Located not far from the English Channel in the Haute Normandie region of northern France, the town of Louviers is 100 kilometers from Paris and 30 kilometers from Rouen. The entire region is stunning, so be sure to reserve a rental car for your visit. Delightfully rustic wood-framed houses are common here, and the countryside is the same one that inspired Monet, who painted his famous water lilies nearby at Giverny.

Although somewhat well known for its Musee des decors de Theatre, d’Opera et de Cinema, Louviers is largely removed from the beaten path. Interestingly, the town’s church, Notre Dame, dates all the way back to the 13th century. The region is also widely renowned for its apple cider and Calvados brandy, as well as a wide variety of rich dairy products. The cuisine here is also magnificent, and often features local lamb, chicken and sausage of premium freshness and quality.