Paimpol is a town situated on the north coast of Brittany between Lannion and St. Brieuc.
As you enter Paimpol and take in the magnificent array of sailing vessels that adorn the harbour, the tasteful rows of restaurants and the cosmopolitan look and feel of the immediate area, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is nothing more than a rich man’s playground, with little else to offer.
In fact Paimpol has plenty. If you are a beach holiday person there is the Plage de la Tossen, easily found, as the road that leads from the town to the beach is helpfully named: “Rue de la Tossen” The beach comprises of fine sand for the most part and as you wander along, the beach becomes more stony and rugged.
When the sun shines families make a beeline for this beach which also offers a salt water pool which becomes available as the tide goes out. Although there are toilet facilities and even life guards during the holiday season, there are no food or drink establishments so take your own.
From the beach you can access the pathways that wind inland and out again, enabling walkers to enjoy the coastline walk and enjoy views at Pointe Mesquer, Point de Porz-Don and Pointe de Guilben. Essentially, if you see a place on a map which starts with the word “Pointe” you are assured of a great view, and these “Pointes” are no exceptions.
If you are interested in the more historical side of the town, then you are in luck. Paimpol boasts numerous Churches and Chapels including the famous Abbaye de Beauport (Beauport Abbey) which is currently kept and maintained by Cotes d’Armor department.
There is a market every Tuesday morning, a local museum – “Le musee de la mer” and the opportunity to visit the island of Brehat, which is actually two islands connected by a bridge.
There is also the famous three day Chanty festival, which attracts around 150,000 visitors every year.
