Quimper
Quimper is located in south-west Brittany and is a popular, attractive town. It is the capital of the Finistere department. The town is in an attractive setting, in a pretty valley at the confluence of the Odet and Steir rivers.
The town has a long tradition of pottery making, and you will see lots of 'Quimper faience pottery' for sale with its trademark pattern as you explore the streets. (We found a lovely plate, but the shop said it was 300 years old and cost £750. We didn't buy it!) the town has made pottery since the 17th century.
The cobbled streets in the old town along the River Odet are the highlight of a visit, lined with medieval half-timbered buildings, and with little bridges crossing the river, along with the impressive Saint-Corentin cathedral to the east of old Quimper. The best street to see these houses is Rue Kéréon (straight down from the front of the cathedral), also the Place Terre au Duc (take the Rue de la Herse off Rue Kéréon).
There are also lots of pleasant small restaurants and creperies in the old town, which is largely closed to cars, where you can take a welcome pause from exploring.
You can also see parts of the original fortifications / ramparts of Quimper.
The cathedral dates from the 13th - 16th centuries and is both the oldest and the largest building of its type in Brittany. The facade and the stained glass windows are the two things to look out for especially.
Quimper Museum of Fine Arts (Musee des Beaux Arts) has some interesting paintings by local artists (including those from the so-called Pont-Aven school of painting); and the Museum of Breton History also has some interesting exhibits about the history of the town and region.
There is a covered market in the centre of Quimper which is lively and popular, and open every day except Sunday.
To discover more local pottery follow the Odet downstream a little way to Locmaria. Then if you have time it is worth following the footpath up Mont Frugy for a birds eye view of the town
Nearby: don't miss the beautiful village at Locronan, south-east of Quimper.
Visit Quimper (Brittany, Finistere) travel, gites and hotels
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The Quimper hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Quimper is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Brittany gites for Quimper holiday rentals - Holiday villages in Brittany Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: Quimper Car HireVisit Quimper Car Hire for cheap car hire optons and available car collection points VisitSee Visit Quimper for places to visit near Quimper including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Quimper in our Brittany forum Quimper property for saleSee Brittany property for sale
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Tourist Classifications for Quimper
- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)
Places to visit near Quimper, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Quimper.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
14 km: Benodet (Seaside resort) 25 km: Concarneau (Concarneau, old town and port) 28 km: Douarnenez (town) 16 km: Locronan (Most beautiful village)
See also Quimper (version Francais)
