The Nice attacks should not deter us from visiting France – in a show of solidarity, we must carry on

Once we stop having summer holidays, stop using airports or train stations, going to the cinema or to pop concerts, then those that wish to destroy our hard-won democracy have won

(Reuters)

To walk along the Promenade Des Anglais in Nice is to participate in one of life’s most exhilarating and life-affirming experiences. This gorgeous pedestrian walkway, accessible to all, is packed with every kind of activity – families pushing little ones in buggies, rollerbladers, joggers, and cyclists. Buskers and hookers. Old men sitting in panama hats gazing at the view. Women wearing the veil enjoying the sun alongside girls in skimpy swimsuits and gay men posing in shiny sportswear.

The Promenade des Anglais was the ultimate democratic environment – people of all ages, religions and sexual preferences brought together to enjoy a heady mix of dazzling light, waves and the beautiful curve of the bay. On the beach below, windsurfers, bathers, and lines of sun loungers.

I made my journey by car to Nice airport along the Promenade des Anglais when my mum died in hospital in North Wales – it was soothing reminder that life just goes on, no matter what. For twenty years or so, I’ve visited Nice, eaten in the old town and walked up and down the narrow paths on to the Fort on Mount Boron. I’ve partied in the nightclubs and haggled for bargains in the street markets.

Now, the city of Nice is in mourning, dominating the news because one misguided individual decided to inflict misery, killing innocent spectators at a public celebration. Please don’t let Nice be synonymous with tragedy – after the grieving and the paying of respects, can Nice return to being a destination where people have fun and forget their troubles? Marseilles has cancelled a big fireworks display and the city of Nice abandoned their jazz festival. I hope these festivities will be rescheduled at a later date.

The irony is that France was already in a state of emergency, so extending it (as President Hollande has done) will not necessarily deter any would be copycats or lone terrorists over the coming months. Once we stop having summer holidays, stop using airports or train stations, going to the cinema or to pop concerts, once we stop going to the beach with the kids, and strolling aimlessly along the Promenade des Anglais on a sunny day, then those that wish to destroy our hard-won democracy have won.

Don’t let it happen.