So we’re at the start of October - or as I like to call it - rainy season. It pretty much always rains early October on the French Riviera so I thought I’d put together a few tips for what to in Nice when it rains. Read below and happy Autumn. Also, let me know what you try!
Let’s start with an all-time classic rainy day pastime: shopping. Of course the indoor shopping centre variety so you don’t get soaked.
1. Shopping centres in Nice
The two main shopping centres (aka malls) in Nice are the Nice Etoile shopping centre which is located on avenue Jean Medecin, the main shopping street in the centre. There is also Cap 3000 (which is technically in Saint Laurent du Var) close to the airport. It is huge and lots of options there whether it's shopping, eating or entertainment. you’re after. Both have car parks if you’re driving. There is also Nice TNL close to the port (but to be honest the shops are less exciting), and the newly opened Nice Iconic which is also on avenue Jean Medecin (closer to the train station).
2. Visit the city’s museums
Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, Nikki de Saint Phalle… Many artists have visited Nice and spent more or less time here working on their art. The city has 12 museums and galleries that await your discovery, here are a few of the main ones that you might want to get lost in on a rainy day.
The Matisse Museum in Cimiez (large collection of the artist’s works)
The Chagall Museum also in Cimiez (Largest public collection of works by Marc Chagall)
Villa Masséna behind the Promenade des Anglais (Museum in a stunning Belle Epoque villa dedicated to Nice’s history)
Musée des Beaux-Arts (The collection covers the entire history of art from the 16th to the 20th century)
Musée de la Photographie on the Cours Saleya (Nice’s photography museum)
Terra Amata Museum (Prehistoric museum on the first settlements in the area, kids love it)
Musée du sport (The sports museum right by the Allianz Riviera stadium)
3. Sites to see
Visit the archeological crypt near Place Garibaldi. Discovered during archaeological excavations for the construction of tramway line 1 in 2006, the crypt provides an insight into the history of Nice and its fortifications. Guided visits in French only (55 minutes), must be booked in advance. Bookings can be made online and at the Centre du Patrimoine - Le Sénat, 14 rue Jules-Gilly.
Head to Grotte du Lazaret (close to Terra Amata). Located at the foot of Mont Boron, the Grotte du Lazaret is a cave that traces 70,000 years of human evolution in Nice. Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the prehistoric era with a visit to this cave. You can also combine this with a visit to the Terra Amata museum which is a short walk or drive away. More info here.
4. Catch a movie
A movie on a rainy day is always a good idea right? Lots of cinemas dot the city but not all of them offer movies in English. If that’s what you’re after then look out for VO (this means “version originale” so the movie will be in English or whatever original language it is in).
You can usually find VO movies in English at Cinema Rialto (4 rue de Rivoli) and Cinema Variétés in Nice (5 Boulevard Victor Hugo).
5. Go for brunch or a long lunch
See my foodie guide post for some ideas for brunch and other meals of the day ☺️
That’s all for now. Let me know in the comments if you have any specific questions or hit reply if you’re on email! And don’t forget to subscribe to automatically get all my French Riviera tips straight to your inbox.
Enjoy,
Olivia.