Quimper

Visit Quimper, Brittany

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.

Although the history of Quimper dates back to roman times, it was in medieval times that the town became an important regional centre, and the growth of pottery making that helped the town became wealthy from the 17th century onwards. This long tradition of pottery making can be seen with 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!)

Explore Quimper

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 medieval houses is Rue Kéréon (straight down from the front of the cathedral) and on the Place Terre au Duc (take the Rue de la Herse off Rue Kéréon), with others also to be found in the streets in the historic centre around the cathedral.

The Cathedral of Saint-Corentin is in the gothic style and dates from the 13th - 16th centuries. It is both the oldest and the largest building of its type in Brittany. The facade and the stained glass windows are among partiicular highlights. Note that the stained glass windows and the two spires that dominate the front of the cathedral were only added in the 19th century when substantial renovations were carried out.

There are 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.

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.

Attractions nearby

To discover more local pottery follow the Odet downstream a little way to Locmaria. The church in Locmaria, built in roman style in the 12th century, is the oldest church in the Quimper region. Then if you have time it is worth following the footpath up Mont Frugy for a birds eye view of the town.

Also nearby don't miss the beautiful village at Locronan to the south-east of Quimper.

See Brittany and Finistere (the region and department for Quimper) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Quimper: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*; Listed town of Art and History;

Suggested places to visit near Quimper, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Pont-Croix 29km; Ile Glenan 32km; Audierne 33km; Le Faou 34km; Armorique Regional Park 37km; Morgat 39km; Crozon 40km; Quimperle 43km; Ile-de-Sein 48km; Camaret 48km;

Quimper tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin du prieuré de Locmaria - remarkable garden (0km) : Jardin du château de Lanniron - remarkable garden (0km) : Parc botanique de Cornouaille - remarkable garden (13km) : Marais de Mousterlin - site of natural beauty (17km) : Menez-Hom - site of natural beauty (27km) : Parc du château de Trévarez - remarkable garden (28km) : Archipel des Glénan - site of natural beauty (32km) : Baie de Douarnenez - site of natural beauty (48km) :

See more places and a map at places near Quimper