I was in Nice as well and found one place that had a public urinal(my back was literally to people walking around). It was a bit odd...but I really had to go.

Oh I don't doubt you, I was just reflecting that I think that paid toilets have largely been made free in the last 10 years or so.

But I'm sure there still exist quite a few, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were especially found in right-wing cities like Nice.