Promenade des Anglais: The Jewel of Nice's Coastline

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/dee ryehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah/dey-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byehn/ ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [pahr-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh muh-nyuh/seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay/seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh may-d'sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhew-st]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell er ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun er]
• Half past (10)Dix et demie
  [dee ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [wheet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dee]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray/sur lah kart]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn/bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay/poor]

The Promenade des Anglais was initially a simple path created in the 18th century for local residents and visitors to enjoy the seaside. It was named in honor of the English expatriates who helped fund its development, particularly after the construction of the first promenade in 1820. This transformation marked the beginning of Nice's evolution into a fashionable resort destination.

During the 19th century, the Promenade des Anglais became a hotspot for the British elite, who flocked to Nice for its mild climate and stunning views. The influx of English aristocrats led to the establishment of luxury hotels and villas along the promenade, further enhancing its reputation as a premier tourist destination. This period also saw the introduction of the iconic blue chairs that still adorn the promenade today.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the construction of several iconic hotels along the Promenade des Anglais, such as the Negresco, which opened in 1913. These establishments not only provided lavish accommodations for tourists but also became architectural landmarks, showcasing the Belle Époque style that characterized the era. The promenade itself was widened and landscaped, further solidifying its status as a cultural and social hub.

The Promenade des Anglais was not immune to the turmoil of World War II. During the German occupation, the area saw significant changes, including the appropriation of hotels and properties. After the war, however, the Promenade underwent revitalization, becoming a symbol of resilience and recovery for the city of Nice and attracting visitors once again.

In the 21st century, the Promenade des Anglais continues to be a focal point for cultural events, festivals, and celebrations in Nice. The promenade hosts numerous activities, from the annual Nice Carnival to the popular Nice Jazz Festival. Recent developments have also focused on enhancing pedestrian access and environmental sustainability, ensuring that this historic and vibrant area remains a cherished part of Nice's identity.

Promenade des Anglais is easily accessible from various parts of Nice. For those arriving by plane, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is just a short drive away, approximately 7 km. You can take the number 98 bus from the airport, which takes you directly to the city center, including stops along Promenade des Anglais. If you're coming from the Nice Ville train station, it's about a 20-minute walk or you can take tram line 2 towards the airport, which also stops along the promenade.

Getting around Promenade des Anglais is straightforward. The promenade is pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for walking or cycling. You can rent bicycles from various bike-share stations located along the promenade. Public transport options include trams and buses, with tram line 2 running parallel to the promenade, providing easy access to other neighborhoods. Taxis and rideshare services are also available.

Promenade des Anglais is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly near popular attractions. Avoid walking alone late at night and be cautious in poorly lit areas. Areas to be particularly cautious around include the eastern stretch of the promenade near the airport and certain parts of the Old Town, especially after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local hospital, Hôpital de l'Archet, is equipped to handle emergencies. It's wise to have travel insurance that covers medical issues. For minor health concerns, nearby pharmacies can assist with over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Don't wear beachwear away from the beach. Religion: Do observe local customs when visiting churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trams and buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a polite 'Bonjour' during the day. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine at restaurants along the promenade. Don't leave a tip in smaller cafes, as service is usually included.

To experience Promenade des Anglais like a local, visit the numerous beach clubs and restaurants where you can savor local dishes. Take a stroll during sunset for stunning views of the Mediterranean. Join locals at the weekly markets in nearby neighborhoods for fresh produce and local delicacies. Participate in local events or festivals that may be happening, as they provide a great way to engage with the community.