Visiting Quimper - top must-see and secret places
Quimper, a town with a rich artistic and historical heritage, is nestled in the heart of the city. in the heart of Brittanywhere the Odet, Steïr and Jet rivers meet. The city is famous for its Saint-Corentin cathedral, the bishops' palace, its traditional half-timbered houses, as well as its renowned earthenware factories and captivating museums. Beyond its heritage, Quimper stands out for its dynamism and delicacy; shopping streets, crêperies, cultural events and green spaces such as the Jardin de la Retraite and the Parc de Creac'h Gwen invite you to discover and relax.
To explore Quimper is to immerse yourself in a world where Breton charm and character combine harmoniously with an openness to the world. It's a chance to meet friendly locals, eager to share their culture and stories. We'll guide you through a panorama of the essential sites and hidden treasures of Quimper and the surrounding area.
Follow the guide!
Quimper's must-sees
Quimper, a city rich in history and culture, offers a range of must-see sites of interest. Discover our selection for a memorable visit.
Saint-Corentin Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art
Emblematic of Quimper, Saint-Corentin Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Gothic art in Brittany. It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, with the addition of spires completed in the 19th century.
Dedicated to Saint Corentin, the town's first bishop, a statue of him stands on the west portal. Inside, visitors can admire stained glass windows, chapels, high altar, rood screen and the tombs of the Dukes of Brittany. The cathedral's unique architectural feature is its slightly curved choir, which follows the contours of the land and bypasses an earlier chapel.
Old Quimper: a journey through time
The historic heart of Quimper, with its cobbled streets, traditional half-timbered houses, lively squares and emblematic buildings, is an inviting place to explore. Around the cathedral, explore the district that houses the bishops' palace, the former town hall, the Musée Départemental Breton and the Maison des Cariatides. Don't miss the Place au Beurre district, renowned for its crêperies, not forgetting the fountain in Place Saint-Corentin.
The Pont Médard will take you from the Episcopal city to the Ducal city, where you'll find the Halles Saint-François and the tourist office.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts: a rich and varied collection
Opposite the cathedral, the 19th-century town house that houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts boasts a major collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings and engravings, from the 14th century to the present day.
Works by Italian, Flemish and Dutch masters, as well as numerous 19th-century French artists, are on display. The museum also features a Breton regional collection, with works by Gauguin, Sérusier, Maufra and Moret, among others.
The Locmaria district: cradle of Quimper's earthenware industry
Locmaria, Quimper's oldest district, corresponds to the town's original Gallo-Roman site. Located south of the town center, on the banks of the Odet river, it is dominated by Notre-Dame church, a 12th-century marvel of Breton Romanesque art.
The area is also renowned for the development of Quimper's earthenware industry from the 18th century onwards. The Musée de la Faïence offers an insight into the history and techniques of this art form, while the HB Henriot earthenware factory allows visitors to witness the creation of the famous hand-decorated pieces.
Quimper's well-kept secrets
Discover Quimper in a new light, far from the usual tourist circuits. We invite you to explore its unusual and charming nooks and crannies, often overlooked by traditional guidebooks.
A walk along the Odet: discovering hidden corners
The Odet, the emblematic river that flows through Quimper, offers much more than simple strolls along its banks. Why not take the towpath from the Port du Corniguel and let yourself be guided along the left bank to the captivating Stangala gorges?
This walk will allow you to appreciate untouched nature, admire castles and manor houses lining the water, while enjoying a moment of peace and freshness. Choose your mode of discovery: on foot, by bike, or for the more adventurous, by canoe or kayak.
The secret passage of the sword: a gateway to history
Passage de l'Épée, a discreet link between Rue du Parc and Rue du Frout, takes its name from the historic 16th-century Café de l'Épée. A former carriageway, this alleyway has seen the passing of historical and literary figures such as Clémenceau, Flaubert and De Gaulle.
Today, the passageway is home to local craft stores and art galleries, while retaining its historic charm.
Le jardin de la Retraite: a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city
The Jardin de la Retraite is more than just a green space; it's a collection of three interconnected themed gardens, nestled behind the ramparts of the ancient walled city. Once belonging to the canons of the cathedral, this site invites visitors to discover exceptional plant collections.
Immerse yourself in the world of the subtropical garden, explore the palm grove and wander through the dry garden for a complete immersion in exotic ecosystems, in the heart of Quimper.
The former Chapelle de la Providence: a little-known treasure
The former Chapelle de la Providence, which has followed a rich history from its conventual origins to its current role as an events venue, stands as a testimony to the past in the middle of the Parc de la Providence. Its stained glass windows, choir and vault still speak of its religious past.
