France is the number one tourist destination worldwide, and it is not difficult to see why. Quite apart from the diversity of its national monuments – many but by no means all of which are to be found in the capital city of Paris – it offers culture, tradition, fascinating history, romance and charm as well as fantastic cooking and first-rate wines.

It is interesting to note, when you are visiting France, that the French are extraordinarily nonchalant about the beauties and treasures in their wonderful country, almost as if they took them for granted. They live, eat and sleep with them in a completely different way to the rest of the world. For that reason, it is often difficult to find information about the lesser-known gems of antiquity or beauty hidden away in the remoter regions of France. This list of the best things to do in France will shed light, not only on the attractions and monuments with which everyone is acquainted, but on other equally beautiful or significant attractions which are all but unknown.

4. La Rochelle Old City Harbor

La Rochelle was founded in the 10th century and had become an important port by the 12th, but was inhabited by both the Romans and the Gauls in ancient times, making it one of France’s most ancient cities. Situated on the Bay of Biscay in the Charente-Maritime region of southwest France, La Rochelle derives its name from the rocky promontory on which it was originally built (“La Rochelle” means quite literally “little rock”).

A hospitable and lively city as well as one of great historical interest, La Rochelle is a fabulous venue for visitors of all ages and interests. It has its own airport, which is only 15 minutes from the city center by bus (bus stop: Place de Verdun).

5. Mont Saint Michel (Pontorson)

Just 1 kilometre off the northwest coast of Normandy lies the diminutive island of Mont Saint Michel. It is only 100 hectares in area and inhabited by barely 40 people. Interestingly, it was originally connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway: a stretch of road only passable at low tide. This strategic position made it impossible to conquer: during the Hundred Years War, small garrisons fought off repeated assaults by the British, a great source of inspiration to Joan of Arc.

The famous abbey dwarfing the island is first mentioned as early as the 8th century, though it underwent major architectural changes, notably in the 11th and 12th centuries. Louis XI, recognizing the advantages of the island’s impenetrability, even turned it into a prison! The nearest large city is Rennes, which has its own airport. From Rennes to Pontorson by rail takes just under an hour, Mont St. Michel is a 9 kilometre bus ride from Pontorson station.

6. Lourdes

Prior to 1858, the little village of Lourdes at the foot of the Pyranées in southwest France had escaped conspicuousness. This was to change with the miraculous visions which began to manifest themselves to the innocent peasant girl, Bernadette Soubirous (canonized in 1933). By 1860, hundreds of pilgrims, tourists and invalids hoping for a cure had begun to flock to the village. Today Lourdes is second only to Paris on France’s list of most-visited places, drawing an estimated 5 million visitors each season.

Hautes-Pyrenées is the closest large city (17.8 kilometres). Lourdes has its own airport (15 minutes by road from the city center).

Source: https://www.jenreviews.com/best-things-to-do-in-france/