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Waterfront · Nice, Provença-Alpes-Costa Azul
Promenade des Anglais
A promenade of about 7 km that runs along the Baie des Anges, with a pebble beach on one side and Belle Époque hotels on the other.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais is Nice's seafront avenue, which follows the curve of the Baie des Anges for about 7 km, from the centre to the area near the airport. The name recalls the English colony that spent the winter in the city in the 19th century and financed the first seafront path. Locals simply call it the Prom'.
The wide promenade has a bike lane, the blue chairs that have become a city symbol, and open sea views. On the other side of the road are Belle Époque and Art Deco buildings, such as the Hôtel Negresco, with its pink dome, and the Palais de la Méditerranée.
The beach in front is pebble, the galets, not sand. There are public sections with free access, and private beach clubs with sunbeds and a restaurant. The sea tends to be warmer from July to September.
On 14 July 2016, during the national holiday, the Promenade was the target of a truck attack that killed 86 people. There is a memorial to the victims in the nearby gardens.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours' walk for a stretch; half a day if you include the beach.
Best time
Early in the morning, to walk without heat and with fewer people, or late afternoon, when the sun sets over the bay. In summer the beach fills from late morning.
How to get there
From the centre, simply go down avenue Jean-Médecin or cross the Jardins Albert-Ier from Place Masséna. The tram (tramway) links the airport to the centre passing near the waterfront.
Tip
Bring water shoes to enter the sea because of the pebbles. Renting a bike via the city's system is a practical way to cover the entire stretch.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Promenade des Anglais
Is the Promenade des Anglais beach sandy?
No. The beach is pebbly (galets), rounded stones. Water shoes help when getting in and out of the sea.
Do you have to pay to use the beach?
Public stretches do not charge an entrance fee. Beach clubs charge for sunbeds and umbrellas; check prices on site.
What is the best time to go swimming in the sea?
The sea is usually warmer from July to September. In May and June the water can still be cold for many people.