Riviera Pebbles Blog: My Secret Nice Part 2: Promenade des Anglais

Posted on 4th Jun 2015 in Nice News

My Secret Nice Part 2: Johnny Jonasson Swed, Apartment Prom Garden, Promenade des Anglais

The French Riviera is perennially popular. And with postcard-perfect panoramas, year-round sunshine and miles of public beach, it’s easy to understand why.

But what about when you’re ready to lose the crowds? Part of the pleasure of travelling is to sample living like a local, from shopping neighbourhood markets to savouring a glass of rosé in a delightfully out-of-the-way café.

This week, Johnny Jonasson Swed, owner of Apartment Prom Garden, shares what it’s like to be a resident of Nice’s Promenade quarter – as well as plenty of insider tips!

“Nice has always had a huge allure for myself and my partner. We’ve been travelling the world for years, both privately and for business (I was an airline crew member for many years).

"When we began to consider buying a small apartment abroad, we rapidly came to the conclusion that Nice is the only place where we would actually like to stay for longer periods.

“Before we bought Prom Garden in 2012, we had actually visited Nice more than 25 times! We love the South of France: the climate, the food and wine, the sea, the language, the people and the light are great attractions for us.

"We also appreciate the fact that you are not far away from other exciting destinations, such as skiing in the Alps, as well as Monaco and Cannes.

“We just love having our apartment on the Promenade. Not only is it easy to walk everywhere, you’re also always so close to the sea. We have a lovely sea view from our lush private garden – which we think of as our second living room! The beach opposite is sandier than most beaches in Nice. And the Promenade itself has even been nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

“Being based in the Promenade neighbourhood is ideal for visiting our favourite museums. These include the Musée des Beaux Arts, with its paintings by Pierre Bonnard, Raoul Dufy and Monet, and the 19th-century Musée Masséna.

“Our area is also home to so many great restaurants, including the high-end eateries along the Promenade’s most famous hotels.

"I recommend lunch or an evening meal at the beach restaurant Florida Beach, which overlooks the Mediterranean. And as we love eating Asian food, we often visit Comme en Chine (2 rue Joseph Fricero), an authentic Chinese restaurant just off of rue de France.

“We feel like really do have it all. As we are only a few blocks from the Negresco Hotel, we’re surrounded by superb shopping streets. Plus, the nearby residential areas are great for strolling, such as Quartier des Baumettes, with its classical villas and flowering gardens.

“Again, to have an apartment on one of the world’s most renowned streets is just great. Every time we visit, we can’t help but feel that we are so very lucky.”