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.

76. Pyrenées National Park

The border between France and Spain in the Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques comprise some of the most dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful natural scenery you are ever likely to see. Stark mountainous crags alternate with lush pastures and forests, the air is pure and the rivers, waterfalls and lakes crystalline and the little mountain villages and shy people are quaint and unspoiled. For this reason, the whole area was designated a national heritage site in 1967.

The best starting points for your exploration of this lovely region are Laruns (west), Arreau (east) or Luz-Saint-Sauveur (centre). Toulouse is 147 km north west of Arreau (1 hour 40 minutes by car) and the nearest airport.

77. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, one of the oldest geological sites in the whole of Europe, is located roughly 30 km south of Avignon in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of southern France. A delightful village with perfectly-restored old buildings, shady squares and sparkling fountains, Saint-Remy has inspired many writers and artists, the most famous being Van Gogh, who produced over 150 paintings while staying here.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence has no shortage of hotels and apartments and is a lovely place to stay while you discover the beauties of Provence. The nearest large city and airport is Montpellier (110 km).

78. Montmartre Cemetery (Paris)

Opened on January 1st, 1825 in a former gypsum quarry, Montmartre Cemetery is located in the 18th arrondissement on the Rue Rachel, with its only entrance under Rue Caulaincourt. The cemetery is a popular tourist attraction owing to the fact that many famous people are buried here: Alexandre Dumas, Hector Berlioz, the dancer Nijinski and Heinrich Heine, to name just a few.

The “Cimetière de Montmartre” is accessible by metro from the Gare du Nord in around 20 minutes (metro stop: Blanche). It is 8 minutes on foot from the Moulin Rouge, too!

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