Honfleur

Centered around a horseshoe-shaped harbor, this walkable town in Normandy, two hours from Paris, is perfect for art lovers. Boudin and Monet painted many of their masterpieces here, and you can find gems at local galleries and art shops. It’s sometimes nice to escape the crowds at the Jardin des Personnalités, a beautiful garden at the end of the estuary. On a rainy afternoon, head into La Cave Honfleuraise to taste the famous, apple-based Norman liqueur, Calvados.