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.

70. Oradour sur Glane Old Town (Limoges)

25 kilometres north west of Limoges lies the small village of Oradour sur Glane, in which 642 men, women and children were murdered by the SS on the 10th of June, 1944. Though the village was rebuilt on a site nearby, the site of the massacre was ordered to be protected and preserved as a national memorial and monument by Charles de Gaulle.

Public transport is very poor in this region and car rental is advised.

71. Les Invalides (Paris)

Best known for housing the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, Les Invalides (or the “Hôtel des Invalides” as it is also known) was originally built in the years between 1670 and 1676 as a place of retirement and burial for French war veterans. This resplendent complex of buildings now houses the National Museum of Arms and the Museum of Contemporary History.

“Les Invalides” is located in the 7th arrondissement on the Rue de Grenelle, 30 minutes from the Gare du Nord (exit: “Tombeau de Napoléon”).

72. Tarascon (Avignon)

On the east bank of the river Rhône in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d‘Azur region, 23 kilometres south of Avignon, lies the little-known yet beautiful village of Tarascon. Evidence suggests that settlements existed here in prehistoric times; the architecture, largely untouched, is romanesque or mediaeval. The exquisite castle of Tarascon, begun in 1401, was used as a prison until 1826, and visitors can still view the graffiti carved by inmates on the walls of their cells.

Trains run regularly from Avignon to Tarascon (around 30 minutes) but if you wish to explore the area then car rental is recommended. The nearest airport is Marseille (80 km).

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