An esplanade is a raised walkway area. Although an esplanade can be anywhere, almost all are alongside the sea, a tidal river or other large water body. This allows people to walk along the sea front, usually for recreational purposes, whatever the state of the tide, without having to walk on the beach. Esplanades became popular in Victorian times when it was fashionable to visit seaside resorts.
Example Usage of Esplanade
Boneddicted: Photo: Taken during Pope Benedict XVI’s visit. Esplanade des Invalides, Paris, France. September 2009. http://tumblr.com/xqo497gyj
netlibertaire: RT @oli2be: Paris, ven 27 nov 18h - Esplanade des Droits de l'Homme - Trocadero - Contre la peine de mort en Iran www.whereismyvote.fr
oli2be: Paris, ven 27 nov 18h - Esplanade des Droits de l'Homme - Trocadero - Contre la peine de mort en Iran www.whereismyvote.fr (via @ghazamfar)