The Promenade des Anglais , symbol of Nice and which was created by an english resident is a testimony to the importance which the british visitors have had in the development, not only of Nice, but of the whole Riviera. They made its fame in Europe and all over the World.
As early as 1830 between 80 and 100 British family wintered in Nice. The famous painter Turner stayed in Nice and painted it. In 1855 it became possible to go by train from Paris to Marseilles and the number rose to almost 300 families. They had their own shops, physicians and chemistries.
Their favorite district was then the Carabacel one, on the right bank of the Paillon river. There was then only one bridge to cross the river. It was located in front of the Massena high school.
In 1856 a british engineer, Robert Smith bought a huge property going down to the Sea on the Cape of Nice and built a castle, soon nicknamed the "Castle of the English". The main building is located on your left on the Jean Lorrain avenue, just before the crossroad with the basse Corniche. It is now divided in several flats belonging to different people.
In 1864 the train arrived in Nice, finally. Shorter stays became possible and new visitors came in. More and more villas were built.
A still vivid tradition was originated by a British citizen, Thomas, in the 19th century. Many people in Nice complained because they could not see the city clocks on the Palais Square and on the St François tower. He bought a canon which was installed on the Castle Hill. And every day, at noon, the canon fired once. You can still hear a shot at noon every day in Nice, fired from the Castle hill. We are not sure whether the canon is still the original one.
The whole 19th century saw all the British aristocracy on the Riviera, including the queen Victoria who stayed 5 times in Nice. A huge hotel was built especially to accomodate her and her 50 followers on the Cimiez hill where she liked to stay. That's the Excelsior Regina Palace. It still exists but is not a hotel any longer. It was used as a military hospital during WWI. After several misfortune, it is today a high rate residence. Victoria used to stay in the West (left) tower of the hotel, from which you have the best views and which was then and still is topped by an iron crown. The garden which you could reach through a pedestrian bridge still exists, as the bridge. There is now a statue in front of the garden, representing... Victoria.
The queen liked to walk in the Liserb park and also in what is now the Valrose science university park. An entrance more suitable for such a distinguished visitor was built especially on the side facing the Cimiez boulevard which she used to go to the Park. You can still see it.