Paimpol is a fairly recent coastal town located at the bottom of a large bay. Its name is derived from the Breton "Penn Poul" meaning "The head of the marsh" because it was formely part of a peninsula. Paimpol was made famous by Pierre Loti's 1886 novel "Pêcheurs d'Islande" and by Théodore Botrel's song "La Paimpolaise". The Latin Quarter is a web of alleys that lead to the harbour. In the 19th century, it was a busy area wher Icelanders would meet to describe their dangerous campaigns to the locals. Place du Martray. In the heart of the town, this square has retained elegant 16th century residences. Pierre Loti would walk through the house with the turret at the corner of "rue de l'Eglise". This is the place he choosed for Gaud's house, the main character of his novel. Rue des Huit Patriotes. When walking down this street, one can see « La Maison Jézéquel » on the right. This building dates back to the 15th century and is evidently one of the most interesting buildings in the town centre. It is classed as ahistoric building. Slightly further down the street, another house with a 1763 epigraph has a very beautiful front (Niche and statue). La Vieille Tour and Square Botrel. La Vieille Tour remains from the old parish church that was erected in 1550. In front of "La Vieille Tour" in the public gardens, you will find the monument that was erected in memory of Théodore Botrel (1868-1925), author of the well-known song "La Paimpolaise". Rue de l'Oise - Place Gambetta. At the far end of the square you will find the fish market with Napoleon III front. Today, it houses the vegetable market on Tuesday mornings. Rue Saint-Vincent and the Saint-Vincent Chapel. Saint-Vincent Férier preached in Paimpol at the beginning of the 13th century. Opposite the chapel, there is a chemist's shop that has kept its wooden front with mouldings and engraved glass plates that are gilded with fine gold.

Information center : Office Intercommunal de Tourisme Paimpol-Goëlo - 19 rue du Général Leclerc- BP 234 22500 PAIMPOL - @: tourisme@paimpol-goelo.com - Tel. : 33.2 96 20 83 16 - Fax : 33.2 96 55 11 12