The Promenade des Anglais is one of the most famous streets in Nice, and perhaps all of France.
The Promenade des Anglais, one of the most famous avenues in the world, stretches along the Mediterranean coastline in the city of Nice, France. Its name, which translates as the “Walkway of the English,” has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century.
In the second half of the 18th century, Nice became a popular winter resort for the English upper class. The mild Mediterranean climate was ideal for those seeking to escape the harsh winters of Northern Europe.
Reverend Lewis Way, an Anglican clergyman and wealthy Englishman, played a significant role in the establishment of the promenade. Seeing that the coastline had potential but was underdeveloped, he proposed to fund the construction of a walkway along the sea in the 1820s.
At that time, it was quite uncommon for someone to donate their own money for public infrastructure, but Way believed that it would benefit the health and well-being of the residents and visitors alike. He also saw it as a useful project that could provide work for local people who were facing economic hardship.
So, the construction of the walkway began, with local workers laying a two-meter-wide path that stretched several kilometers along the Bay of Angels. It was named La Promenade des Anglais, acknowledging the English expats who funded its creation.
In the years following its construction, Nice grew in popularity as a destination for tourists and artists alike. By the late 19th century, the city decided to expand the walkway to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. In the 1930s, it was widened again and was eventually lined with palm trees and neoclassical buildings, which enhanced its elegance and charm.
The Promenade des Anglais was also the site of a tragic event on Bastille Day (July 14) in 2016, when a terrorist drove a truck into the crowd, killing 86 people and injuring hundreds.
Today, the Promenade des Anglais is a symbol of the French Riviera. It’s lined with renowned hotels, such as the Negresco, and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. On any given day, you can see a variety of people enjoying the promenade, including walkers, runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers. It represents the blend of history, natural beauty, and lifestyle that defines Nice.
