The Breton Departmental Museum

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. Back when Quimper was still surrounded by ramparts, the bishops of Cornouaille—and later of Quimper—resided here, right up until the mid-20th century. The palace has been expanded and restored over time and is made up of two main wings: the one facing you was built in 1647, while the other, running parallel to the Odet River, dates back to 1776. However, when it comes to age and character, the clear standout is the Rohan Tower. To see it, just walk through the archway in front of you. Built in 1507 by Bishop Claude de Rohan, the tower is a striking example of Renaissance architecture, with its impressive vertical lines. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful spiral staircase that leads up to a remarkable ceiling carved in a palm tree pattern—widely considered one of the palace’s most stunning decorative features. Another notable structure is the neo-Gothic cloister, built around 1864, which once allowed the bishops to walk directly from the palace to the cathedral. Today, the building has shed its religious role and embraced a cultural one. The museum offers a rich glimpse into the artistic and ethnographic heritage of Finistère, with archaeological finds, traditional Breton costumes, wood carvings, and of course, ceramics from Quimper. It’s a fascinating journey through the region’s history—and it just keeps growing year after year.