The pleasant climate, location and soft light of this beautiful city first began to attract
tourists in large numbers in the 18th century. At that time, many families of the English
aristocracy were fond of spending there winters here, with an evening walk along the sea shore
as one of the highlights.
The main seaside promenade is named after them, and a stroll along the Promenade des
Anglais - the Walkway of the English - is still popular with the many tourists who visit
Nice each year. In fact, it's the second most visited French city after Paris.
Its rich, mixed Italian and French history has endowed the city with a wealth of fine
public buildings and open spaces, as befits a city where life is best lived largely outdoors.