Located in France's Finistère region, this medieval capital of Cornouaille has preserved its 14th-century timber houses and Gothic cathedral. Its streets still echo with the Breton language.
Quimper, the ancient capital of Cornouaille in Brittany, lies where the Steir and Odet rivers meet. Walk through medieval streets lined with half-timbered houses from the 15th century, watch artisans hand-paint pottery in centuries-old workshops, or climb the 76-meter towers of the Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Corentin for views across the city. Stop at a crêperie to taste local buckwheat galettes, or visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts to see works by Rubens and Corot.
Getting to Quimper
Take the TGV from Paris to reach Quimper in approximately 3 hours 40 minutes. The train route passes through Le Mans, Rennes, and Vannes. Regional trains connect to Brest (1 hour 9 minutes) and Rennes (2 hours 15 minutes). Within the city, QUB operates seven urban bus routes and 16 suburban lines, with an additional beach route during July and August.
The Cathedral Quarter
The Cathedral of Saint-Corentin dominates the city center with its twin spires reaching 76 meters high. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, it stands as the oldest Gothic building in lower Brittany. Step inside to see the 15th-century stained glass windows, which cast colored light across the nave throughout the day.
Walking the Medieval Streets
West of the cathedral, you'll find the pedestrianized Vieux Quimper. Walk along Rue Kéréon and Rue des Boucheries to see the best-preserved 15th-century half-timbered houses. Stop at one of the many crêperies to try local specialties like galette complète (buckwheat crêpe with ham, cheese, and egg) or sweet crêpes with salted caramel. Local cider makers sell their products in shops along these streets.
Museums and Culture
Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts to see paintings spanning from the 14th to 21st centuries, including masterpieces by Boucher, Corot, and Rubens. In the former Episcopal palace, the Musée départemental Breton contains archaeological artifacts and regional art. Walk along Rue des Douves to see the remaining sections of the 15th-century town walls.
Quimper Faience
Visit the workshops where artisans have created tin-glazed pottery since 1690. You can watch craftspeople hand-paint the distinctive Quimper patterns, originally designed by Jean-Baptiste Bousquet. The faience museum explains the production techniques and displays historical pieces from the past three centuries.
Local Festivals
Join 250,000 visitors during the Festival de Cornouaille in the last week of July for traditional Breton music and dance performances. The festival includes bagpipe competitions, folk dancing, and local food stalls. In winter, attend Les Hivernautes festival for indoor concerts and art exhibitions. During summer months, you'll encounter street musicians playing traditional Breton instruments like the bombarde and biniou on many street corners.
