Paimpol

posted in: France, Home | 0

Paimpol is an interesting little town where we stopped overnight at the end of Day 1 in France. Sadly we were only there a few hours – it would be a good base for exploring the north of Brittany.

The town developed around the cod fishing industry from the 15C to 20C, with the fishermen setting off for Newfoundland, and then Iceland each February. There is a cross in Ploubazlanec which commemorates the spot where the women used to wait and watch for the return of the boats, the Croix des Veuves. The last fishing boat set out in 1935. Today there are still fishing boats in the harbour, but many more pleasure boats.

Paimpol harbour early in the morning
Paimpol harbour early in the morning
Paimpol harbour early in the morning
Paimpol harbour early in the morning

To the north of Paimpol is the Ile de Brehat which we could only see from the mainland – no time to visit, unlike all the visitors who made the journey by ferry. Opposite the islands is the Pointe de L’Arcouest.

The Ile de Brehat in the distance & the jetty in the foreground
The Ile de Brehat in the distance & the jetty in the foreground
The ferry to the Ile de Brehat
The ferry to the Ile de Brehat

There was so little time to see the town – another visit, another time.

Church in the centre of Old Paimpol
Church in the centre of Old Paimpol
Old Paimpol early in the morning
Old Paimpol early in the morning

The area around the harbour is crowded with appropriate shops and eateries and busy, even first thing in the morning.

Paimpol
Paimpol
Paimpol
Paimpol

I would have liked to visit the Abbaye de Beauportfounded in 1202 – next time.

You may be interested in
Walks around Paimpol

 

I would love to hear from you!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.