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.

85. Honfleur Harbor

The port and town of Honfleur, first mentioned in writing in 1027, was already a flourishing transit point between Rouen and England in the 12th century. Its location on the northwest coast of Normandy (Calvados department) brought it trading as well as strategic significance; for a time, Honfleur boomed. Sadly, its fortunes were destroyed during the French Revolution and the war of the First Empire, though the port is still active today. However, it is a charming city and the port is beautiful. It also boasts the tallest wooden church in France!

Honfleur is best accessed by car; however, buses run from Rouen and Le Havre. Both can be reached by train from Paris in just over two hours.

86. Aquaboulevard Park (Paris)

The biggest indoor waterpark in Europe, Paris` Aquaboulevard in the 15th arrondissement covers 7.000 square metres comprising 11 slides, fitness rooms and saunas, a summer outdoor beach, a cinema and 7 restaurants, just to name a few. The park can become very full on Wednesdays and at the weekend and children under three are not admitted (age verification by passport will be demanded). France has strict rules about swimwear in public baths, too.

The Aquaboulevard is located on the Rue Louis Armand and is best accessed by metro from Montparnasse (around 40 minutes). Exit: Issy-les-Moulineaux.

87. Arles

The pretty town of Arles in the Boûches du Rhône department of Provence was home to Vincent van Gogh for the year between 1888 and 1889 and inspired 300 of his paintings, many of which can be viewed at the town’s Van Gogh museum. Arles` Roman monuments – in particular a very fine amphitheatre and burial grounds – have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1981. Arles also has some lovely hotels.

Arles is 80 km east of Montpellier and 90 km west of Marseille; trains run from both cities (roughly 1 ½ hours).

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