Quimper Getting there

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Visit Quimper

Strolling around the streets of old Quimper is such a delight! Half-timbered and corbelled houses lean into the alleys, with the spires of Saint-Corentin cathedral towering above. If you hop across the footbridges over the Odet, your walk will continue amidst greenery.

Getting there

Quimper - vue sur la cathédrale Saint Corentin

Quimper - Ty Kodak - Olier Mordrel - 1933

GETTING THERE

A capital of art, history and legends

Kemper (confluent) flourished at the crossroads of the Steir and the Odet rivers. King Gradlon, fleeing the town of Ys, which was engulfed by water, is said to have made it the capital of Cornouaille. The Romans developed the city’s trading vocation. In the 13th century, corporations set up at the foot of the cathedral, which was being built. Rich emissaries of the king of France confirmed the growth of the city and built mansion houses there. Since then, the city has grown nobly along its floral quays.

At the heart of the Middle Ages

It took three centuries to build Saint-Corentin cathedral. As a result, it is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic art. Two superbly restored spires rise up to 76 metres. You’ll have to go inside to see the stained-glass windows in all their glory.
Facing the apostles, cobbled streets take you to the Middle Ages. Corbelled houses line Rue Kereon (meaning shoemakers), creating a charming view of Saint-Corentin. One of the most beautiful houses is at the corner of Rue des Boucheries. The house at number 10, Rue du Sallé, features remarkable décor. In Rue du Guéodet, the curious Maison des Cariatides attracts attention. Place au Beurre and Rue Elie-Freron also compete in terms of beauty. Follow your intuition at every crossroads!

Quimper pottery

If you continue along the Odet river, you will reach the Locmaria district, the birthplace of earthenware. Quimper earthenware features naive and vivid touches. The bowls made the Breton couple in costume famous. Watch the different steps of production, in particular the delicate work of the “peinteuses” at HB-Henriot.

Welcome to the museums

The Fine Arts Museum is one of the richest in France. The walls of the Italian-style palace exhibit the works of Boudin, from the Pont-Aven School, Tal-Coat, Max Jacob, and others. In what was once a bishops’ palace, the Musée Breton offers a pleasant introduction to regional heritage.

It took three centuries to build the cathedral.

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Festival Le Cornouaille

Dedicated to the sheer richness and diversity of Breton culture, the Festival de Cornouaille is a cultural cornucopia, and even though it is now nearly ninety years old, this...

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Who will be at the parade?

On the fourth Sunday in July, the great parade of the Festival de Cornouaille sees thousands of Breton dancers and musicians parade through the heart of Quimper.

What shouldn’t you miss?

Saint-Corentin cathedral, a Gothic cathedral from the 12th, 15th and 19th centuries
Locmaria church, a Romanesque church, priory from the 17th and 18th centuries, 17th-century cloister and fragments of a Romanesque cloister
The 17th-century Jesuit church
Lanniron castle and gardens from the 17th and 19th centuries, a listed Historic Monument, formal French gardens
The Breton museum in the former Bishops’ Palace and the Fine Arts Museum
The historic centre and its three ancient hearts: the Bishop’s city and its cobbled streets, where the names recall ancient professions: Rue Kéréon (shoemakers), Rue des Boucheries (butchers), Place au Beurre (butter), etc.; the city of the Dukes of Brittany with its half-timbered houses on Place Terre au Duc and Rue Saint Matthieu; Locmaria, the early part of the city
Quimper has had the “Towns and Villages in Bloom” label since 2003, highlighting the quality of its green spaces and wonderful gardens: Jardin de la Retraite, Jardin de Locmaria, Jardin du Théatre Max Jacob

Guided tours

Guided tour for individuals
Interpretation circuit
Special tour for children
Little land train
Guided tour for groups
Podcast
Mobile app

Information & bookings

Quimper Cornouaille Tourist Office

HOW TO GET THERE / GET AROUND

Getting to Quimper

Scheduled flights connect Orly-Quimper several times a day and during the weekend. The high-speed train line has reduced the journey time by train to Quimper to 3 hours 30 from Paris-Montparnasse station, with 11 trains running per day. The long-distance bus lines, Isilines, Eurolines, Flixbus and Ouibus, also travel to Quimper from the main cities.

Getting around in Quimper and its region

Exploring Quimper by foot is a very lovely experience. But you can also use the bus with the Qub network, or travel throughout Finistère with the Penn-ar-Bed coach network.