More than 65,000 objects, Gothic vaults and handcrafted ceramics offer different insights into the culture and history of Brittany in Quimper. You can complement these highlights with marked walking routes, activities on the Odet and regional food culture. This lets you tailor the focus of your stay to your own interests.
History and Craftsmanship in Quimper
Founded in 1846, the Musée départemental breton is housed in Quimper’s former Bishop’s Palace. Its permanent exhibition comprises more than 65,000 objects and explores the history and culture of Lower Brittany from prehistoric times to the present day. The Musée de la Faïence de Quimper has a narrower focus: it explores more than 300 years of ceramic tradition dating back to 1690.
Saint-Corentin Cathedral also reflects different phases of construction. Work on the present Gothic cathedral was decided upon in 1239, on the foundations of an earlier Romanesque cathedral; the choir vaults were completed in 1410. Locmaria Abbey is the city’s oldest Christian institution. Its abbey church, Notre-Dame de Locmaria, is considered an outstanding example of the beginnings of Romanesque art in Brittany. The Jardin du Prieuré de Locmaria has been awarded the “Jardin remarquable” designation.
At the Faïencerie Henriot-Quimper, a long ceramic tradition meets artisanal production: founded in 1690, the faïencerie carries the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” label. Its pieces are made entirely by hand, from design to freehand decoration. From April to September, Henriot-Quimper offers guided tours of its workshops; take this seasonal window into account when planning your visit.
Compare Walking Routes and Use City Guides
The “Quimper, les vieux quartiers” route is five kilometres long and marked by bronze plaques set into the ground in the historic centre. At 4.8 kilometres, “Quimper, au fil de l’eau” is only 200 metres shorter; it is also rated easy and is suitable for families. This route starts at Place de la Résistance. So when comparing them, length is not the only factor: one route is characterised by its markers in the historic centre, the other by its stated difficulty level and starting point.
The Maison du Patrimoine offers three official geolocated routes. The explanations are activated near each landmark. Quimper’s tourist office also provides several free brochures that can be downloaded to help you prepare for your stay. Children aged six and over can use the free activity booklet “Découvre Quimper avec Maout” to discover Quimper.
Activities on the Odet and Breton Food Culture
The Club de Canoë-Kayak de Quimper Cornouaille offers trips on the Odet. The club’s programme in Quimper includes canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. It also has an École Française de Kayak and offers courses as well as kayak hire.
Since 1923, the Festival de Cornouaille has been rooted in Quimper’s historic centre and offers the opportunity to learn traditional Breton dances. Cornouaille Gourmand is a recurring part of the festival: public events, interactive and educational areas, and tastings highlight the importance of the Cornouaille food industry to good food.
Les Halles Saint François is Quimper’s only covered market. Its stalls sell regional and local products; you can also eat there or find food to take away. The market therefore combines shopping for local food with a place to eat during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Landeda, Melgven, Lampaul-Ploudalmézeau, Lopérec, Terenez, Pouldergat, Saint-Thégonnec, Ploudaniel.
See the regional travel overview: Finistere.
