Quimper Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Michel Angot
Quimper
Photo by Snappy David
Photo by Deb & Alan's Travels
Photo by Deb & Alan's Travels

Situated in western Brittany and the capital of the Finistère department, Quimper is the beating heart of Breton culture, with a rich and varied heritage.

Founded in the Middle Ages, Quimper was also the capital of the former Cornouaille region (historically connected with Cornwall in the UK). Rich in art and history, the city's heritage is very varied. Its most remarkable facet is its religious heritage: Quimper has numerous outstanding religious buildings, including Saint-Corentin Cathedral in the city centre which is a nationally listed historical monument, the Norman priory church of Locmaria and Kerfeunteun Trinity Church.

Quimper is also famous for its distinctive earthenware with traditional Breton decorative work depicting scenes of rural life and colourful flowers. The HB Henriot pottery is the most famous manufacturer and the last still in operation, and is open to the public from April to September. You can also visit the Museum of Earthenware, which traces the history of this craft that is so closely connected to the city's development.

For those with an interest in medieval architecture, Old Quimper is fascinating to stroll around. Situated close to the cathedral, between the River Odet and the River Steir, this district is notable for its narrow pedestrianised streets, half-timbered façades, old houses such as the Maison des Cariatides, and the remains of the city ramparts.

Quimper is also well known for being one of the capitals of contemporary Breton culture, together with Lorient. For instance, the city has numerous bagadoù (traditional music bands) and hosts a variety of events throughout the year that explore aspects of Breton culture. Undoubtedly the most famous of these is the Festival de Cornouaille, which takes place every July. This festival showcases a combination of traditional music and dance with more modern concerts, to ensure there is something for everyone.

For discovering the ancient Cornouaille region, this is the perfect place to start. Make the most of your holiday in Quimper!

Escale Oceania Quimper
Escale Oceania Quimper
3 out of 5
6 Rue Theodore Le Hars, Quimper, Finistere
The price is £70 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
£70
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Quimper. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Departmental Breton Museum ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (442 reviews)
Close to Centre of Quimper with parking nearby.
"This hotel is a short walk from the centre of Quimper and there is covered parking within a minite walk for £10 overnight which is locked overnight or free parking nearby as well. Offered a bottle of water on arrival and room was clean and the shower was excellent. There is a small bar and a restuarant ..."

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

Escale Oceania Quimper
B&B HOTEL Quimper Sud
B&B HOTEL Quimper Sud
2 out of 5
131 route de Bénodet, Rond-point de Kerustum, Quimper, Finistere
The price is £53 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
£53
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Quimper. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions The Locmaria Priory Garden and Museum of Earthenware ...
8/10 Very Good! (188 reviews)
"We stayed in a family room and were pleasantly surpised at how large it was and that there were two bedrooms. We checked in late, so used the check in machine and everything was pin operated. We would stay here again for a clean, comfortable stay"

Reviewed on 2 Sep 2024

B&B HOTEL Quimper Sud
ibis Quimper
ibis Quimper
3 out of 5
Rue Gustave Eiffel, Quartier de l'Hippodrome, Quimper, Finistere
The price is £61 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
£61
4 Jul - 5 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Quimper. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Jardin de la Retraite and ...
8/10 Very Good! (258 reviews)
Good overnight stop
"The best bits were the staff, who were very friendly and helpful. The bed which was very comfy. The breakfast which was very good. The location which was quiet, had lots of parking and was an easy 30 minute walk to Quimper old town. Perfect for an overnight stay. The not so great bits were we couldn't ..."

Reviewed on 21 Sep 2024

ibis Quimper
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Terres de France - Appart'Hotel Quimper
Terres de France - Appart'Hotel Quimper
3 out of 5
6-8 Rue de Locronan, Quimper, Finistere
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Quimper. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (355 reviews)
"Excellent value"

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2025

Terres de France - Appart'Hotel Quimper
House at the entrance to the town, close to the beach road
House at the entrance to the town, close to the beach road
Quimper, Finistère
Stay at this holiday home in Quimper. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Museum of Earthenware Quimper and The Locmaria Priory ...
Bon séjour
"Quimper dessert bien les alentours, maison confortable, belle superficie. Seul bémol, rue très passante n’habitant pas en ville"

Reviewed on 12 Sep 2024

House at the entrance to the town, close to the beach road
Holiday house located between city and beach
Holiday house located between city and beach
Quimper, Bretagne
Stay at this holiday home in Quimper. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and a garden. Popular attractions Museum of Earthenware Quimper and The Locmaria Priory ...
eine Woche in Quimper.
"Das Haus ist einfach und zweckmäßig, gut für eine Gruppe von5 Personen in der die meisten einen Raum für sich haben wollen. Das Zentrum von Quimper ist gut erreichbar - man muss allerdings dazusagen, dass das Haus auf dem Berg liegt und man auf dem Rückweg wieder dort hoch muss. Schön wäre es, wenn ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2024

Holiday house located between city and beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Quimper

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 8%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Most of centre traffic-free, good shops, plenty of places to eat and drink, whole of centre historic with medieval buildings, market

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

For any beer enthusiasts there is an excellent craft ale bar called 'Only Bears'. The owner brews one of the beers.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely welcoming city -cathedral magnificent, goid museums, variety of things to do and enjoy. Range of bars, restaurants and creperies to choose from

Cities near Quimper