A Guide to the Best Things to do in Paimpol, Brittany
Last Updated on 2nd July 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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A delightful fishing village in the Côtes-d’Armor region of Brittany, Paimpol is steeped in history, full of timber-framed homes, and is well worth exploring over the course of a few hours. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Paimpol, as well as what to know before you go.
The town’s history is particularly rich and Paimpol rose to true prominence in the local area from the 15th to 19th-centuries when it became integral to the cod fishing industry in Brittany.
At this time, local fishermen would set off for Iceland, often for many months at a time (and sometimes as long as eight months!).
Where is Paimpol?
Paimpol is located on the fringes of the water in Northern Brittany, a French region known as Bretagne (which has its own language, that of Breton). Located between Ploubazlanec and Plourivo, the Breton town is also not far from Tréguier, the capital of Côtes-d’Armor.
Best things to do in Paimpol
Abbaye de Beauport
If you’re in the Northern part of Brittany and you’re looking for something cultural to do, then you need to look no further than Beauport Abbey. Part ruin, the stunning former ecclesiastical building dates back to the beginning of the 13th-century and has seen plenty of history over the ages.
Today, visitors of all ages will enjoy meandering through the grounds, snapping photos of the cloisters, and enjoying various year ’round events which take place at the cultural hub. The abbey is best accessed if you have a car as it is on the fringes of Paimpol.
La Vieille Tour (the old tower)
One of the most historic points in town will be immediately apparent to those who arrive in Paimpol by car. The old tower is located in the main car park in Paimpol and is all that remains of a church dating back to the 14th-century. The tower itself was actually constructed in the 16th-century and the spire was only added in the latter half of the 18th-century.
Mic Mac Thrift Shop
Those looking for vintage and unique finds in Paimpol need simply to head to Mic Mac. The name itself actually means a bit of a mess and gives visitors an idea of what to expect once inside the former warehouse turned clothing and brocante shop.
Heading inside Mic Mac is like looking for curated treasure and you’ll have to peruse through the wares to find pieces which match your style (not to mention are your size). As well as vintage clothing, there’s a number of antique furniture pieces and other memorabilia for sale.
La Halle
Yet another historic location in Paimpol is La Halle, which is a building that was constructed in 1864 on the former Place du Lavoir. La Halle was originally constructed to serve as a place to live for women who had lost their sailor husbands at sea. Since 2005, the building has since become a cultural institution and hosts regular exhibitions to do with art and the like.
Sample local Breton food
Of course, no post about Brittany would be complete without at least a quick mention of the many delectable foodstuffs on offer. Brittany is best known for its salted butter, an abundance of crêpes, fresh seafood, thanks to its proximity to the sea, and a variety of pastries.
If you have a particularly sweet tooth, then be sure to try the Kouign-Amann should you get the chance. This mainly butter and sugar patisserie is simply mouthwatering and originates from Brittany!
Port de Paimpol (Paimpol Port)
Of course; no fishing town would be complete without a port and that of Paimpol is particularly well appointed. The port is around which the rest of the village is built and was once the lifeblood of Paimpol (historically residents of the town would have made their livelihoods thanks to fishing).
The first quay at the port was built as early as 1762 and measured 78 metres in length. Today, wandering to the end of the port to enjoy the view out to sea remains one of the best things to do in Paimpol.
Tour de Kerroc’h
Though not technically in Paimpol itself, the Tour de Kerroc’h is located just across the water, in Ploubazlanec, on the other side of the Baie de Paimpol (Paimpol Bay) and is so iconic that it has since become a symbol for Ploubazlanec. The tower dates back to 1873 on a mound named ‘Krec’h Mahaf’ or ‘Mazé’ (which is Mathew in Breton).
Beach
There is a sandy beach in Paimpol which draws visitors on an annual basis (particularly during sunny days during the summer months, which are admittedly few and far between). The main beach of Paimpol is Plage De La Tossen, which is simply wonderful to stroll along no matter the time of the year.
Natural swimming pool
Once you’ve wandered the length of the sandy stretch that is the beach of Paimpol, you’ll come across the natural swimming pool, which is surprisingly crystal clear.
With this being said, the pool is obviously not heated and so is intended for summertime use only (and even then you have to be lucky with the temperature and weather)!
Musée de la Mer (Sea Museum)
Though Paimpol may be small in size, it actually boasts its own museum. Set against the backdrop of a building which was once used to dry cod, visitors to the town can learn all about Paimpol’s past as the Brittany hive of the cod fishing industry.
Notre Dame de Bonne Nouvelle Church
The town’s main church replaced the one that was where the Vieille Tour was located. Notre Dame de Bonne Nouvelle was built between 1910 and 1914 (with the first cornerstone of the church laid in the Spring of 1910.)
Please note that while the interior of the church is quite pretty, it’s unfortunately often closed and seems to be a lit of a luck of the draw whether or not you’ll manage to enter the ecclesiastical building.
How to get around Paimpol
Like many places in Brittany, Paimpol is not greatly served by public transportation and so the easiest way to visit is with your own four wheels. This will also give you the freedom to access and explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Check car rental prices here.
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