Enjoy a magnificent view of the park's greenery, a haven of peace in the heart of Quimper.
Around Quimper: not to be missed
Visiting Quimper, with its unique charm, is the perfect starting point for explore Finistère and its treasures. Here's a guide to the must-see places nearby, which reveal the beauty of Brittany's landscapes and rich heritage.
Locronan, one of France's most beautiful villages
Locronanrenowned for its traditional granite houses, picturesque central square and Gothic church, is one of France's most beautiful villages. This status honors the village's character and historical importance.
The village takes its name from Saint Ronan, a 6th-century Irish monk, and prospered thanks to its production of sailcloth, prized by the royal navy and merchants. Discover its past through the Musée de la Faïence, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, or by taking part in the Troménie, a unique religious procession celebrated every six years.
La Pointe du Raz: wild landscapes and breathtaking ocean views
The Pointe du Raz, a spectacular rocky promontory, offers breathtaking views of the Raz de Sein, known for its perilous sea conditions. Admire the iconic lighthouses of La Vieille and Tévennec and explore this powerful natural environment, where dolphins and seabirds sometimes make an appearance. A cruise to the Isle of Sein will add a touch of authenticity to your adventure.
The Stangala gorges: a hike between land and water
North-east of Quimper, the Stangala gorges offer an exceptional landscape shaped by the Odet river. A hike along this river plunges you into a world of tranquillity, where nature blends with history through the castles and manor houses that line its course.
The little port of Sainte-Marine: a haven of peace
Opposite Bénodet, on the right bank of the Odet, the port of Sainte-Marine combines traditional fishing and yachting in a charming, authentic setting. Discover its chapel, the Abri du Marin and its museums, or let yourself be seduced by the terraces of its cafés and restaurants. Don't miss the coastal path leading to the Pointe de Combrit, offering magnificent views of the Sainte-Marine lighthouse and the ocean.
Visiting Quimper - Conclusion
Quimper, a city rich in discovery and emotion, is open to all visitors. Whether you're an art lover, history buff, nature enthusiast or gourmet, Quimper invites you to explore its remarkable heritage. Stroll through the narrow streets of old Quimper, admire the majestic Saint-Corentin cathedral, and explore its museums and emblematic faience factories.
The town also hides little-known treasures ready to be discovered, such as the mystical Passage de l'Epée, the peaceful Jardin de la Retraite, and the ancient Chapelle de la Providence. Quimper is the perfect starting point for adventures in the surrounding area, with visits to such extraordinary places as Locronan, les Glénan, the town of Concarneau, la pointe de TrévignonPointe du Raz, the striking Stangala gorges, and the welcoming port of Sainte-Marine.
Don't wait any longer to explore Quimperthe vibrant heart of Cornouaille!
FAQ
Where to walk in Quimper?
In Quimper, there are a variety of walks to suit every personal preference. Here are a few recommendations:
- Lovers of historical and cultural heritage Explore Old Quimper with its cobbled streets, admire Saint-Corentin Cathedral, visit the Musée Départemental Breton or discover the Locmaria district, famous for its earthenware factories.
- For those who appreciate nature : les jardins de la Retraite offrent une magnifique vue panoramique sur la ville et de nombreuses randonnées sont accessibles via le site [Komoot](https://bing.com/search?q=Où+se+promener+sur+Quimper+%3f).
- Passionate about Breton gastronomy Don't miss the Halles Saint-François, where you can sample local specialties such as crêpes, cider, kouign-amann and far breton.
How to visit Quimper
Visiting Quimper is a diversified pleasure:
- Stroll through the Vieux-Quimperadmire Saint-Corentin Cathedral, explore the Palais des Évêques and the Musée départemental Breton.
- Taste Breton delights: crêpes and kouign-amann.
- Visit the Retraite tropical garden, enjoy an exhibition at the Musée des Beaux-Arts or, if you're here in July, don't miss the Festival de Cornouaille.
Where to party in Quimper?
In Quimper, the festival takes many forms:
- Musical bars such as Le Vin Dans les Voiles or Art Zik Cafeor Irish pubs such as Irish Bar.
- Attend concerts and shows at theIrreducible festival or the Eostiged Ar Stangala Circle.
- Celebrate New Year's Eve at festive venues such as L'Anatik or Le Café des Arts.
What is Quimper's postal code?
Quimper's postal code is 29000. It combines the Finistère code (29) to the distributor office identifier (000).
Vacation rentals near Quimper
