Though busy with visitors in summer, Paimpol is an old favourite by virtue of its characteristic Breton architecture and picturesque harbour area. Despite the tidal constraints it’s well worth the effort of getting there.

Approaching from the south-east, identify the square white L’Ost Pic lighthouse and leave it fairly close to port to avoid the rocks further offshore. From there you can probably head straight for La Jument, a faded black and red concrete pillar, on a course of about 300º. Alternatively detour round the shallow area leaving the red buoys Rc Gouayan and Rc Gueule to port.

From La Jument in good visibility you will see three different towns or villages. Paimpol is the middle one, furthest away, on a course of about 262º. Proceed on this heading and pick up the buoyed channel which will eventually lead you to the lock, concealed around a corner. Your timing will be governed by the lock access window which is HW±2 1/2 at springs and about HW±2 at neaps. Forecast times are given more precisely on the marina website.

From the north-east, matters are simpler provided you guard against being carried too far north. Identify the east cardinal tower Les Charpentiers and give it a decent berth (it means The Shipwrights); then proceed in to La Jument leaving Rc Gueule to port. Other channels exist from the Ile de Bréhat and the Pontrieux river, but for these you should refer to other authorities as we haven’t explored them.

Once at the lock, wait for the green light and when you emerge head for the Port de Plaisance in Bassin No.2 to your right. In season you will probably be met by a man in a dinghy, otherwise berth on ‘A’ pontoon closest to the capitainerie and shower block. The berths are uncomfortably close together so check the wind and be prepared to manoeuvre into some tight spaces.

Having congratulated yourself on getting there, you are free to admire the antique craft in Bassin no.1 and explore the pretty stone streets inland. Nearest boulangerie is on the Quay Duguay-Trouin, mini-market in rue St Vincent close by, various craft shops a little further into the town and the excellent De la Marne restaurant (30 rue de la Marne, T +33 (0)2 96 20 82 16) ten minutes walk by way of the station. Other restaurants include La Vieille Tour (13 rue de l’Eglise, T +33 (0)2 96 20 83 18) in a 16th century inn and La Cotriade near the harbour (16 quai Armand Dayot, T +33 (0)2 96 20 81 08).

2008 Yachtpilot