An amazing experience for musicians and traditional music lovers, artists and photographers but you need to be a keen enough sailor to enjoy two Channel crossings, there and back, plus sailing from the corner of the North Coast to Paimpol. Voyage length depends on each vessel going but typically those offering a round trip do it in 9-10 days, so there should be time for a little bit of coastal exploring in Brittany or the Channel Isles either before the Festival or on the way back. Once you are in Paimpol Festival for a few days It is an amazing festival atmosphere, and music happens everywhere.
Once you are in Paimpol Festival for a few days, there is no scope for day sailing. It is an amazing festival atmosphere, and music happens everywhere. Being crew you can escape the bustle ashore by returning to your own vessel or going for a walk in the surrounding countryside. On big wooden ships, being below decks is reasonably sound-insulated if you need a rest from partying. This is not a good voyage if you don’t like traditional music, world music, and chilling out on wooden boats.
Paimpol Chant Du Marin Festival is one of our favourite summer festivals and a great excuse to sail around the Isle de Brehat and into the Gulf of St Malo. The British call it Paimpol Shanty Festival but it is much more than just sea shanties or fiddle music.
Think Glastonbury Festival with Boats. The musical roots of many countries from Brazil to Lithuania, Russia to Ireland come together for an incredible mix of nautical culture, wooden boats, music and dance. Regular guest crew who have been to the festival before, skippers and all lovers of traditional music and street theatre eagerly await the voyages that feature this 2 yearly festival.
Do I need to be a sailor to enjoy Paimpol Festival voyages? You need to be keen enough to enjoy two Channel crossings plus sailing from the North Coast to Paimpol, but no previous experience is required. Professional crews handle the passages while teaching you the basics. However, you must genuinely enjoy traditional music, world music, and the festival atmosphere. If you don’t like shanties, folk music, or festivals, this voyage isn’t suitable as music is everywhere.
When does Paimpol Festival happen? Paimpol Chant de Marin Festival occurs every odd-numbered year (2025, 2027, 2029, etc.) during the summer months. The biennial festival attracts traditional music lovers, sailors, and wooden boat enthusiasts from around the world. Voyages typically last 9-10 days including passage time and several days at the festival itself, allowing time for coastal exploration in Brittany or the Channel Islands either side of the event.
What’s the festival experience like? Think Glastonbury Festival but for sailors and traditional music lovers. Musical roots from Brazil to Lithuania, Russia to Ireland converge for an incredible mix of nautical culture, wooden boats, music, and dance. Music happens everywhere throughout the day and evening. Being crew means you can escape the bustle by returning to your vessel or exploring the countryside. Below decks on wooden ships provides reasonable sound insulation if you need rest.
What sailing is involved getting to Paimpol? Voyages include two Channel crossings (there and back) plus sailing from Cornwall to Paimpol along Brittany’s stunning Granite Rose Coast. This provides excellent sailing opportunities around the Isle de Bréhat and into the Gulf of St Malo. Round trips typically take 9-10 days total, allowing time for coastal exploring either before the festival or on the return journey, depending on weather and winds.Who should join a Paimpol Festival voyage? This voyage suits musicians, traditional music lovers, artists, photographers, and anyone who enjoys wooden boats and festival atmosphere combined with genuine sailing adventure. Regular guests eagerly await these biennial voyages. You should be comfortable with two Channel crossings and active participation in sailing. It’s not suitable if you dislike traditional music, crowds, or prefer quiet anchorages over festival energy.