Hikes in Paimpol

Today’s hike begins at the Abbaye de Beauport, founded in 1202. It is one of the most significant examples of Breton church architecture. From there, the route leads inland and past lakes. We’ll hike along little-used sunken paths. The final section of the trail follows a beautifully landscaped path along the cliffs and offers occasional panoramic views of Paimpol Bay.> From the visitor parking lot, we take the main trail toward Abbaye de Beauport01 (13 m), passing the church ruins on the right and the large artificial shell on the right, until we reach the road. We have no choice but to walk these 100 m before turning right at the next opportunity—at the green chain-link fence. We hike along a faintly marked path next to a fence. Below, through the underbrush, you can make out a pond. We have to go around fallen trees. The trail veers right away from the stream flowing below, and an ascent follows. The trail joins a wider path, on which we continue slightly to the left until we reach a small reservoir. Beyond the dam crest, we turn right onto the road and, at the next opportunity—marked by a cross—turn left. At the end of the road, we continue for a few meters along the path that leads on, then turn left onto another path. A beautiful sunken path02 (39 m) follows. After a short descent, we pass a pond located below on the left. In a hollow, we cross a stream, heading slightly to the left. We leave the forest and walk along a farm road beside a field. At the next intersection, we continue straight ahead, past a small pine forest, and then turn slightly left onto the road. This road leads through a residential area to the main road. We cross it, walk to the end of the road, and turn right there. We follow the road through a 180° hairpin turn and, at the next fork, take the path slightly to the left toward Boulgueff. We reach the small cove with a boat ramp and Plage Boulgueff03 (5 m). The coastal trail continues from the northwestern edge of the parking lot. The forest only offers glimpses of the sea in a few places, until—after climbing and descending a flight of stairs over a rocky outcrop—we are rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view of Paimpol Bay. The trail leads to a road, where we turn right and head downhill, reaching Pointe de Kerarzic04 (13 m). There, on the right side of the road, is the Ferme Marine Paimpolaise, where you can buy oysters and other seafood directly from the fishermen. At low tide, the sea reveals a beautiful stretch of beach. The path continues across from the main entrance to the oyster farm. If you look along the cliffs, you can already see the ruins of the monastery at the end of them. At the next fork, we turn right toward the sea instead of going straight. After walking a short distance parallel to a field, we turn right and head down to the marsh meadows05 (7 m). We walk along the embankment that follows until we reach a fork in the path marked by a small oak tree; to the left and above, you can already see the monastery.

En passant par l'abbaye de Beauport, la pointe de Kerarzic et la pointe de Guilben.