By W. M. Connolley – Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about la Promenade des Anglais in Nice


 

Promenade des Anglais is well known beyond the French borders. It is one landmark that cannot be missed while in Nice.

The Promenade is both an architectural wonder and a tourist attraction.

This Promenade was initiated in the 19th century by the upper-class English vacationers that spent their time in Nice.

During that time, several beggars interrupted the English vacationers.

To solve the problem, the beggars were tasked with the construction of the promenade, this way they rightfully earned money.

The Promenade was quickly embraced by the local authorities who turned it into the archetypal project it is today.

They named it after the English people, Camin des Angles. This was the name the Promenade was known by until 1860 when they changed it to its current name.

The entire stretch of the Promenade is lined with beautiful attractions. Here are some facts about the Promenade des Anglais.

1. The promenade is 7 kilometres long

The Promenade is seven kilometres long. It starts from the airport in the west of the city, to the castle in the east near the Port of Nice.

This promenade forms part of Route Nationale 98 running between Toulon and Menton.

It was built after the English aristocrats frequented Nice during winter. They enjoyed spending time at the coast.

Construction of the Promenade was funded by Reverend Lewis Way and members of Holy Trinity Anglican Church.

This Promenade was the location of the team time trial in the 2013 Tour de France.

2. Queen Victoria made the Coastline in Nice famous

By Franz Xaver Winterhalter – Wikimedia

As you already know, the English aristocrats loved spending their summer holidays in Nice鈥檚 coast.

Queen Victoria spent several winter vacations in Nice that it became known as the best vacation location.

They built many grand homes overlooking the ocean on the Boulevard de Cimiez above Nice.

Most of these former homes have been turned into art museums like Mus茅e Mass茅na and Mus茅e des Beaux Arts.

The English vacationers would spend their time walking up and down the coastline enjoying the scenery.

3. Beggars constructed la Promenade des Anglais

So how this Promenade came to be was during one harsh winter in 1820. The harvest that year was bad too.

There was an increase in the number of beggars in Nice looking for work and money. The vacationers who were mostly Anglican were not amused by this.

They were against giving handouts and believed that the beggars should work for a living. This is how the idea of a Promenade came about.

The first phase of the Promenade was funded by an Anglican priest known as Reverend Lewis Way.

The local Nice government was impressed by the idea that they also contributed to further construction of the Promenade.

4. There are bike trails on the promenade

There are several lanes on the Promenade to allow different activities. You will find footpaths, cycling lanes and pretty kiosks along with the beautiful palm trees.

The Promenade is always painted white and blue from the blue lounge chairs to white and blue beach umbrellas.

You can relax here after cycling or taking a break from your walk by the sea.

The Promenade has become popular with sports lovers. There are several joggers, skaters and cyclists on the Promenade every day.

If you would like an electric Segway or a bike, you can find rent one from the kiosks by the promenade. This would be a fun way of cruising the Promenade.

5. The promenade is lined with beautiful landmarks

Photo by Kathy Lipps on Unsplash

There are several monuments along la Promenade des Anglais.

Some of these landmarks used to be homes to the affluent vacationers that came to nice in the 1800s.

The landmarks include H么tel Negresco, the art-deco Palais de la M茅diterran茅e established in 1929, and Ni莽oise sculptor Sabine G茅raudie鈥檚 giant iron sculpture La Chaise de SAB built in 2014. The latter pays homage to the blue and white beach chairs.

The presence of these landmarks made the local government to submit an entry for the World Heritage Site title by UNESCO in 2014.

The Promenade is decorated with flowers and palm trees. It was officially launched by Queen Victoria鈥檚 son, the Duke of Connaught.

6. There was an attack on the promenade in 2016

14th July 2016 will always be etched in the hearts of many in Nice. This fateful day saw a terrorist attack on innocent revellers celebrating Bastille Day.

Bastille Day is a public celebration where people meet at the promenade for a fun-filled day.

A truck deliberately drove into the crowd of revellers and killed 86 people. 450 others were wounded, the terrorist was shot dead by the police.

The Promenade was closed from the public after the attack. This incident affected the flow of tourists to the Promenade and Nice at large.

Today, the Promenade is back to its former glory with beachgoers, skaters and cyclists.

7. Several carnival events are usually held at this Promenade

By Staeiou – Wikimedia

The Promenade des Anglais is a famous venue for events and carnivals. Sports events also take place on this Promenade.

The annual Nice carnival is usually held here, art exhibitions, and meetings happen here too.

This Promenade leads to interesting places and attractions lining on its side. There are beautiful parks, museums, beaches and luxury hotels by this Promenade.

One famous Hotel is Le Negresco where Michael Jackson stayed at when he visited Nice.

8. Most people in Nice enjoy running along la Promenade de Anglais

Many joggers enjoy running along Promenade des Anglais. Not only is it wide, but has beautiful views of the sea and landmarks on the opposite side.

There are breath-taking views of the Mediterranean, the harbour, boats and swimmers. The promenade provides access to Old Nice and the beach too.

9. The locals call it la Prom

By Eric T Gunther – Wikimedia

Locals in Nice refer to Promenade des Anglais as 鈥淟a Prom鈥. It is a popular spot for the locals to hang out.

Artists, skaters, buskers, ramblers, joggers and merrymakers lounging by the beach bars and restaurants can be found here.

It gets crowded during the summer and you can hardly find sitting space at the Pubs and restaurants.

Private beaches may be available although one has to make a reservation first.

Families flock to the beach for picnics and easy Sunday afternoons.

10. La Promenade des Anglais leads to old Town Nice

By walking along Promenade des Anglais, you can access several landmarks and historical places.

Castle Hill which is by the Promenade is close to the Old Town of Nice. Close by is the Massena Museum in a beautiful villa with a well-manicured garden.

You may also catch low flying planes that land just above the Bay of Angels. There is also a metal structure in the water.

This structure is the remains of a once impressive Casino de la Jetee-Promenade built during La Belle Epoque period.

Another interesting landmark towards the Old Town is the sculpture by Bernar Venet.

It commemorates the 150th anniversary of Nice鈥檚 annexation by France. The statue is called Neuf Lignes Obliques.

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