The challenge is impressive in more ways than one, starting with the prestige and economic as well as media impacts on a global tourism sector that is booming in a region where tourism is its mining resource, first and foremost.
But also the desire for recognition: Nice is the city that “invented,” in the early decades of the 1800s, the first seaside promenade, one of the initial steps in the civilization of leisure.
The idea has taken root, and like any bud, it will need the right conditions to blossom into a flower, more or less splendid.
The first of these conditions is, without a doubt, the determination and will to succeed, and with Christian Estrosi, there’s no risk of a deficit!
The second is that if navigation is difficult, and oh how challenging this will be, a leader on board with all the necessary qualities is needed: The choice of Jean-Jacques Aillagon, former director of culture for the Paris city council, Minister of Culture, President of the Pompidou Center and the public institution of Versailles (Who can top that?), and finally commissioner of the Matisse exhibition organized in Nice last year, with public and critical acclaim, could not be more appropriate.
The work that remains is to present a flawless application that can compete with national “competitors” (and even local ones if we consider the cross-border candidacy of the Mercantour Park and that of the Fragrances of Grasse, which isn’t in the same category but could be considered as part of a geopolitical vision of evaluations);
In short, the task is considerable, patience and… work are needed!
For now, the Steering Committee chaired by Jean-Jacques Aillagon already has its home: It’s the old Heritage Center, on the quai des Etats-Unis. A typically Nice setting that will become a place for information, exhibitions, and international conferences.
It will respond to the general mobilization because an application must have, above all, the support of those involved, namely the people of Nice.
An honorary committee, bringing together personalities who wish to support this candidacy, will soon be established, along with a technical committee composed of experts from various disciplines. The mission is difficult and the outcome is by no means won in advance, far from it.
Jean-Jacques Aillagon aptly reminded us: “Europe has long carved out the lion’s share. Now, new countries are presenting their sites’ candidacies. It won’t be easy but the idea is relevant, legitimate, and justified. Moreover, the four renowned water sites in France are: Mont-Saint-Michel, the Palace of Versailles, the Banks of the Seine, and… the Promenade des Anglais.
As of today, the first three are listed sites, why not also the Prom’?
This is the cherished wish of the Mayor of Nice: “The challenge we must all rise to together is a challenge that does not frighten us. With the work of the entire field of research, study, and creation and with the support of all the countries that, in one way or another, have a part of their history on this shore, our application must convince the government and UNESCO.”
An exciting adventure ahead…
