One of Normandy’s best-preserved ports, Honfleur’s 17th-century harbor is encircled by 15th- and 16th-century buildings. In 1608, the port city was the starting point for the journey of French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who sailed from Honfleur to Canada and founded the city of Quebec. Honfleur attracted many artists, especially Impressionists, because of its beauty and unique natural light. One of Monet’s favorite subjects here was the timbered Church of St. Catherine’s, whose wooden belfry resembles an upside-down ship.