Promenade des Anglais, Nice

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Nice adorns the French Riviera like a jewel accents a necklace. It sparkles! Unlike Paris when we visited years ago, we found Nice to be...let's see, how shall I say it, "FRIENDLY!"

Our walk about town led us to the Promenade des Anglais, which runs parallel to the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Once we finished with our souvenir shopping on Rue Messina, we discovered the archway leading to the promenade and beach (pic #2)and stepped through to behold a wide stretch of glistening sea.

We first noted the line of palm trees marching along the promenade, then the hotels and apartments which overlook this busy place. Peering seaward, these buildings captured the stunning view of beach and sea.

This "walkway of the English" was financed by Lewis Way, an English Minister. Completed in the 1820's, it was a very popular location at which to lodge by the early 1900's. It appears to have remained a coveted location.

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Locally referred to simply as la Prom, the curved road hugging the bay in Nice takes its name from its first builders, the English. In the early 19th century, when Nice became a winter resort for the Brits, they inhabited many villas along the beach. It was they who first constructed a path along the pebbly beach. Over the years, la Promenade des Anglais was expanded and beautified to eventually turn into the form we see today. Although a few have survived, most of the old villas along the Corniche have been destroyed to make way for Belle Époque buildings and, later, more modern apartment buildings. La Promenade is where tourists and les niçois relax and enjoy the views.

The promenade is where the locals & tourists come to parade. You'll be passed by joggers, cyclists, skaters & dog walkers as you stroll along it.

There are places to buy refreshments & plenty of seats where you can sit & take in the sun or people watch. The promenade semmed just as busy after dark as it did during the day. It was such a great place to sit & relax on a warm summer evening.

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Few spots epitomize Nice -- or, in fact, the joie de vivre of the French Riviera in general -- than the inviting Promenade des Anglais. It is always bustling with humanity.There are tourists relaxing in the royal blue chairs lining the shore. There are locals roller blading, biking or jogging along it. Vendors sell crepes and drinks on it. Best of all, there are delightful (if over-priced) seaside restaurants. Splurge on a chaise lounge, and let waiters bring you cocktails and appetizers. Of course we just walked through looking for a simple asian restaurant which we finally found!

The Promenade is such a lively place.Spend atleast half a day here to see and meet locals as well as tourists.Street performers, skaters , cyclists and joggers make this the place to be in , while in Nice.The beach is not sandy but is nevetheless beautiful.Beautiful people make it a point to be seen here. The cool blue of the Mediterranean Sea is soothing to the eyes.

The Promenade des Anglais is the long pedestrian street bordering the Nice seafront for kilometers. In my opinion, the Promenade is too much overestimated as a touristic attraction, but it is perfect for footing, skating and cycling in between the sea ad fabulous buildings.

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There was nothing more beautiful then taking in the sites while walking along the Promenade des Anglais. The promenade runs the length of the bay and is used by walkers, runners, bicyclists and roller bladers. On one side you have the bay, with glistening blue water lapping at the shoreline, and beaches with people enjoying the sunshine. On the other side, there are hotels, restaurants, shops, parks and roads leading throughout Nice.

There are many places to sit and relax and just watch the world go by. Pictures really don't do it justice, it really is one of those places that you have to see with your own eyes.

In all souvenir shops you can by a card with a view of sea and Promenade des Anglais. These two objects aren't detachable but Promenade has own charisma. There you can feel really relaxed. Simply walk and enjoy the rest.