Whether you want to discover it on foot or on a private tour with Tour Azur, this guide will give you all the information you need to fully enjoy one of the most emblematic places on the Côte d’Azur. And if you’re still in the area, don’t miss our visit to Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum, another Tour Azur must-see.
An emblematic Côte d'Azur location
The origins of the Promenade: between luxury and history
In 1821, the English Reverend Lewis Way decided to finance a seaside path to keep the inhabitants of Nice busy in winter. Three years later, the Chemin des Anglais was inaugurated. At the time, it was only a few meters wide, linking the River Paillon to the Croix de Marbre. With Nice’s annexation to France in 1860, the path became the Promenade des Anglais, already hinting at the central role this waterfront would play in the city’s history.
At the end of the 19th century, the promenade widened. Belle Époque palaces, casinos and aristocratic villas lined up facing the sea. Around 1930, the current layout took shape: double lanes, wide sidewalks and rows of palm trees. The Prom’ became what we know today.
A stroll between sea, palm trees and facades
Walking along the Promenade means skirting seven kilometers of pebbles, palm trees and panoramic views over the Baie des Anges. The seaward sidewalk offers a secure cycle path, ideal for pedestrians, rollerbladers, bicycles and scooters. The architecture lining the Prom’ bears witness to a rich heritage: the Palais de la Méditerranée (1929), the Hôtel Négresco (1913) and the Villa Masséna, now a museum, are all historical landmarks.
A living symbol of the art of living in Nice
The Prom’ isn’t just a set in stone. It’s alive with joggers, skateboarders, families on scooters and Sunday strollers. The famous blue chairs, designed in 1950 by Charles Tordo, invite you to sit facing the Mediterranean. In summer, the avenue is transformed by festivals, flower battles and fireworks displays. In 2021, Nice’s inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List underlines the role of this artery in the history of winter tourism.
What to do on the Promenade des Anglais?
Activities on foot, bike or scooter
Strolling along the Promenade is already an activity. Running, strolling, rollerblading or scootering, there’s something for everyone. For a different perspective, consider renting a scooter or electric bike: there are several rental companies right next door, and the bike path runs along the entire seafront. A 1.5-hour scooter ride will take you through the essentials, while you listen to local anecdotes.
To discover other walking itineraries, see our article dedicated to visiting Nice on foot.
Gourmet break, shopping by the sea
At the halfway point, one terrace follows another. From artisanal ice creams and fresh salads to waterside cafés, there’s something for everyone.
As for shopping, several fashion and souvenir boutiques line the promenade. Nothing exclusive, but the ambiance of Nice is there: light, sea and urban furniture designed for strolling.
After a stroll along the seafront, lose yourself in Old Nice for a more typical break, between the Cours Saleya market and local specialities.
Our favorite photo spots
The Promenade des Anglais is one of Nice’s most photographed spots, and for good reason: every corner offers a different setting. Here are a few not-to-be-missed viewpoints if you want to leave with postcard-worthy images.
- The Jardin Albert-Ier gazebo: an unobstructed view of the Baie des Anges, ideal for sunrise.
- The I LOVE NICE sign (Rauba-Capéu): probably the most emblematic of all, popular with visitors from all over the world.
- The Palais de la Méditerranée: its art deco façade and white columns provide a perfect contrast to the blue sky.
- La Plage des Chiens: more discreet, more raw, this is a perfect spot for natural shots facing the sea.
Preparing your visit to Nice
Access, parking and recommended route
Whether you’re coming from the airport, the train station or your place of stay, getting to the Prom’ is easy and varied. If you opt for public transport, bus line 12+ Hôpital Pasteur stops 150 m from the airport, at the “Aéroport / Promenade” stop, and serves the Promenade des Anglais directly. Tramway line 2 also links the airport to the city center, stopping at Grand Arénas, just off the Promenade.
By car, use the parking lots under the Promenade:
- Ruhl Méridien (1 Promenade des Anglais) offers 420 spaces, 24-hour service and an electric terminal;
- Sulzer and Palais Masséna, accessible from the edge of the park, offer spaces with a franchise of 1 h or ½ h depending on the park.
Please note that on-street parking is limited to 2 h 15 from Monday to Saturday (9am-8pm), to avoid long layovers.
For a smooth itinerary, may I suggest a departure from the Ruhl parking lot, a walk to the airport, then a finish in Vieux-Nice? I can refine this according to your departure point with Tour Azur.
Best times of day to enjoy them
The best time to discover the Prom’ depends on your desired experience:
- Early in the morning (6am-9am), choose the calm and soft light of dawn.
- In the late afternoon, there are fewer strollers, the light becomes warmer and the terraces take on a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Avoid: the middle of the day in summer, when crowds and streetcars disrupt the route.
Not-to-be-missed events on the Promenade
The Promenade is a festive ground all year round. It hosts the Nice Carnival or its flower battles in February, as well as the July 14 fireworks display, renewed in 2019 after the tributes of 2016.
In 2024, Nice celebrated 200 years of the Promenade with an art exhibition, photo installations and a drone show, from August 30 to September 1. These free events add a new dimension to the Prom’: it’s not just a place to pass through, but a place to live.
And for motorsport fans, why not extend the experience to the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, less than an hour from Nice?
Tour Azur Board
Combine your walk with a private guided tour
The Promenade des Anglais is best explored on foot… but it takes on a whole new dimension when integrated into a larger tour. With Tour Azur, you can combine your stroll with a guided tour of Nice, in a small group or on a private tour.
Our tours are designed to help you discover the city without running. From the old town to Mont Boron, via Cimiez or the Port, each stage is adapted to your pace and your desires. The Prom’ becomes a common thread, a point of departure or return, naturally integrated into the experience.
Short on time?
Discover how to visit Nice in 1 day with Tour Azur thanks to an optimized and comfortable itinerary.
Our drivers will drop you off and pick you up at the location of your choice.
By choosing a chauffeur-driven tour, you avoid parking constraints, transport changes and unnecessary detours. We drop you off directly at the beginning of the Promenade, or wherever you prefer to start, and pick you up at the agreed time.
It’s the ideal solution if you’re visiting Nice for the first time, or if you want to enjoy the Prom’ without worrying about logistics. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple or a family, we’ve thought of everything so that all you have to do is look out at the sea and enjoy the moment.
To discover the Promenade des Anglais is to understand a little better what makes the soul of Nice: a blend of elegance, light and the gentle way of life. Whether it’s for a morning stroll, a sunset overlooking the sea or a complete tour of the city with Tour Azur, every visit to the Prom’ leaves its mark. Quite simply, a must.
Visit the village of Eze and a perfume factory, admire the Princely Palace, the Monaco Grand Prix track and the legendary Place de Monte-Carlo.
Riviera panorama
Join the village of Èze and then Monaco to discover the old town, palace and cathedral. From the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, contemplate Monte-Carlo. Then discover Cannes and Antibes.
French art of living
Discover the village of Èze and the Principality of Monaco before visiting the Villa de la Baronne de Rothschild and its botanical gardens. Enjoy a gourmet break at the Baronne’s salon.
A shared tourOn the other hand, we offer small-group tours in a shared vehicle, following a fixed itinerary. The driver takes care of the journeys, but does not accompany you to the sites.
Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze from Nice
Riviera panorama
Join the village of Èze, then the Principality of Monaco to discover the old town, its palace and cathedral. From the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, drive to Monte-Carlo. Then discover Cannes and Antibes.
