Quimper

Capital of French Cornwall, La Cornouaille

Quimper, the capital of the area known as French Cornwall, is an ancient city that has earned the label, 'Town of Art and History' . It is said to have three hearts:

• The primitive site of Locmaria with its 18th century church, ancient priory and adorable medieval waterside garden;
• The town of the bishops, where you'll find the magnificent Saint-Corentin cathedral, a gem of Breton Gothic art, flanked by the former Bishop's Palace and its garden edged by stone ramparts;
• The town of the Breton Dukes, with its beautiful timbered houses, alleyways and Saint-Mathieu Church known for its remarkble stained glass.

Winner of a floral award since 2003, Quimper is as attractive as it is interesting. Two rivers cross the town centre, one of which - the Odet - is considered one of France's most beautiful rivers. Take a stroll along the riverside and you'll pass countless little bridges covered in colourful floral displays.

Here you'll also discover the Max Jacob Theatre and its gardens, the rue Sainte-Catherine, the lively market halls, the towpath and the former château and grounds of Lanniron. 

Quimper has four permanent museums: Musée des Beaux-Arts (the fine arts museum), le Musée Départemental Breton (for Brittany's heritage), le Centre d'Art Contemporain (contemporary and modern art), and the Musée de la Faïence (housing traditional hand-painted pottery ware). The Faïence producer, HB Henriot, and the Musée de l'Alambic can also be visited by the public. The Tourist Office offers various guided tours and visits in keeping with the 'Town of Art and History' label, helping you to learn more about the city's secret history. All year round, you will also find various events and shows on offer, either at the two theatres (Cornouaille et Max Jacob) or simply in the public venues in and around the city.

Commercial capital of south Finistère, a number of important businesses have their headquarters and offices here. Quimper includes more than 300 000 residents, and its heritage is clear even from the many evocative place names:  place au Beurre, rue du Sallé, rue des Boucheries, rue Kéréon (cobblers). Even today, there are many biscuit producers, chocolate shops, crêperies and sweet shops producing local specialities.

Ideal for a day's shopping, Quimper has factory outlets, shopping centres, market halls, outdoor markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays plus smaller outdoor markets in various parts of Quimper throughout the week - including an organic market on Friday afternoons.

Every year, there's the Taol Balenn, a huge bric à brac Braderie that takes place on the first Thursday in August. You'll also many markets, car boot sales and flea markets throughout the year, should you fancy hunting down a bargain.

Events in Quimper

Quimper is host to ten or more festivals every year, a national stage, various sports and cultural activities and so many additional events that you're sure to find something to suit you.

For details of the latest events and activities, ask at a local tourist office, or take a look on line: www.quimper-tourisme.com