32 Times Small-Town America Felt Like a Hidden European Village

21. Castine, Maine, A French Coastal Escape

Perched along Maine’s coast, Castine is one of the oldest towns in the U.S. and still carries traces of its French colonial past. Founded by French settlers in the early 1600s, this seaside village features European-style stone buildings, historic inns, and a relaxed maritime ambiance reminiscent of Normandy’s coastal towns. Strolling through Castine’s quiet streets, you’ll find quaint cafes, sailboats bobbing in the harbor, and a strong sense of history, making it a perfect French-inspired getaway.