Honfleur: The Old Port

The French port of Honfleur is located on the coast of Normandy where the Seine River flows into the English Channel. Samuel de Champlain set sail from the port to New France (now Canada) and founded the city of Quebec. Centuries later, Honfleur became the "birthplace of Impressionism" when artists like Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet set up their easels outdoors to paint the picturesque town.

The Old Port of Honfleur, France

Deauville: The Parisian Riviera

Before my trip to France I'd never heard of Deauville but that's probably because I'm neither a wealthy Parisienne nor a Hollywood film star. This chic, upscale resort on the coast of Normandy boasts the nearest beach to Paris (two hours away) and it's also home of the annual Deauville American Film Festival, thus earning its nickname as the Parisian Riviera.

Deauville, France