Kéréon street

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. Its name comes from the Breton plural kere, meaning “shoemaker,” a nod to the bustling guild that once operated here. Try and picture it: the smell of animal hides, the sharp clatter of hammers, animated bargaining—all part of the vibrant daily life of one of Quimper’s most important medieval trades. Back then, this street was unpaved, and cobblestones didn’t appear until the 19th century. For a long time, Kéréon Street was narrow, winding, and far from sanitary. That all changed—somewhat dramatically—in 1762, when a fire broke out near where the Crédit Lyonnais bank now stands. Over the course of 12 days, nine half-timbered houses burned to the ground, and six others were severely damaged. In response, wooden construction was banned in favor of stone. The houses at numbers 3, 5, and 7 are great examples of this new approach. At the same time, the street was widened on the left, and most façades were aligned, giving the street a more uniform look. But don’t let that fool you—Kéréon still holds plenty of quirky charm. Several façades are listed as historical monuments and feature whimsical details. At number 9, just beneath the tooth-like trim, you’ll find three little wooden figurines. And near Philomène’s macaron shop, two carved Breton figures look out from either side of the street: a peasant in traditional Quimper dress and a woman in the costume of Fouesnant, a nearby coastal town. These pay tribute to a former seamstress from the haberdashery once known as “À la fileuse bretonne,” or “The Breton Spinner.” Offering a unique view of the cathedral spires, Kéréon Street is the perfect place to snap a few photos and soak up Quimper’s timeless charm.