Paimpol, a port village in Brittany

Located on the picturesque banks of the Trieux estuary, the port village of Paimpol embodies the very essence of maritime Brittany. In this article, let's delve into the captivating atmosphere of Paimpol, where history, tradition and natural beauty come together to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors.

The Port of Paimpol: A heart beating to the rhythm of the Sea

The wealth of Paimpol was made thanks to the Great Fisheries from the 17th to the 20th century, where sailors left the Breton coasts for Newfoundland then for Iceland for 6 months to fish for cod. Today, there are no more offshore towns in Paimpol but there remain imposing shipowners' houses in the city center around Place du Martray and along rue Saint-Yves and rue des Huit Patriotes. As soon as you arrive in Paimpol, you will be greeted by the bustling port, where fishing boats and sailboats gently sway with the wind and tides. You can stroll along the lively quays and soak up the maritime atmosphere.

Take advantage of one of the port's many seafood restaurants to sample regional specialties such as fresh oysters, bouchot mussels and grilled fish, accompanied by a glass of Breton cider or local wine.

Walk in Paimpol

Following in the footsteps of the GR®34, you will pass by Beauport Abbey, which has become a cultural center hosting exhibitions and events all year round. Along the route, admire the oyster beds as far as the eye can see up to the island of Saint-Riom. Stop for a tasting on the waterfront terrace of the Ferme Marine Paimpolaise. In summer, the spectacle upon arriving at the Craca mill is splendid, with at the foot of the mill fields of flowering hydrangeas covering the slope sliding towards the sea.

The Soul of Paimpol: Tradition and Modernity

Paimpol is a village steeped in history and tradition, but which also knows how to embrace modernity. As you stroll the cobbled streets of the old town, you will discover picturesque stone houses, centuries-old churches and lively squares with a friendly atmosphere. The Tour de Kerroc'h is a former watchtower which offers breathtaking views of the village and the surrounding area, as well as the Paimpol Sea Museum, which traces the maritime history of the region through captivating exhibitions.

Paimpol, through history

You should know that Pimpol is located in a region where Breton colonization was important, the Bréhat archipelago being one of the first places of landing of boats from Great Britain from the 5th century. Paimpol prospers thanks to its port, the city's corsairs wreak havoc against the hereditary enemy. From the 17th century, ships left for Newfoundland but the turning point came in 1852 when the cod fishermen decided to follow the Dunkirks towards Iceland. Paimpol becomes the leading port in France for offshore fishing. In 1895, 82 two-masted schooners left the port for the Grande Pêche.