Description:

Quimper is the oldest town in Brittany.  It was the capital of the kingdom of Cornouaille, an ancient duchy of the region.  The town was once heavily fortified by 15th century city walls, however, these are mostly now in ruin.  Evidence of its historic past,  in the form of churches, buildings, monuments and streets are everywhere in Quimper and is a delight to explore.

Despite its size and history Quimper is a relaxed and modern town which has a friendly atmosphere reminiscent of a much smaller town. 

Quimper is the department Prefecture (prefet).

Quimper is not only listed as a 'Ville et Pays D'art et D'histoire' - essentially reserved for towns that demonstrate they are trying to make the most of their setting, attractiveness and architecture but also as a 'Ville Fleurie category 4' - essentially reserved for towns that demonstrate a good attention to gardens and flowers.

Quimper is the capital of the Finistere department in western Brittany and covers an area of 84.45 km².

The town is set in a pretty valley and stretches along the banks of the river Odet.  The name Quimper comes from the Breton 'Kemper' which means confluent - describing how the original settlement was built around the confluence of the Steir, Odet and Jet rivers .

There is a very lively undercover market at Le Halles, in the centre of Quimper, every day apart from Sunday.  Weekly markets are also held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at the Quartier de Braden and all day Saturdays at the Place Terre au Duc.

Quimper also has some excellent shops, particularly on Rue Kereon where you will find modern chains mixed with more traditional shops - watch out for the traditional knitwear which is very popular.

Quimper is renowned  worldwide for its pottery which has been made in the area since 1690.  You will be able to find it in the many gift and craft shops which can be found throughout the old town.

Quimper has all the facilities and services you can expect from a large town including schools, university, banks, dentists, doctors, a hospital and a good transport system - in summer there is even a regular bus route specifically running from Quimper to the beach.

For entertainment the centre of Quimper is filled with lots of lively bistros,  bars, cafes and restaurants.  There are many creperies featuring the local Quimper delicacy of Gellettes.

Alternatively you could visit the town theatre, the bowling alley, one of the three cinemas or four swimming pool complexes in the town.

The Cathedral Saint Corentin dates back from 1239 and was built on the foundations of an old roman church.  The cathedral is the oldest Gothic Cathedral in Brittany and features beautiful 15th century stained glass windows, romanesque nave and two towers standing 250 feet high.

Next door to the cathedral, housed in the former Bishops residence the 'Episcopal Palace', is the recently renovated Breton Museum.  This is a must for anyone interested in Brittany's long and rich history with over 3000 items displayed.

Qumiper has been the home to the much sought after 'Faience' pottery since 1690.  The 300 year old history of the pottery is celebrated at the 'Musee de la Faience & Centre d'Art Contemporain' housed in the former Porquier pottery works in the Locamaria district.  In front of the museum is a pottery workshop where you can see potters in action.  Alternatively, the Tourist Office runs guided tours every Sunday throughout the year and every day during the summer.

Quimpers largest event is the 'Festival de Cornouaille' which takes place over 9 days every July.  Set in the historic old Quimper the festival features traditional dance, musicians, concerts, parades, lessons and street entertainers all celebrating Breton culture.  The festival has been running for 80 years and has over 200 cultural activities and shows attended by up to 400,000 spectators.

Other annual events include the 'Semaines Musicales de Quimper', a classical music festival held throughout August and 'Les Hivernautes' a music and film festival, unusual in that it is one of the few festivals held in Brittany during winter.

Worth a visit:

• Walk beside the many rivers or take a boat and drift down to the open sea at Benodet
• Visit the Italian style palace housing the Musee des Beaux Arts.  The museum features a good collection of 17th and 18th century Flemish and Dutch paintings alongside art by 19th century landscape artists such as Corot and Boudin

• Stroll through the old town.  Recent restoration has seen two squares remodelled and  12th century cemetery and 14th century esplanades have recently been made accessible

• Take a short stroll through the Locmaria neighbourhood which dates back to the towns beginnings in year 1AD.  Whilst there visit the Church of Locmaria which was built in the eleventh century

Quimper has some excellent sporting facilities and is particularly proud of its presence in the national leagues for Basketball, Football, Rugby, Canoeing, Athletics and Badminton.

There are also excellent centres for Golf, Horseriding and Cycling.

As Quimper is only a fifteen minute drive from the coast, residents and visitors are in a great position to take part in coastal sports such as swimming, fishing and surfing.  All activities even easier to reach in summer when a dedicated bus service runs from Quimper to the beach.