5 Cozy and Chic Rainy Day Activities in Nice

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Rainy day activities in Nice
Rainy day activities in Nice
Picture of Traci Parent   |
Traci Parent  |
July 19, 2025


The sunny Riviera is known for having more than 300 glorious days of sunshine a year!  But alas, even in Paradise, a little rain must fall!   Chin up, all is not lost!  You can still have an incredible day.  Here is our top 5 list of rainy day activities in Nice.

Top 5 List of Rainy Day Activities in Nice

1 – Museums

Very unoriginal, I know.  And yes, everyone else will have the same idea!  The Musée Chagall and the Musée Matisse will be absolutely packed, and you will spend most of your time waiting outside with an umbrella to be allowed access, so, set your sites on the lesser-frequented museums instead.    


The Musée Masséna has temporary exhibits that are changed out every few months.  You are bond to find something new and interesting.  Because it is close to both our apartment and the famous hotels on the Prom, we go almost every time we are in Nice (and often, when it is raining!).  Park your umbrella at the entrance, and find yourself transported to the Belle Epoque


This municipal museum is housed in one of the last luxury villas of the 19th century.   The main floor has many antiques from this era and there is a film short film that gives the history in both French and English.  Ascend the grand staircase tol find the temporary exhibits.  Some of our favorite exhibits have been about films produced in Nice, and the old neighborhoods of Nice.


The Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre also has temporary exhibits that change every few months.  Located near the Cours Saleya market, it is easy to find and is a great place to be in the rain, as you can duck into a nearby café afterwards to wile away the afternoon. While it is quite small, it is also not overwhelming.  You can take your time to admire each piece, and you will actually remember what you have seen!  I find it to be personal and cozy – an invitation to marvel at a collection and leave feeling completely satisfied.  

Museums are perfect rainy day activities in Nice

2 – Shopping!

My guilty pleasure seems to just make sense on rainy days! 

There is great shopping throughout Nice (rue de France, rue Longchamp, rue de la Liberté, avenue de Suède, avenue Jean Médecin…)  but part of the fun is simply wandering from shop to shop.  Except when it rains.  You open your umbrella just to shake it out, close it and park it at the door with other sopping parapluies.  Non, merci.  Instead, hop on the bus that takes you directly from the Prom to CAP3000 in St Laurent-du-Var (close to the Nice airport). 

It is a huge indoor mall where you can lose yourself for the day. 

At over 135,000 square meters, with more than 300 shops and 50 restaurants, of which 16 overlook the sea, plus a 5 000 square meter seaside terrace, you can easily lose yourself for a day.  You will find a bit of everything, from men’s and women’s apparel to home décor, toys, accessories and specialty food shops.  Anchored by another Galeries Lafayette, it also has many international shops, including some American favorites, if you are getting homesick. 

If you are looking for something really special, shop the 8000 square meters  of Corso by CAP3000, featuring over 45  iconic luxury brands (including retail, designer, leather goods, jewelry, cosmetic and perfumes).

When you need to refuel, there are restaurants offering everything from quick bites to gourmet meals. 

One last perk to spending your day at the mall is the free bathrooms!  No more having to find a café and order something just to have to find another restroom in an hour!  

At the end of your shopping spree, gather your bags and find a bus waiting at the exit to take you back to the Prom in just about 20 minutes! 

3 – Movies


France is the birthplace of cinéma, so watching a film is another great activity when it rains in Nice. Did you know that you can find movies that play in English with French subtitles?  In Nice, many cinemas screen films in their original language with French subtitles, often referred to as “VOST” (Version Originale Sous-Titrée). You can find cinemas like the Rialto, Mercury, and Pathé Massena that regularly show films in English. You need to consult the cinema’s website to confirm which showtimes are dubbed and which ones will show in VOST.   Settle in to a vintage style movie theatre, grab some popcorn and cozy up for a great experience! 

4 – Casinos


I admit, I have yet to go to a casino in Nice, but I prefer shopping to gambling!  They are quite popular, however, and a great destination for a rainy day.  Two of the most popular are found on the Promenade des Anglais:


Casino BarrièreLe Ruhl and Casino de Nice:  Palais de la Méditerranée.
You will find all of your familiar favorites:  slot machines, black jack tables, roulette and ultimate poker.  It is also a great place for people watching!  

5 – Spas

There are a multitude of small boutique places where you can get a facial or manicure, but if it is raining on your vacation to the Riviera, dont you deserve a true spa experience?  For many luxury hotel spas you don’t need to stay at the hotel, you just need to book a treatment and you have access to the entire spa area (pools, jacuzzis, steam rooms …). Yes, they are a bit expensive, but you are worth it – you missed out on a day of sunshine on your vacation!  With no apologies, here are our favorites:

Oria Spa at Le Victoria This stunning hotel by Maison Albar took some eight years to completely restore. Their motto is “casually luxurious”, expertly blending comfort with elegance.  You will feel pampered from the moment you open the elevator doors.  Spending the afternoon (or longer) will not be a chore!  

Le Negresco. This iconic landmark in Nice, which has always been lovely, was treated to some upgrades this past year as it prepares to be classified as a “Palace”.  The spa was a recent addition to this already spectacular universe, and it was so seamlessly interwoven that you would swear it has always been a part of the hotel. 

The use of art and culture in the service of well-being is innovative in the Spa world. It’s a natural positioning for Le Negresco. Art is a common thread running through our spaces and experiences. The objective is to provoke in Spa guests the same sensations experienced in front of a work of art: discovery and surprise, contemplation and emotions, immersion in the artist’s universe to return to oneself. The Spa’s main theme and thread is therefore art, based on 3 pillars: Discovery – Contemplation – Immersion.


Hôtel du Couvent While the previous two hotels have an emphasis on luxury, the Hôtel du Couvent takes you a place of relaxation, contemplation and movement with Roman baths and a movement studio.  This former convent was converted into a luxury hotel, keeping the integrity of its historical foundation and focusing on a return to nature, all while tucked into a hidden corner of Vieux Nice.  It is unique and fabulous, down to every last detail.   Escape from not only the rain, but the “tired tourist” role and rediscover the joy of simplicity in this tranquil oasis.  

Rain, Rain, go Away?


The sun will always come out again, but with all of these cozy and chic options, you may find that your favorite memories come from rainy day activities in Nice!

Get your full list of activities to do, rain or shine, in Nice and la Côte d’Azur.

French Detours Travel Planning Traci Parent

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