Promenade des Anglais (English Promenade), Nice (must see)

In the late 1700s English aristocracy took a fancy to the City of Nice. They would spend their winters on the shore. In 1820 the winter was very harsh and the English tourists found themselves inundated by a wave of beggars. What to do? The city would build a walkway along the seashore, and the Anglican Church would pay for it. Brilliant idea!

The city fathers went beyond themselves and greatly expanded the range of the project. The City was annexed by France in 1860 and the Chemin de Promenade became La Promenade des Anglais. Today, local people call it "La Prom." it is popular with walkers, families, skateboarders and cyclists. The team trial of the 2013 Tour de France was held there.

The Promenade extends for four miles around the Baie des Anges. On the seaward side there are private and public beaches shoulder to shoulder. The beaches are mobbed in the summer. Try not to mind if you have to share a spot. In the hills above Nice are aristocratic houses converted to grand hotels and museums.

Tip:
Try and avoid eating at restaurants on the front – food is nice but more expensive. The more traditional restaurants frequented by locals are a little bit further off the promenade. One of the most interesting and lively parts is between the Boulevard Gambetta and the Vieux Ville. There you'll find most of the big Belle Époque hotels and fancy residence and plenty more to see.