LAND OF SAILORS
Visit Paimpol and Bréhat Island
From Flower Camping des Vallées, your campground in the Côtes-d’Armor, head northwest to explore Paimpol and the island of Bréhat, about a 45-minute drive away.
Paimpol, a “City of Character” designated as a “City of Arts and Crafts,” lives to the rhythm of its port and its maritime traditions. It is also the departure point forthe island of Bréhat, nicknamed the “Island of Flowers and Pink Rocks,” which is a 10-minute speedboat ride from Pointe de l’Arcouest.
Exploring Paimpol and the island of Bréhat means treating yourself to the very essence of Brittany in a single day: maritime heritage, an abbey overlooking the sea, a car-free archipelago, and postcard-perfect landscapes. Don’t miss the famous Festival des Chants de Marins, held every two years, or the Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques in April.
From our campground, you can also explore Saint-Quay-Portrieux, the Pink Granite Coast, Plérin, Pointe du Roselier, and Cap Fréhel.
GARDENS & SPRAY
The Crossing!
A Day Trip to Paimpol
Great days ahead for your children. Start at the port of Paimpol, the beating heart of the town. Lively docks, fishing boats unloading their catch of the day, outdoor cafes overlooking the sea: the atmosphere is authentically Breton.
The Tuesday morning market on Place de la République is a must-visit for sampling local products—oysters from the bay, scallops, cider, and Paimpol beans (AOC white beans, a source of local pride).
Paimpol bears the marks of a rich maritime past. In the 19th century, the town was the leading port for the deep-sea fishing fleet bound for Iceland: the Newfoundland schooners set sail each year for the cold seas. Stroll through the narrow streets of the town center, admire the shipowners’ houses, and explore the cobblestone alleys leading down to the harbor.
A 35-minute walk from downtown (or by car),Beauport Abbey is the jewel of Paimpol. Founded in 1202 by the Premonstratensian Order and designated a historic monument, this seaside abbey is nestled in the heart of a 100-hectare estate owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral.
Discover its green cloister, its open-air church where hydrangeas and heirloom roses bloom, its rooms with ribbed vaults, and the breathtaking view of the sea and neighboring islands from the refectory’s windows. The GR34 trail passes through the estate: combine a coastal hike with a heritage tour!
To plan your visit, check out the Guingamp – Baie de Paimpol Tourist Office website.
THE ISLAND OF FLOWERS
The Wonder
A Stopover on the Island of Bréhat
You can’t visit Paimpol without taking a boat toBréhat Island. From Pointe de l’Arcouest, the crossing takes just 10 minutes, and boats depart every 30 minutes during the season. You can also opt for a complete tour of the archipelago by speedboat (about 1 hour) to admire the 96 islets and rocks that make up this unique setting.
Bréhat is actually two islands connected by the Vauban Bridge:
- The southern island, with its gentle, flower-filled landscape, truly lives up to its nickname, “Island of Flowers.” Thanks to an exceptional microclimate, agapanthus, hydrangeas, camellias, mimosas, eucalyptus, and even palm trees flourish in abundance. Around the village, its granite houses, lively square, and restaurants invite you to enjoy a gourmet break. Don’t miss the Bréhat glassworks located in the old citadel: artisans blow glass right before your eyes.
- The northern island, which is radically different, offers a wild and rugged landscape. Heather-covered moors, low stone walls, jagged coastlines, and immense pink granite boulders: it feels just like Ireland. The Paon Lighthouse, at the northern tip, stands facing the waves against a magnificent backdrop. Along the way, climb up to the Saint-Michel Chapel (the highest point at 33 meters) for a 360° panoramic view of the archipelago, and stop at the Birlot tide mill (17th century), a designated Historic Monument.
Cars are not allowed on the island: you can only explore it on foot (allow 4 hours for the full loop, 13 km) or by bike (Rental available in Port-Clos). In the summer, visitor numbers are capped at 4,700 per day: be sure to book your ferry crossing in advance. For more information, visit Tourisme Bretagne – Bréhat and the Côtes-d’Armor Destination portal.
Exploring Paimpol and Bréhat Island from our campground is one of the most beautiful excursions you’ll experience during your vacation in Brittany, in the Côtes-d’Armor region and the Bay of Saint-Brieux. Be sure to check out our pages on Erquy and its cape, as well as the activities available near the campground.
Discover
The Surrounding Area