The Promenade des Anglais is the seafront boulevard that runs along the Baie des Anges in Nice, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It began in 1822 as a modest path built at the initiative of the English community that wintered in Nice, with a local clergyman, Reverend Lewis Way, credited with raising funds to employ poor labourers after a harsh winter. The path was widened and renamed Promenade des Anglais after Nice joined France in 1860, and the boulevard became the centre of the city's Belle Époque, lined with palaces, hotels and villas. The Hôtel Negresco at No. 37, opened in 1913, is the best-known landmark, its pink dome and Belle Époque facade standing out along the waterfront. The Palais de la Méditerranée, with its Art Deco facade from 1929, and the blue chairs facing the sea are other familiar features. The boulevard extends for about seven kilometres from the airport side to the foot of Castle Hill, with a broad pedestrian and cycle promenade beside the pebble beaches. The architecture is a mix of Belle Époque hotels, Art Deco blocks and modern buildings, and it has been repaved and renovated in stages, including a tram line and wider pedestrian areas in the 21st century. On 14 July 2016 the promenade was the scene of a terrorist attack during Bastille Day celebrations, and a memorial and commemorative sites in the city recall the victims. The promenade is open at all times and free to walk, cycle or skate. It works as a walk of an hour or more with no ticket, and cafes, beach clubs and viewpoints line the route. The path is flat and paved, making it one of the most accessible long routes in Nice, with ramps to many beach areas. Early morning is calm, and the evening sun makes the sea front especially atmospheric.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open at all times |
| Address | Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France (Hôtel Negresco at No. 37) |
Why it matters
Funded by the English winter colony in 1822 to employ the poor, the promenade turned Nice from a small port into the model of the seaside resort. It became the stage of the city's Belle Époque and, in 2016, a site of national mourning.
Location
Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France (Hôtel Negresco at No. 37)
43.6950, 7.2620 View on map
Highlights
- Belle Époque facade and pink dome of the Hôtel Negresco at No. 37
- Art Deco facade of the Palais de la Méditerranée
- Blue chairs and pebble beaches along the Baie des Anges
- Flat seafront path of about seven kilometres for walking and cycling
- Memorial sites recalling the events of 14 July 2016
Tips for visiting
- Walk at sunrise or around sunset for cooler air and better light.
- Rent a bike or scooter to cover the full seven kilometres.
- Pause at the Negresco to see its lobby and Belle Époque exterior.
- Keep to the marked cycle lane to avoid conflict with riders.
- Combine with a stroll up to Castle Hill at the eastern end.
When to visit
Early morning and the hour before sunset are best. Midsummer midday is hot and crowded.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the Promenade des Anglais free?
Yes. The promenade is open at all times and free to use.
How long is it?
It runs about seven kilometres along the bay. A walk of the central section takes one to two hours.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The surface is flat and paved, with ramps to many beach areas.
Why is it called the Promenade des Anglais?
It was built from 1822 with funds raised by the English winter colony in Nice.