Paimpol

Visit Paimpol, Brittany

Paimpol is a coastal town in northern Brittany, between St-Brieuc and Tréguier and near Lannion and Dinard.

The town developed around the important cod fishing industry from the 15th century to the 19th century. Paimpol’s fishermen used to set off on long trips to Iceland each February, trips which lasted around eight months at a time! The emphasis is more on tourist boats now but there is still an active fish market.

Exploring Paimpol

The heart of Paimpol is centred around the harbour and the streets of the historic centre. After strolling around the harbour admiring the 17th century stone houses head into the old town with its traditional stone houses, a few half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. There are many attractive houses to see, especially around Place du Martray, Rue des Huit Patriotes and Rue des Islandais.

Have a look in particular at the 15th century ‘Maison Jezequel’ on La Rue des Huit Patriotes, one of the oldest houses in the town that was once a shop supplying the cod fishing industry. Other notable sights include the Maison des Armateurs, one of the grandest stone townhouses, and the 'old tower'.

There is a small museum in Paimpol commemorating its history as an important cod fishing port and particularly the lives of the ‘Icelanders’ as the fishermen who went on the long fishing trips to Iceland were called.

The weekly market in Paimpol takes place on Tuesday mornings in a large part of the town centre around the Place des Halles.

Attractions nearby

Beauport Abbey is in a lovely setting on the edge of Paimpol, and includes the ruins of an abbey church and also related monastic buildings. It is one of a very select number of places that are classified as 'Grand Sites of France'.

A nice way to see the countryside along the Trieux River between Paimpol and Pontrieux is to take the century old steam train between the two towns (May to September only), while the more adventurous might like to try sea-canoeing.

Access to ferries to Ile Brehat, off the coast to the north, is also close to Paimpol - or you can head to the Moulin de Craca at Plouezec for a view across to the island from the mainland.

Photos of Paimpol (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Paimpol: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 1*; Recommended detour town (plus beau detour);

Suggested places to visit near Paimpol, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Perros-Guirec 29km; Lannion 30km; Tregastel 33km; Saint-Brieuc 36km; Locquirec 45km; Guerlesquin 49km; Cap Frehel 53km; Moncontour 56km; Plouezoch 59km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Paimpol

Paimpol tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Beauport Abbey - grand site of france (2km) : Jardin du château de la Roche-Jagu - remarkable garden (9km) : Jardins de Kerdalo - remarkable garden (11km) : Jardin du Kestellic - remarkable garden (14km) : Quintin - ville fleurie 4* (43km) : Cap d'Erquy / Cap Frehel - grand site of france (46km) : Jardin du Grand Launay - remarkable garden (49km) : Jardin du Colombier - remarkable garden (51km) :

French version: see Paimpol (Francais)