Paimpont

Visit Paimpont, Brittany

Paimpont is situated in central Brittany, about 40 kilometres west of Rennes, surrounded by the Paimpont Forest, which is part of the Forest of Broceliande - the last remaining part of the ancient forests that once covered Brittany.

Paimpont itself is a small town, very much dominated by the abbey around which the town developed and the surrounding forests.

Paimpont Forest

Because of the age of the forest it has become associated with various legends including the claim that it ws the home of King Arthur and the wizard Merlin. The forest is usually explored from Paimpont itself, or from Mauron.

Several marked paths lead through the forest, to places with exotic names such as 'Merlin's Tomb',  'Merlin's spring' and the 'Valley of no Return' (where Merlin's sister trapped unfaithful young men, and the last place that Merlin himself was seen). If you search hard you could also perhaps find the 'fountain of eternal youth', which would be useful.

Several of the sites have developed around prehistoric dolmen or ancient funeral monuments such as the 'Hotié de Viviane'.

No problem if you are not interested in Arthurian legends - you can still enjoy following one of the many trails through the forest!

Abbey of Notre-Dame

The Abbey is a lovely roman style building dating from the 13th century, although built on the site of a benedictine monastery that had already existed here for several centuries. The belltower was added in the 15th century (as were the extra supporting walls you can see around the belltower, which were required to support the weight - these are more typically seen in gothic style buildings).

Apart from the main abbey church, you can also see the sacristy, two chapels and other living accommodation, and various statues and frescoes dating from the 15th century. The whole ensemble is set in attractive parklands to one side, and has a lake to the other.

Other attractions

Paimpont forges

Just downstream from the lake there is a forge, that developed using local iron ore and wood from the surrounding forests and for several hundred years was the most important industry in Paimpont.

The buildings, that ceased production at the end of the 19th century, are now open to the public. You can see the forges themselves, and associated buildings such as the living accommodation for those who lived on-site and the canteen.

Chateau de Trecesson

Another attraction we recommend is the Chateau de Trécesson, an imposing medieval castle on the side of a lake close to Paimpont.

Suggested places to visit near Paimpont, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Dinan 49km; Moncontour 51km; Combourg 53km; Plancoet 56km; La Roche-Bernard 56km;

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

Paimpont tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardins de Broceliande - remarkable garden (23km) : La Gacilly - ville fleurie 4* (28km) : Le Rheu - ville fleurie 4* (29km) : Parc du château de Caradeuc - remarkable garden (35km) : Chartres-de-Bretagne - ville fleurie 4* (35km) : Saint-Juvat - ville fleurie 4* (38km) : Cesson-Sevigne - ville fleurie 4* (43km) : Jardins du château de la Bourbansais - remarkable garden (46km) :

French version: see Paimpont (Francais)