Quimper: Holiday apartments and holiday homes

Quimper can be discovered through its history, craftsmanship and routes through the city. The permanent exhibition at the Musée départemental breton comprises more than 65,000 objects and presents the history and culture of Lower Brittany from prehistoric times to the present day.

Culture and history

The Musée départemental breton was founded in 1846 and is housed in the former bishop's palace of Quimper. Quimper's Gothic Saint-Corentin Cathedral was commissioned in 1239 on the foundations of an earlier Romanesque cathedral; the vaults of its choir were completed in 1410.

Locmaria also preserves early evidence of the city's history: the Notre-Dame de Locmaria abbey church is an outstanding example of the beginnings of Romanesque art in Brittany. The Abbey of Locmaria is also the oldest Christian institution in the city of Quimper.

Ceramic heritage

The Musée de la Faïence de Quimper presents more than 300 years of ceramic tradition dating back to 1690. The Faïencerie Henriot-Quimper was founded in 1690 and bears the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” label. At Henriot-Quimper, the pieces are made entirely by hand, from design through to freehand decoration. From April to September, the faïencerie offers guided tours of its workshops.

Walking routes and activities

The “Quimper, les vieux quartiers” route is 5 km long and marked in the historic centre by bronze markers set into the ground. The “Quimper, au fil de l’eau” circular route is 4.8 km long, easy and suitable for families; it starts at Place de la Résistance. The Jardin du Prieuré de Locmaria has been awarded the “Jardin remarquable” designation.

On the Odet, the Club de Canoë-Kayak de Quimper Cornouaille offers excursions. Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding are also among the activities available in Quimper. The club has an École Française de Kayak and offers courses as well as kayak hire.

Markets, food and tradition

Les Halles Saint François is the only covered market in Quimper. It has stalls selling regional and local products, as well as various options for eating on site or taking food away.

Cornouaille Gourmand offers the public playful and educational areas, public events and tastings that highlight the importance of the Cornouaille food industry to good food. The Festival de Cornouaille has been rooted in the historic centre of Quimper since 1923 and offers the opportunity to learn traditional Breton dances.

Discover Quimper

The Maison du Patrimoine offers three official geolocated routes, with explanations activated near the respective sights. The Quimper Tourist Office provides several free, downloadable brochures to help prepare for a stay. The free activity booklet “Découvre Quimper avec Maout” helps children aged six and over discover Quimper.

More local pages: Confort-Meilars, Brennilis, Le Relecq-Kerhuon, Ploudaniel, Saint-Urbain, Trégana, Nevez, Porspoder

To the overarching travel overview: Finistere.