Thank Claude Monet for making this small village, located less than 50 miles northwest of Paris, a global landmark. Not only did the world-famous Impressionist painter live here for over four decades, but his Japanese-inspired garden (and the artist’s restored 19th century home) remain must-see attractions for visitors to France. Art lovers also will want to check out the Musée des Impressionnismes, which houses—as you’d expect—a collection of paintings and special exhibitions highlighting the Impressionist movement. Great for day trippers visiting from Paris, Giverny also offers bed-and-breakfast lodging for those travelers who want to spend the night.