Our local guide
Discover Paimpol
The must-sees of the area and our favourite places, to make the most of your stay.
Paimpol
A Breton harbour full of character
Home of the “Icelanders”, the sailors who fished for cod off Iceland and were immortalised by Pierre Loti in An Iceland Fisherman, Paimpol has kept the soul of an authentic Breton harbour.
Shipowners’ houses, the Place du Martray, café terraces along the quays, fishing boats and sailing yachts: everything can be explored on foot. And if you want to venture further, the Bréhat archipelago, the Ploubazlanec peninsula and the Trieux estuary are just minutes away.
Day trip
Stay close to the Île de Bréhat
Our holiday homes are the perfect base for exploring the Île de Bréhat, the “island of flowers”. The boarding point at the Pointe de l’Arcouest is about ten minutes away by car, so you can set off early and be back for dinner by Paimpol harbour.
Car-free, the island is best explored on foot or by bike, among pink granite coves, flower-filled houses and views over the archipelago.
Bréhat: practical tips
- Boats leave from the Pointe de l’Arcouest, about 10 minutes away by car
- The crossing takes around fifteen minutes
- Boats run all year round, more often in summer
- Bike hire on the island
- Must-sees: the Paon lighthouse, the Saint-Michel chapel and the Birlot tide mill
- In summer, set off early in the morning to avoid the crowds
Things to see and do
Must-sees around Paimpol
On your doorstep
The harbour and old town
Stroll along the quays and around the Place du Martray with its old houses, and soak up the harbour atmosphere.
Approx. 10 min + crossing
The Île de Bréhat
The car-free “island of flowers” is best explored on foot or by bike. Boats leave from the Pointe de l’Arcouest.
Approx. 5 min by car
Beauport Abbey
A 13th-century abbey by the sea, surrounded by gardens, orchards and salt meadows.
Approx. 10 min by car
Loguivy-de-la-Mer
A picturesque little fishing harbour at the tip of the peninsula, perfect for a sunset stroll.
Starting from Paimpol
The coastal path
The GR 34 follows the coast and offers spectacular views over the Bréhat archipelago and the Trieux estuary.
Approx. 30 min by car
The Sillon de Talbert
A remarkable spit of shingle and sand, over 3 km long, stretching out into the sea at Pleubian.
Paimpol station
The Vapeur du Trieux
In season, a steam train journey along the Trieux estuary to Pontrieux.
Town centre
The Tuesday market
Every Tuesday morning, the big market brings the town centre to life: seafood, fresh produce and Breton specialities.
Approximate travel times from the studios.
Our favourite places
Flavours of Paimpol
Not to be missed: the coco de Paimpol, a white bean with protected designation of origin (AOP), oysters from the bay, and of course crêpes and galettes.
Restaurants & crêperies
- Le Neptune: refined seafood cuisine, 120 m from the studios
- Crêperie Chez Morel, Place du Martray
Everyday essentials
- Bakery, pharmacy and doctor’s surgery close to the studios
- The Tuesday morning market in the town centre
Outings & activities
- Maestro Croisières: sea trips and sailing lessons aboard a catamaran, from 2 hours to several days, from Binic or Saint-Quay-Portrieux
- Boats to Bréhat from the Pointe de l’Arcouest
- The Vapeur du Trieux steam train from Paimpol station
- The coastal path (GR 34)
Fancy a seaside break?
Book your stay by the harbour
Check our availability and send us your request: we will get back to you quickly.