Best things to do in Paimpol

Paimpol Essentials

Paimpol’s maritime identity is anchored by its historic port and the 13th-century Beauport Abbey. This selection highlights the town's connection to the sea through the Croix des Veuves lookout and the L'Arcouest ferry terminal, the primary link to Île-de-Bréhat. Significant architectural sites include the rare Romanesque rotunda of Temple de Lanleff and the Danse Macabre frescoes at Kermaria-an-Isquit. The list also features the town’s 18th-century church ruins, coastal viewpoints at Pointe de Guilben, and the traditional Tuesday morning market.

Paimpol Essentials — Map

Nicolas Lannuzel / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Beauport Abbey

The Abbey of St. Budoc, commonly called Beauport Abbey, was a 13th-century Premonstratensian abbey in the region of Brittany known as the…

Fil22plm / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Chapelle de Kermaria-an-Isquit

A 13th-century chapel renowned for its rare 15th-century Danse Macabre fresco. The mural depicts 47 figures in a macabre procession, illustrating the medieval theme of the universality of death.

C

Embarcadère de l'Arcouest

The main ferry terminal providing year-round boat access to the Île-de-Bréhat. The site includes a slipway and large parking areas for visitors crossing the channel.

Бакст / Public domain

D

Manoir de Boisgelin

A 15th-century manor house and estate belonging to the noble Boisgelin family. The grounds now include a golf course and a historic castle structure.

E

Ancienne Église

Known as the Vieille Tour, this site consists of the ruins of Paimpol's former parish church. The 18th-century bell tower remains the most significant surviving architectural feature.

Le Floch Gérard / CC-BY-SA

F

Pointe de Guilben, Paimpol

A rocky peninsula providing views across the Bay of Paimpol and the Saint-Riom island. The point is characterized by its unique volcanic rock formations and coastal hiking trails.

Jessica F. / CC-BY-SA

G

Phare du Rosédo

An automated lighthouse on the northern coast of Île-de-Bréhat. Rebuilt in 1949, it stands 13 meters high and marks the entrance to the Trieux estuary.

H

Phare du Paon

Constructed from local pink granite, this lighthouse sits on the northern tip of Île-de-Bréhat. It overlooks a deep coastal chasm and was rebuilt after World War II.

I

Temple de Lanleff

An 11th-century Romanesque rotunda featuring two concentric circular walls. This rare architectural ruin is decorated with carved capitals and was inspired by the Holy Sepulchre.

J

Croix des Veuves

A historic granite cross situated on a cliff. It served as a landmark where the wives of Paimpol's fishermen watched for the return of schooners from Iceland.

K

Marché de Paimpol

A traditional Breton market held every Tuesday morning in the town center. It features local produce, regional seafood, and artisanal goods from across the Côtes-d'Armor.

Other Lists

Heritage of the Paimpol Region Historic Churches and Abbeys Coastal Gems of Brittany Traditional Mills