Nice's Pebble Beaches is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
Allow Half day.
The water is gloriously clear and that postcard turquoise, and free public sections sit between the paid private beach clubs. The hard truth everyone learns the hard way: it's smooth grey pebbles, not sand — bring water shoes, a thick mat, and don't expect a comfy lie-down. In July–August the free stretches are packed shoulder-to-shoulder.