What to do in Nice When It Rains?

We all know the feeling: you’ve planned a wonderful trip to Nice, anticipating the sun-soaked days and long walks along the Promenade des Anglais. However, the skies open up, and it starts raining.

With 147 days of sunshine per year, rainy days are rare in Nice, but no one wants their vacation ruined by unexpected weather. Fear not! There are plenty of indoor activities and attractions to keep you entertained even when the sun isn’t shining.

1- The first alternative is a museum visit.

The National Sports Museum in Nice: An Immersion in the History of French Sports

If you’re looking for an activity on a rainy day in Nice, the National Sports Museum, located in the heart of the Allianz Riviera Stadium, is the perfect place to combine culture and sport. Opened in 2014, this museum is a true treasure for sports enthusiasts and those seeking unique discoveries.

An Impressive Collection in the History of Sports

The museum boasts a rich collection of over 45,000 objects and 400,000 documents that span 500 years of sports history. You’ll find equipment that once belonged to legendary champions, such as Marcel Cerdan’s boxing gloves, Marie-José Pérec’s running spikes, and Jean-Claude Killy’s skis. There’s also a section dedicated to iconic items from major sports events, such as Olympic mascots and torches.

An Immersive Experience in the World of Sports

The museum offers an interactive and immersive journey that allows you to relive the most memorable moments in sports through projections, sound effects, and interactive challenges. The experience is designed to make each visitor feel the emotions of sporting feats, whether it’s the joy of victory or the sorrow of defeat.

Practical Information

Address & Access	Details
Address	Stade Allianz Riviera, Boulevard des Jardiniers, 06200 Nice
By Train	Nice-Saint Isidore station
By Car	Exit 52 Saint-Isidore or follow “Allianz Riviera” signs
By Bus	Lines 11 and 59 (Saint-Isidore stop)

Opening Hours	Details
May to September	Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM; Thursday until 9 PM
October to April	Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM – 5 PM

Admission Fees	Details
Free Entry	For under 18s and people with disabilities
Regular Entry	5 € for one exhibition; 7 € for both permanent and temporary exhibitions
Reduced Rates	Starting from 2.5 € for groups, students, under 25s, and unemployed visitors
Guided Tours	Additional 3.5 € to 5 €

The Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice: A Journey through the Bible and Beyond

If you’re looking for a cultural escape on a rainy day in Nice, the Marc Chagall National Museum is an essential stop. It was established to showcase the artist’s monumental work on the Bible, with a focus on the 17 paintings that make up his Biblical Message series.

A Rich and Diverse Collection

The museum holds the largest public collection of Marc Chagall’s works, with over 400 pieces, including paintings, gouaches, drawings, washes, and pastels. The collection is centered around Chagall’s interpretations of the Old Testament, featuring large-format works depicting Genesis and Exodus in the first room. A second, smaller hexagonal room is dedicated to five compositions inspired by the Song of Songs, another book of the Old Testament.

Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, enriching the visitor experience. Audio guides in several languages, including French, English, German, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish, are available for an immersive experience.

Practical Information

Opening Hours	May to October	November to April
Days	Monday, Wednesday to Sunday	Monday, Wednesday to Sunday
Hours	10 AM to 1 PM & 2 PM to 6 PM (closed on Tuesdays)	10 AM to 5 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Exceptions	Closed on May 1st	Closed on January 1st & December 25th
Ticket Sales	Ends 30 minutes before closing	Ends 30 minutes before closing

Admission Fees	Regular	Reduced	Free Entry
Price	8 €	6 €	Under 18s, teachers, people with disabilities
Temporary Exhibitions	Additional 2 €		Under 26s (EU), first Sunday of the month

Access to the Marc Chagall Museum

• By plane: Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport, 7 km away.
• By car: Take the A8 motorway, exit Nice Centre, then the Mathis expressway, exit “Cimiez.”
• By train: Nice Ville SNCF station, a 15-minute walk to the museum.
• By bus: Bus n°5 or Nice Le Grand Tour, stop “Musée Chagall.”
• By tram: Line n°1, stop Gare Thiers, then a 15-minute walk to the museum.

• Accepted Payment Methods:
  • Credit cards, checks and cash

The Masséna Museum: A Jewel of Nice’s Architectural and Cultural Heritage

Nestled in the heart of Nice, the Masséna Museum is housed in a magnificent villa that blends history, art, and the exceptional heritage of the French Riviera. With its stunning gardens, this architectural gem invites visitors to discover the region’s rich past.

A Historical Villa with a Rich Legacy

Built in 1898 by Danish architect Hans Georg Tersling, the villa is inspired by Italian villas and features open façades with galleries and loggias offering views of the surrounding landscape. The villa was commissioned by Victor Masséna, the Duke of Rivoli and Prince of Essling, the grandson of André Masséna, a renowned Napoleonic marshal famous for his victories.

The villa’s reception rooms are designed in Empire style, with decor and woodwork from the Govone Castle in Piedmont. The garden, created by landscape architect Édouard André, originally featured a terrace offering a panoramic view of the sea.

