Day 3045 (Thursday) 9th October 2025
This is Monaco
and this is Menton
It was quite overcast this morning but it was great to see the rowers back, we think that they are practicing for the Battle of the Flowers in February.
Huw made us a sandwich which we decided to eat on the prom and do some people watching.
There were quite a few people on the beach, some in bikinis, others fully dressed and there were also a few people in the sea. There were a lot of Scandinavian tourists and Australians.
there are lots of blue chairs on the prom but more of that tomorrow.
Some of the private beaches have been dismantled but this one is still going and I’m pleased to say that the private beach in Villefranche is being dismantled too – hooray!
After lunch we went to a seafront café and really soaked in the sun, it was lovely.
La Promenade des Anglais of Nice: 200 years of history and architectural splendour.
The Promenade des Anglais, one of Nice’s most emblematic landmarks, celebrates its 200th anniversary this year (this was written last year). Symbol of the city, this magnificent avenue bordering the Baie des Anges is not only a privileged promenade for residents and visitors alike, but also a true witness to the history and architectural evolution of the Côte d’Azur. Let’s take a look at the origins, history and emblematic buildings that make the Promenade des Anglais so unique.
The history of the Promenade des Anglais
The history of the Promenade des Anglais began in the early 19th century. It was in 1821 that a group of wealthy English winterers, seduced by Nice’s mild, sunny climate, proposed to finance the creation of a path along the seafront for strolling and enjoying the view of the Mediterranean. At the time, Nice was still a small town of fishermen and farmers, very different from the seaside resort it is today.
At the instigation of the Reverend Lewis Way, the project was launched to offer the people of Nice something to do during the winter, when agricultural work was at a standstill. The path was soon nicknamed “Camin dei Ingles” in homage to its British initiators, a name that would later be transformed into the Promenade des Anglais.
A Story of Metamorphoses
Over the years, the Promenade des Anglais has continued to grow and change. Initially a simple unpaved path, it was gradually widened and paved to meet the growing needs of both walkers and the first tourists. At the end of the 19th century, the Promenade began to take on the prestigious allure we know today, with the appearance of the first luxury hotels, casinos and palaces that would attract the world’s elite.
Belle Époque architecture had a profound effect on the aesthetics of the Promenade des Anglais, with elegant facades and imposing buildings testifying to the opulence of the era. These buildings are not just symbols of wealth; they embody the rise of tourism in Nice and the city’s transformation into a destination of choice for aristocrats and celebrities from around the world.
Some emblematic buildings and monuments
The Promenade des Anglais is lined with some of Nice’s most emblematic buildings, each with its own unique history and architectural style.
Le Palais de la Méditerranée:
Built in 1929, this building is an Art Deco masterpiece. Originally a casino with a theatre, it is now a luxury hotel that retains its impressive sculpted white façade, a symbol of the elegance of the Roaring Twenties.
Le Negresco:
This world-renowned hotel, with its pink dome and immaculate façade, is a jewel of Belle Époque architecture. Inaugurated in 1913, it has welcomed celebrities from around the world, from Salvador Dalí to Michael Jackson, and remains a symbol of the great French hotel tradition.
Villa Masséna:
Now a museum, this 19th-century villa is a striking example of the neoclassical style. With its lush gardens and sumptuous interiors, the Villa Masséna offers a glimpse of aristocratic life in Nice at the end of the 19th century.
A timeless icon
The Promenade des Anglais is not only one of Nice’s most emblematic boulevards, it’s also the city’s beating heart, a place where history blends harmoniously with modernity. Today, it is a gathering place for the people of Nice, a magnet for tourists, and a place where architecture and natural beauty come together.
As the Promenade celebrates its bicentenary, it remains a living symbol of the city of Nice, perpetuating its heritage while adapting to contemporary needs. It’s a place where every stone tells a story, where every building is a reminder of the Côte d’Azur’s golden age, and where every visitor can feel part of a 200-year history.
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