SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 - 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In front of the entrance to Casino Ruhl, on the ground floor of the Méridien Hotel
1 Promenade des Anglais
Nice
Take a trip back in time with our guide and (re)discover the Promenade des Anglais in its golden age!
Today a symbol of Nissa la Bella internationally, the famous "Promenade des Anglais" was originally a small dirt road bordering a swampy and infertile shoreline! It was the gradual installation of British winterers on the right bank of the Paillon, from the mid-18th century, that changed the game.
Indeed, gathered in the district of the Marble Cross, they complain that they do not have a public walk nearby. Don't let that hold you back! In 1822, the English community of Nice joined together to finance the development of a 2 m wide coastal dirt road, from the mouth of the Paillon to the present-day Meyerbeer Street. Lou Camin dei Inglès, as he was nicknamed at the time by the Niçois, was born! Officially named "Promenade des Anglais" in 1844, the path gradually widened and lengthened, reaching the Magnan valley in 1856. Shortly after the annexation of the County of Nice to France (1860), the path took on a real Promenade look, with the addition of sidewalks and public lighting.
Meanwhile, imposing villas with beautiful gardens, properties of notables from Nice and wealthy wintering foreigners, have settled along this new Promenade. The first major hotels have also appeared (West End hotel, Luxembourg hotel...).
But it is with the Belle Epoque, stretching from the 1870s to the First World War, that the Promenade des Anglais becomes a true center of worldly life, bringing together winter all Nice and all Paris, not to mention the wintering foreigners! Luxurious palaces such as the mythical Negresco, the magnificent Ruhl, which has sadly disappeared today, or the Westminster Hotel are gradually replacing the classic villas. Many places of entertainment are also born: casinos, luxury restaurants, cafes... The sublime Casino de la Jetty Promenade, a marvel of architectural eclecticism, is arguably the most beautiful illustration! In 1904, the "Prom" was finally completed, reaching the mouth of the Var, our airport today.
In the inter-war period (1920s and 1930s), the "summer season" was added to the winter season, allowing Tourism in Nice to restart after the disaster of the First World War. Beach, parties and water sports attract many wealthy foreign tourists, including a large number of Americans! This is the renewal of the Promenade des Anglais: Mayor Jean Médecin decides to widen the way even and the border of palm trees, while equipping it with art deco-style street furniture, including the famous pergolas. Beautiful Art Deco buildings, including the famous Mediterranean Palace, are added to the belle Epoque's achievements.
With the Second World War unfortunately ends this "golden age" of the Promenade des Anglais... Since then, pervasive traffic and questionable urban choices have somewhat tarnished its aura.
Walking the Promenade is nevertheless an extremely pleasant walk, the panorama scrolling before our eyes acting as a veritable open book of the history of Nice. Not to mention the view of the sea... Our guide will be able to resurrect for you the fallen wonders of the glorious past of the Promenade!
A refreshing break in a surprise location will also brighten up your visit! (Consumption not included in price)
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