How to Stroll the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France

A stroll down the most famous coastline on the French Riviera requires little more than a casual pace and the desire to lose track of time. The promenade offers a great variety of places to stop and people-watch. If arriving early, stake claim to a spot in the sand and swim awhile. Hotel Negresco requires a definite stop--an art deco hotel which houses an excellent collection of classic and modern art. Below Castle Hill there is the Florist’s Bazaar. Shop for fresh flowers, or climb the steps to the Castle. Continue down the promenade toward the quay and harbor point, and note the massive War Memorial embedded in the hillside.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Plan to visit the French Riviera and Nice during the late summer. It will be crowded then but part of the enjoyment of the promenade is people-watching. Also, the water in the Mediterranean Sea is warmest in August.

2. Make hotel reservations depending on your travel budget. Most rooms are pricey; but bargains do come up once in a while, so it's up to you to do some research right around the time of your trip, or contact a travel agent. Most hotels are within walking distance of the promenade.

3. Start the stroll during the predawn hours. Begin along the eastern side of the promenade, walking out toward the end of the quay and the Phare et digue lighthouse. The lighthouse guides yachts and sailboats in to the harbor community of Nice, separated from the beach area by Castle Hill.

4. Walk westward, stopping at a park bench to watch the sunrise over the Mediterranean and the waves as they crash on the jagged rocks below.

5. Continue westward and note the massive War Memorial built into the cliff along the promenade. Cross the street and honor those that died in conflicts. Nice played an important role during World War II. The morning sun washes the Memorial with beautiful golden light--this is a great place for a morning visit.

6. Walk around the cliff and opt to spend and hour or so on Castle Hill. The park includes play areas, cafes and the original Nice: Greek ruins named after Nike--goddess of victory, not the walking shoe. The steps up the cliff may be challenging.

7. Opt instead to visit the Flower Bazaar, located just off the promenade. Vendors should be setting up shop at this time, presenting the freshest flowers of the day. Buy one or two, or just stop at a cafe for a breakfast crepe.

8. Leave the bazaar and continue westward to a park recognized by its two-level carousel. Enjoy a carousel ride or watch the children ride from benches situated among flower gardens.

9. Stroll further west and visit the Hotel Negresco. Recognized worldwide by its bright red dome, this definitive landmark of the promenade houses rare paintings and sculptures within its columned rotunda, art from the classical to the contemporary.

10. Visit any of the dining options along the commercial side of the promenade. Though possibly still early for lunch, take a mental note of the cafes and restaurants for later in the day. Of particular note is a fast food establishment serving shawarma and a franchised gelato shop.

11. Cross to the beach side whenever there are musicians or athletes performing. They always gather a crowd and are quite entertaining.

12. Find a location to swim on the western edge of the beach. After such a lengthy promenade stroll, this area may have the only prime spots left. The water may range from invigorating to downright chilly. Note that many locals to sunbathe topless, and that staring is an affront.

Tips & Warnings

• Nice is a visitor-friendly town with no animosity toward foreign travelers.

Resources

• Official Nice Website