Visit Quimper

Rising like a vast green wall alongside the Odet, Mont Frugy is an inseparable part of Quimper’s landscape. Locals know it so well that they hardly notice it anymore—but for you, dear visitors, it’s quite the opposite. And it’s easy to see why—this hill towers 70 meters above the city and commands attention. Read more

Breton, warm, ancestral, and authentic—Quimper isn’t the kind of city that tries to impress with grand displays. Quite the opposite! Modest in size and rich in old-world charm, the capital of Finistère embraces its identity with pride and honesty, especially when it comes to sharing its history. Read more

When it comes to good food in Quimper, one name comes up almost every time: the Saint-François market hall. Locals swear by it, claiming it brings together all the warmth, flavor, and quality of the city and its surrounding region. Beyond being a foodie favorite, it’s also a place steeped in history—176 years of it, to be exact. Read more

A secret passage? Well… almost. Treuz Street is one of those delightful surprises that make exploring Quimper so rewarding. Rediscovered by chance just 46 years ago, this little lane has become a must-see in the old town center. Read more

A name that makes us smile, a setting that delights the eye, and the mixed aromas of buckwheat and wheat that awaken the appetite—Place-au-Beurre, or the Butter Square, doesn’t need much more to win over its visitors. As for locals, it’s been their favorite spot for generations. Read more

City center and tranquility don’t usually go hand in hand—but in Quimper, the Retreat Garden proves otherwise. Even its name invites calm. Sheltered behind a stretch of 13th-century ramparts, this 4,500-square-meter green space opens onto three themed gardens, each offering its own immersive atmosphere. Read more

Breathtaking landscapes, age-old traditions, charming villages, an open horizon to the sea, and cuisine that’s briny, sweet, or decadently buttery—Brittany is a region that draws you in. For an enchanting twist to your jouney add a good dose of legends and mythical tales. Read more

You’re about to cross the Steïr, Quimper’s second river. These days, it might seem like a simple, everyday crossing—but centuries ago, it marked a major divide. In the Middle Ages, the Steïr formed the boundary between two distinct zones: the suburb of Terre-au-Duc, under the duke’s authority, and the episcopal city of the bishop, Read more

Brief but distinctive, that sound you just heard, is your cue to grab your camera — it means you’ve arrived at one of Quimper’s most photogenic spots. Trust us, this isn’t the last you’ll hear about this place—the one and only Kéréon Street. Read more

“Another half-timbered house?” you’re probably thinking, and you’d be right—but get used to it! Quimper is home to no fewer than 73 of them, each with its own unique character. Some are tall, some small, some red or blue, some plain, and others full of flair. Read more

Though he liked to say he was “born for Brittany,” it was right here in Quimper that Max Jacob’s life truly began. A French poet, novelist, essayist, and painter, Max Jacob is often described as the most famous of the unknowns—an artist whose influence far outweighed his name recognition. Read more

The Odet River often leaves a strong impression—its beauty and peaceful setting make it a perfect place for a stroll. During the Belle Époque, its banks were the preferred retreat of aristocratic families, who built grand mansions and private estates along the water. Read more

The Steïr, the Odet, and the Frout—these are the three waterways without which the prefecture of Finistère would not be the same, both geographically and in terms of identity. Indeed, Quimper, from the Breton word "kemper," means "confluence." Read more

Right next to Quimper’s City Hall stands the Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a grand classical building since 1872. It was designed by none other than Joseph Bigot—the very same architect behind the soaring spires of Saint-Corentin Cathedral. Read more

A visit to this charming Breton town wouldn’t be complete without stopping by this statue. After all, every local knows the man it honors—and by the end of this visit, you should too. His name is René Laennec, a native of Quimper whose keen eye and analytical mind helped revolutionize modern medicine. Read more

Let the bells ring out—we’ve arrived at the heart and soul of Quimper: the iconic Saint-Corentin Cathedral. A cherished symbol for locals and a must-see for visitors, this majestic structure leaves its mark both on the skyline and in the history of Old Quimper. Read more

A timber-framed façade decorated with colorful faience plates—you’d have to be seriously distracted not to notice this iconic Quimper landmark. Today, it houses a charming souvenir shop, but there’s much more to the story. Let’s take a little step back in time. Read more

Place Saint-Corentin, the heart of historic Quimper, is surrounded by a collection of beautiful buildings—and right at its center, of course, stands the majestic cathedral. Like a crown around it, several remarkable sites catch the eye, and this elegant corner building is one of them. Read more

Whether you’re heading to the cathedral or just coming out, skipping this spot would be a real shame. After all, how often do you get the chance to visit the former Palace of the Bishops of Cornouaille? Since 1846, it’s been home to the Breton Departmental Museum. Read more

Here and there, Quimper has gone to great lengths to preserve the precious traces of its evolution over the centuries. Some remnants of the fortified walls that once protected the city from the medieval era still remain. They may be modest and not widely known, but they absolutely deserve to be seen and appreciated. Read more