The Promenade des Anglais, or the English Walkway, is a long, tree-lined pedestrian promenade along the Mediterranean coast in Nice, France. It is one of the city’s most popular attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year. On July 14, 2016, the Promenade des Anglais was the scene of a devastating terrorist attack that killed 86 people and injured more than 400 others.
History
The Promenade des Anglais was built in 1822 as a tribute to the English aristocrats who had been visiting the city of Nice since the 18th century. The original path was about three kilometers long, stretching from the Castle Hill area to the harbor. Over the years, it has been expanded to a length of seven kilometers and has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The promenade is lined with palm trees and other vegetation, providing shade from the sun. It also features several public parks, playgrounds, and benches for visitors to enjoy.
The Attack
On the evening of July 14, 2016, a terrorist attack occurred on the Promenade des Anglais. A man driving a large truck drove onto the promenade and began plowing through the crowd of people. The attack killed 86 people and injured more than 400 others. The attack was quickly claimed by the Islamic State group. The attack was the third terrorist attack in France in less than 18 months, following the Charlie Hebdo attack in January 2015 and the Paris attacks in November 2015.
Aftermath
In the aftermath of the attack, the city of Nice declared three days of mourning. Flags were flown at half-mast and a memorial service was held on the Promenade des Anglais. The attack also led to increased security measures in France and other countries around the world.
Legacy
The Promenade des Anglais has become a symbol of resilience in the face of tragedy. After the attack, the city of Nice began a project to rebuild the promenade and restore it to its original beauty. The project was completed in 2018 and the promenade is now a place of peace and remembrance for those who lost their lives in the attack. The Promenade des Anglais will always be remembered as a place of tragedy, but also as a place of hope and resilience.
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