West End Hotel: do you know the story of the Promenade des Anglais?

Promenade Des Anglais depuis Le West End

 

One of the greatest assets of the West End hotel, with its Belle Époque architecture, is undoubtedly its exceptional location on the Promenade des Anglais. This 7km-long avenue along the seafront, facing the infamous Baie des Anges. But do you know its story ?

The Promenade des Anglais has its origins in the early 19th century. At that time, tourists did not come during the summer, but in winter. British aristocrats came to spend the winter in the south, to escape the cold climate of northern Europe. They were known as winterers. They settled for a few months in the South of France, particularly in Nice.

In 1822, an English reverend – Lewis Way – asked wealthy English visitors of the Riviera, to donate money to build a promenade along Nice’s seafront. For the English, the wide-open avenues and sea air had therapeutic properties, and for the inhabitants, it was an opportunity to give them work. To thank the English people behind the project, the avenue was christened ” la camin dei ingles ” and later became the Promenade des Anglais, or the “Prom” for the people who were more familiar with it.

Today, this magnificent promenade is home to prestigious hotels such as the West End Hotel, a member of 3A Hôtels La Collection. Formerly the Hôtel Victoria, then the Hôtel de Rome, the West End hotel is one of the oldest establishments on the famous palm-lined avenue. Most of its 121 rooms and suites offer breathtaking views of the Prom and the sea. Perfect for a weekend getaway or a long, sunny stay in the Côte d’Azur city.

To book your stay, visit www.hotel-westend.com