Ploubazlanec: Hotels and Maritime Heritage

Ploubazlanec is best explored through its maritime history: towers, memorials, chapels and collections offer different perspectives on life connected with fishing. The Réserve Paule Lapicque also provides a distinct way to experience nature along the coast. When choosing where to stay, you can weigh up cultural history, landscapes and opportunities to enjoy nature.

Maritime History and Remembrance

The Tour de Kerroc’h dates from 1873 and overlooks the Bay of Paimpol. The Mur des Disparus offers a different perspective: this memorial commemorates around 120 schooners and 2,000 sailors who disappeared during cod-fishing trips. Together, the two sites draw attention to both the coastal landscape and the people and ships whose history is connected with fishing.

The Musée Mémoire d’Islande displays photographs, models, tools, letters, objects and sculptures related to cod fishing. Most of its collections date from the 19th century. The range of items offers various points of entry into the history of fishing: alongside images and models are tools, written documents and objects that explore different aspects of the subject.

The Croix des Veuves also tells of the connection between fishing and everyday life on the coast. It served as a lookout point for fishermen’s wives, who watched for returning schooners. Its name points to a perspective focused not on ships and fishing trips, but on the people on shore.

Chapels, Exhibitions and Culture

The Chapelle de Perros-Hamon was built at the end of the 12th century. Ex-votos from the period of Iceland fishing are kept in its side portal. Local volunteers open the chapel to the public throughout the summer. Its architectural history, religious testimonies and maritime heritage come together in one place; the summer opening period is the key time to visit.

The Chapelle Zant-Ivy dates from the 18th century. Each year, it welcomes artists from different fields, including visual artists, sculptors, painters and photographers. At the port of Loguivy-de-la-Mer, the BZH PHOTO festival presents an outdoor exhibition every summer. The specific programmes for both offerings may vary. If you want to plan your trip around an exhibition, check the event dates.

Milmarin is located in the former presbytery of Ploubazlanec. Its exhibitions are interactive, engaging and accessible to everyone. Milmarin also offers activities, events and get-togethers throughout the year; individual programme items may change. Comparing these with the summer-only openings and exhibitions can help with planning: Milmarin’s activities are not limited to the summer season.

Nature at the Baie de Launay

The Réserve Paule Lapicque is a protected natural area open to the public, with eleven hectares of natural habitats on the shore of the Baie de Launay. Three marked trails let visitors explore these habitats. Here, the focus is on natural areas themselves rather than historical collections. If you want to give greater weight to landscapes and natural habitats when choosing where to stay, this offers a different perspective from the maritime memorials and chapels.

The reserve organises public nature events, workshops and nature walks. As the programme may vary, it is worth checking for specific event dates before travelling. For another maritime perspective, the Loguivy Kayak de Mer Association (LKM) is dedicated year-round to independent recreational sea kayaking, with respect for the marine environment.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Maden, Caulnes, Le Vieux-Marché, Maël-Pestivien, Saint-Quay-Portrieux, Plorec-Sur-Arguenon, Kergrist-Moëlou, Pléhérel-Plage.

For the broader travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.