Paimpol, city of crafts

The port and the bay of Paimpol - simply breathtaking !

Wander with the rhythm of the tides to explore the rich heritage of this port town

Paimpol, the ‘Icelanders’ town

The bay of Paimpol forms part of the bay of St Brieuc which has a tidal range of over 12 metres, one of the largest in Europe and 5th in the world !

The bay is the perfect place to learn the basics or to improve your sailing skills. The town of Paimpol bears witness to its maritime past as immortalised in Pierre Loti’s novel An Iceland Fisherman, and in addition to the famous Sea Shanty Festival, offers the visitor a wealth of opportunities to explore places steeped in memory and emotion.

To find out more about the vast, little-understood world of the Merchant Navy, visit Milmarin at Ploubazlanec.

Packed with architecture from centuries past, the charming town centre with its pretty streets and impressive former residences of corsairs and ship-owners is today home to galleries and well-known artists !

Check out guided visits of Paimpol!

Paimpol, the ‘Icelanders’ town

With our local guide, dive deep into the history of the great Iceland fishing campaigns that are indelibly linked to the town of Paimpol.

Paimpol, a town of artists

Follow the art trail to explore the work of the local artists and craftspeople who have made Paimpol famous, with the ‘Ville et Métiers d’Art’ label:  supported by the Office de Tourisme, painters, sculptors, ceramicists, glass-blowers and creators of objets d’art are waiting to welcome you.

Jeu de piste à Paimpol © Armelle Lambert

Make a game of your visit to Paimpol

 Budding seafarer Yann is getting ready to go cod fishing in Iceland but he’s lost his cat.  He can’t leave without his travelling companion who’s needed on board ship to catch the mice and rats that devour the provisions and gnaw through the ropes.  Quick!  Help Yann find him!  Through a series of questions and mini-games, discover the seafaring history of the Icelanders’ town, its monuments and the life of its inhabitants in days gone by...

  • For ages 7 - 12
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Pick up your quiz booklet at Paimpol Tourist Office

What to do in Paimpol