Since 1921, the villa has been a museum showcasing collections that reflect the history of tourism on the Côte d’Azur.

Museum Features

The Masséna Museum offers visitors a chance to explore both the history of the villa and the region. The museum’s exhibitions include collections dedicated to the history of the French Riviera, the villas of the area, and the cultural influences of the 19th century.

Practical Information

Address : 65 rue de France, 35 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, FRANCE

Opening Hours	May to October	November to April

Days

Monday, Wednesday to Sunday

Monday, Wednesday to Sunday

Hours

10 AM to 6 PM (closed Tuesday)

11 AM to 6 PM (closed Tuesday)

Exceptions

Closed on May 1st

Closed on January 1st & Easter Monday

Admission Fees	Regular	Group (Adults)	Free Entry

General Admission

10 €

8 €

Under 18s, journalists, job seekers,

Charles Nègre Photography Museum: Discover the Art and History of Photography at One of Nice’s Cultural Gems

Located in the heart of Old Nice, the Charles Nègre Photography Museum immerses visitors in the world of photography through a variety of exhibitions dedicated to renowned photographers and current trends in the medium. Housed in a former 1930s power plant, the museum provides a unique industrial setting for showcasing this art form.

Exhibitions and Architecture

The museum hosts seven exhibitions annually, highlighting iconic photographers as well as contemporary themes. The building, a former power plant, preserves metal architectural elements, including an old overhead crane, creating an industrial atmosphere that complements the display of these artistic works.

Practical Information

Here’s a summary table of the essential information for visiting the museum:

Criteria	Details
Address	Old Nice, 06000 Nice, France
Opening Hours	Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 6 PM
Exceptions	Closed on May 1st and December 25th
Admission Fees	5 € (standard ticket), 4 € (groups of 10+ people)
Free Entry	Under 18s, journalists, job seekers, students, people with disabilities and their companions
Museum Pass	Free for residents of Nice and the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis
Payment Methods	Credit cards, checks, holiday vouchers, cash

2-Perfume Workshop in Nice: A Perfect Rainy Day Activity

For this activity we recommend you go to old Nice and book a workshop at Molinard

Why choose Molinard?

Founded in 1849, this family perfumery embodies a passion and know-how passed down from generation to generation. It is the only perfumery in the city of Nice to offer this type of experience (otherwise you have to head to the city of Grasse)

After a brief exploration of the boutique, you will be invited to design your own fragrance alongside an expert, who will guide you in the development of your ideal olfactory composition.

Thanks to a perfume organ, you will carefully choose each note to create a unique scent, corresponding to your preferences. For one hour, you will have access to 90 different essences to express your creativity.

At the end of the workshop, you will leave with a diploma as a souvenir of this experience, accompanied by your perfumed creation.

We strongly advise you to book in advance by clicking on the image below:

How to Access Molinard Nice

Molinard Nice is conveniently located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible by various means of transportation. Here’s how to get there:

Address

Molinard Nice
20 Rue Saint-François de Paule,
06300 Nice, France

By Public Transportation

• Tramway: Take Line 1 or Line 2 and get off at the Opéra-Vieille Ville stop. The boutique is just a short walk away.
• Bus: Several bus lines pass nearby. Use lines 8, 38, or 70 and stop at Albert 1er/Phocéens.

By Train

• Arrive at Nice Ville Train Station, then take a tram or a short taxi ride to reach the boutique.

By Car

• Use GPS to navigate to the address. The nearest parking options are:
  • Parking Corvésy
  • Parking Saleya
  • Parking Masséna

3 – A Perfect Rainy Day Activity in Nice: Parc Phoenix

Parc Phoenix, located at the entrance of Nice in the Arénas district, is the perfect destination for a relaxing day, even when it’s raining. With its 7,000 m² tropical greenhouse and numerous indoor activities, this park offers an unforgettable experience, regardless of the weather.

Why Visit Parc Phoenix on a Rainy Day?

• A vast indoor space: The tropical greenhouse, one of the largest in Europe, shelters exotic flora, waterfalls, and fascinating animals, all protected from bad weather.
• Varied activities: Enjoy educational exhibitions, shows, and the chance to observe animals like flamingos, giant tortoises, and wallabies.
• Easy access: Ideally located and well-served by public transport, the park is easily reachable from the center of Nice.

Opening Hours and Fees

Category	Details
Opening days	Open every day of the year (except December 25 and January 1).
Summer hours	9:30 AM – 7:30 PM (April 1 to September 30).
Winter hours	9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (October 1 to March 31).
Ticket office closes	1 hour before park closure.
Adult admission	€5 per person.
Free entry	Free for children under 12 and on select Sundays.
Parking	Available with free and paid options.

How to Get There

• By car: Located at the entrance of Nice in the Arénas district.
• By train: Stop at Gare Saint Augustin, near the park.
• By bus: Lines 620, 622, and 650 provide direct access to Parc Phoenix.
• By tramway: Line 2, stop at Parc Phoenix for quick and easy access.

