plane. In fact, the landing itself is an attraction, offering beautiful views of the city with the Promenade des Anglais prominently in the foreground.
FUN FACT: Over the years, the Promenade des Anglais has been the site of numerous cultural and sporting events, such as the Tour de France, Ironman, and the annual carnival.
The 2016 Attack on the Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais is as famous as it is controversial. As beautiful as it is thought-provoking. It was here that a terrorist attack took place, resulting in the deaths of 87 people and injuring over 200 others. The attacker drove a speeding truck into a crowd of pedestrians on July 14, 2016 (Bastille Day), as they walked along the promenade.
Today, the Promenade des Anglais is protected by bollards, designed to slow down vehicles and prevent cars from entering the pedestrian areas. During the Bastille Day celebrations, the entire city is placed under heightened security by the gendarmerie, and some streets are completely closed off to traffic.
