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.
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.
There was so little time to see the town – another visit, another time.
The area around the harbour is crowded with appropriate shops and eateries and busy, even first thing in the morning.
I would have liked to visit the Abbaye de Beauport, founded in 1202 – next time.
You may be interested in
Walks around Paimpol
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