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Paimpol seaside town of Goëlo

:: Cultures and Traditions

The Paimpol region is a place of festivity. Every other year sees the most important maritime event in Europe and America, the "Chant de Marin", where lovers of the sea gather, along with musicians from across the world, to celebrate the sea through three days of concerts shows and entertainment. Every three years in a two-day festival, Loguivy-de-la-Mer celebrates the world-famous coquille St Jacques. Each summer the "Le Pardon des Islandais" organises a parade where local people, clad in traditional Breton costume, walk through Paimpol in memory of those local sailors who drowned in Iceland.

::  History and heritage

The arrival of monks, privateers and the famous cod fishing epic in Iceland have enriched the history of the area, which is permanently anchored in different monuments such as chapels, castles, manor houses, religious buildings and museums.

 

:: Island of Bréhat

" The island flowers and pink cliffs " benefits from a sweet climate and offer so a Mediterranean flora and an unique fauna by its variety of birds.

 

:: Beauport Abbey

Situated 5 minutes from Paimpol Harbour. Beauport Abbey was founded by Count Alain Goelo during a period of intense spiritual revival in the 13th century and was classified as an ancient monument in 1862. Works on its resoration commenced in 1993. This beatifully preseved abbey is set in 40 hectacres between woodland and the sea. Its situation in a sheltered bay with views over the Island of Brehat, makes it a wonderful place to visit. The Abbey has played a major role from the middle ages onwards. It established itself as a major trading post, looked after pilgrims on their way to "Saint-Jacques de Compostelle" and established the harbour.

 

::  Food, trade and crafts
There is plenty of local produce to sample in the Goelo region - locally caught seafood such as coquilles St Jacques, lobster and oysters. Paimpol bay is the main oyster centre of the region. Also, not to be missed, the famous hazelnut flavoured "cocos paimpolais." Locally produced products are numerous including traditional Breton clothing and earthenware. Inspired by the rich and diverse landscape local artists have created many original works which can be purchased or viewed at one of the many local galleries.

 

:: Leisure, activities

The region boasts plenty of watersports and outdoor activities including, sailing, kayaking, golf, swimming and horse-riding, all guaranteed to offer you total distraction.

Creation date : 31/08/2006 - 14:47
Last update : 22/11/2007 - 18:27
Category : Paimpol
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