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.

25. Saint-Ouen Flea Market (Paris)

“Les Puces de Saint-Ouen” is one of the largest flea markets in the world and a perfect treasure chest of antique jewellery, crockery, books, records, vintage clothing and practically anything else you can think of. Formed at the end of the 19th century as a street market by itinerant rag-and-bone merchants who had been driven out of Paris, it had become so popular by the Twenties that a number of businessmen decided to invest in it, creating indoor stalls and supplying it with electricity.

Today, with over 2.500 stalls, it attracts 11 million visitors a year. It takes place on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, 6 minutes from the Gare du Nord. The nearest metro stop is Porte de Clignancourt; follow the signposts to “Les Puces”!

26. Terra Botanica (Angers)

The Terra Botanica in Angers is a theme park with the emphasis on plants in all their aspects: the history and prehistory of plant (and other) life, plants as medicines or dyes, unusual and exotic plants and how to plan a vegetable garden, amongst others. With 4D films, tree houses, hot air balloon rides and panning for amber or fossils, it offers a wealth of instructive entertainment for kids (and adults) of all ages. It also has a magnificent collection of butterflies, tame animals which love to be petted (along with the occasional friendly dinosaur) and the usual slides and rides where kids can let off steam.

An excellent venue for a family day out, Terra Botanica is accessible by rail in just over 2 hours from Paris Gare Montparnasse-Anjers.

27. Claude Monet’s House and Gardens (Giverny)

To those of us who have rhapsodized about Monet’s famous painting of the bridge and the waterlilies, it may come as a delightful surprise to discover that they not only exist today, they can also be visited! Monet spent his later and most creative years at Giverny, cultivating his garden and his art despite increasing blindness. Giverny also hosts the more modern “Museum of the Impressionists” 200 yards from Monet’s house.

Giverny is around 80 km northwest of Paris and is best accessed by taking the train from Paris to Vernon (just over an hour from St. Lazare station) and then the shuttle bus to Giverny (15-20 minutes).

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