Paimpont: Abbey, Forges and Trails

Paimpont can be explored through several themes: the abbey, the forges, the Étang de l’Abbaye and seasonal activities. If you are looking for a hotel in Paimpont, you can consider your planned travel dates alongside the focus of your stay. Cultural history, nature and summer markets offer different highlights; some routes and events have specific time windows to bear in mind.

Abbey and forges: distinct historical themes

The La Porte des Secrets attraction is housed in the former outbuildings of Paimpont Abbey. This immersive scenographic attraction is devoted to the Brocéliande forest. It brings together a tangible connection to the former abbey grounds and a presentation of the forest theme. The programme and access arrangements may change; check the latest information before visiting.

The abbey has 17th-century woodwork. Its sacristy houses a 15th-century reliquary of Saint Judicaël. The abbey thus brings together historic details from different centuries, with the sacristy being the specific location of the reliquary.

Another way to explore the town’s history is to visit the Forges of Paimpont, considered an exceptional testament to two industrial revolutions. The part of the forge complex located in Paimpont includes most of the buildings, among them a ruined rolling mill and a village made up of several residential buildings. In 1857, the forges helped introduce rail transport to Brittany by manufacturing rails. The combination of buildings and rail production makes both the architectural and industrial aspects of the complex subjects in their own right.

Étang de l’Abbaye and trails

The Étang de l’Abbaye de Paimpont is an artificial pond covering about 50 hectares. It is fed mainly by streams from the adjacent forest. Birds found at the pond include kingfishers, grey herons and mallards. Nature enthusiasts can therefore explore several points of interest: the size of the body of water, its streams and the bird species.

A walking trail circles the pond from April 1 to September 30. The full loop takes about two and a half hours; bicycles are prohibited. Since information about seasonal access should be checked again before travelling, take this time window into account when planning.

Another walking route, the Circuit des Landes de Gurwan, starts in Paimpont and is 11 kilometres long. Seasonal access restrictions may also apply to this loop. For a different way to get around, the Circuit équestre de Paimpont Les Forges (No. 13) is a riding trail that also starts in Paimpont and is open year-round. Forest access and hunting conditions may affect its use on particular days. Your choice therefore depends on the type of activity, the season and any restrictions in place on the specific day.

Summer markets and travel dates

Brocéliande, Les Marchés Enchantés organises craft markets in Paimpont every summer, featuring more than fifty craftspeople. In July and August, Les Marchés Enchantés takes place on Fridays from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on the abbey esplanade. As this is a seasonal offering and dates may change, check the latest dates and times before travelling.

If you are planning a hotel stay in Paimpont, your travel dates are a useful starting point if you want to include the pond loop or the markets in your plans. Coordinate your visit with their respective seasonal schedules. If the abbey or the forges are your main focus, their distinct historical themes can help shape your choice of places to visit.

Discover more destinations: Beaucé, Le Theil-De-Bretagne, Saint-Pern, Lanhélin, Montreuil-sur-Ille, Gosné, Pacé, Vern-Sur-Seiche

Go to the overview of the wider area: Ille-Et-Vilaine.