Holidays are often about running around and packing in as much as possible, but even on the busiest of holidays, there must be at least one day dedicated to relaxing, soaking up the atmosphere, and seeing what the locals see. Nice has just the thing for those occasions; the Promenade des Anglais.
For the locals it is a place where roller bladders can let loose their rolls, where dogs and cyclists run side by side, and where lovers, children and the more senior amongst us stroll and sit on the characteristic chairs; colored blue and dotted along the length of the promenade allowing the most extensive view over the beautiful deep blue sea.
Along way from England, you may think? And indeed it is. There are few places in England that allow such weather, such a view, and access to such beaches, and that is precisely why Lewis Way, and English gentlemen who took his winters in France, created in 1822 the 2 meter wide promenade that we see today. It wasn't he that called it the Promenade des Anglais, but rather the local community who gave it this nickname after him.
The promenade runs for over 6 km in total from the Coline du Chateau all the way up to the airport. The full length of the walk at a decent pace will take you around 3 hours or so, and is definitely worth the time and the effort. If you don't fancy the trip by foot however, you can always get dropped off on the top end and walk your way back, as a 6 lane highway does run along it.
It is a wonderful idea to make a full day's event of the stroll. You will notice on the way a wonderful array of architecture dating from the 20s, 30s and 40s that draw attention to the longevity of the popularity of this resort, and if you are lucky to be visiting during the high season and the Prom you will be in for a treat as street entertainers will engage your attention, and your wallets, at every junction.
There are a lot of hotels along and in the near vicinity of the Promenade des Anglais. On the top end you will find five star hotels with all one would expect including casinos, and prices to go with it. These top end hotels start from around 500 Euros a night, and if you have the money, they will not disappoint. If you are looking for something a little cheaper however, you can find three star hotels for around 100 euros a night, and four stars from around 120 euros per night.
Author : Gaizka Pujana