Must-See Activities

• The tropical greenhouse: Explore this vast indoor area where plants and animals thrive in a breathtaking environment.
• Temporary exhibitions: Enjoy educational animations and special events suitable for the whole family.
• The park’s animals: Observe various species in a safe and sheltered setting.

Parc Phoenix is an excellent option for spending a pleasant day in Nice, even when the skies are gray. Enjoy a unique moment surrounded by nature, no matter the weather!

2- Experience the Casino Ruhl – A Rainy Day Retreat in Nice

If the weather isn’t cooperating, take the opportunity to visit the Casino Ruhl, a prime entertainment destination located right on the iconic Promenade des Anglais. With its vibrant atmosphere, variety of games, and stunning seaside views, it’s the perfect way to spend a rainy day in style.

Why Visit Casino Ruhl on a Rainy Day?

• Indoor Entertainment: Escape the rain in a luxurious and lively setting, with plenty of games and activities to keep you entertained.
• Gaming Variety: Enjoy a range of classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker, or try your luck on the many slot machines.
• Evening Shows: Casino Ruhl frequently hosts cabaret and live entertainment, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
• Dining Options: Relax with a meal or a drink at the casino’s restaurant and bar, offering a cozy ambiance and great service.

Location and Access

• Address: Casino Ruhl is conveniently located at 1 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, right in the heart of the city.

How to Get There:

• By Car: Parking is available at the nearby Ruhl-Méridien Parking, making access simple and stress-free.
• By Train: Arrive at Gare de Nice-Ville, then take a tram or a short taxi ride to the Promenade des Anglais.
• By Bus: Lines 12, 38, and 52 stop close to the casino, ensuring convenient public transport options.
• By Tram: Hop on Line 2 and stop at Jean Médecin; from there, it’s a short walk to Casino Ruhl.

Opening Hours

• The casino is open daily, typically from 09:00 AM for slot machines and 4:00 PM for table games, closing in the early morning hours.

Explore the Local Cuisine

Restaurants and Cafes

Nice is renowned for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine. When it rains, take the opportunity to indulge in a leisurely meal at one of the city’s many charming restaurants or cozy cafes. Try traditional dishes like Pissaladière, Socca, and Salade Niçoise. Don’t forget to save room for dessert – Tarte Tropézienne is a local favorite!

Cafes offer more than just coffee. They serve as social hubs where locals gather to chat, relax, and enjoy excellent French pastries. Find a spot with big windows, order a café au lait, and watch the rain fall while savoring every bite of a freshly baked croissant.

Cooking Classes

Why not turn the rainy day into a culinary adventure? Several cooking schools in Nice offer hands-on classes where you can learn how to prepare traditional French dishes. It’s a fantastic way to spend a few hours and gain new skills. Plus, you’ll get to taste the results of your hard work!

Contact-us for more information !

These classes often include a market tour to source fresh ingredients, providing an additional layer of cultural immersion. By the end of the class, armed with recipes and tips, you can bring a little bit of Nice back home to your kitchen.

Shopping Experiences

Galeries Lafayette

Spend a rainy afternoon shopping at Galeries Lafayette, one of the most famous department stores in France. Explore the wide variety of high-end fashion, beauty products, home goods, and gourmet foods available. The elegant setting makes shopping here a luxurious and enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re looking for designer brands or unique souvenirs, you can find just about anything you need inside this iconic store. Take advantage of the opportunity to stock up on gifts for friends and family or treat yourself to something special.

Old Town Shops

Vieux Nice, or Old Town, is a treasure trove of quaint boutiques and specialty shops. Even in the rain, the narrow winding streets hold a myriad of interesting finds. Consider visiting shops selling handmade soaps, local crafts, and artisanal cheeses.

Browsing these charming stores can feel like a mini-adventure, each shop offering its own unique atmosphere and products. It’s also a great way to support local businesses and take home a piece of Nice’s vibrant culture.

Enjoy Cinema and Theatre

Cinema Screenings

Catch the latest films in one of Nice’s many cinemas. Rainy days are perfect for watching a movie on the big screen. Opt for original version screenings if you prefer movies in their original language. The Pathe Gare du Sud is known for showing a mix of blockbusters and indie films.

Many cinemas have comfortable seating and state-of-the-art sound systems, making the film-viewing experience second to none. Stock up on popcorn, settle into your seat, and escape into another world without getting wet.

Theatre Performances

If theatre is more to your interest, check out what’s playing at Théâtre National de Nice. From dramas to comedies, there’s always a diverse lineup of shows to choose from. Experience live performances that bring rich storytelling and captivating acting to the forefront.

You can see and book a play via this site for the National Theatre of Nice.

Some theatres also offer English performances or productions with subtitles, so language barriers won’t diminish the enjoyment. It’s a splendid way to dive into the cultural scene and witness talented actors and directors at work.