Discover Quimper, France

Famous for its Breton culture, seafaring community and famed pottery, Quimper (pronounced "kem-pair") is a quaint town lying about six hours northwest of Paris in the Brittany region of France bordering the Atlantic Ocean.

Brittany was originally conquered by Julius Caesar and the Romans in 56 BC. After the Fall of Rome in 476 AD, Brittany, originally known as Armorica, saw an influx of Celts (Britons) fleeing Britain during the Anglo-Saxon invasions in the 5th-6th centuries. Fleeing from Cornwall and Wales, these Celts migrated to this peninsula across the English Channel, bringing their language and culture with them, effectively creating a "Little Britain", this then became known as “Bretons”.

By 845, their leader, Nominoë, often considered the "father of the region," led a revolt against the Franks and established an independent kingdom, which struggled against Viking invaders in the 9^th and 10^th centuries, but which led to a strong, unified Breton identity which exists to this day. During the Norman conquests of Brittany, a number of Breton families were of the highest rank in the new society and were tied to the Normans by marriage. Bretons were the most prominent of the non-Norman forces in the Norman conquest of England.

The town of Quimper is the ancient capital of La Cornouaille (Breton twist on “Cornwall”), the western most region of Brittany. Today, the town still has a distinctive Breton character, which still celebrates its ancient Celtic heritage. Visitors will delight in the rustic atmosphere with traditional architecture of half-timbered houses and shops and footbridges abound spanning the rivers which flow through it. L'église Notre-Dame-de-Locmaria is a fine example of 11^th century Breton-Romanesque architecture. And not to be missed is the crowning glory, the Gothic styled Cathedral of Saint-Corentin, constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries, which is the oldest Gothic structure in lower Brittany with amazing 13^th century stained glass.  The cathedral is dedicated to Quimper's first bishop and beloved saint, Saint Corentin.

Maritime culture is also extremely important in Quimper, which is renowned as the “city of skippers” in Brittany. Though not located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, but situated on the Odet and Steir rivers, Quimper serves as a major hub for ocean racing, having produced many famous sailors, and is deeply connected to the sea through its culture, history, and proximity to Atlantic ports.

However, what Quimper is best known for is its famous Quimper faïence pottery, made here since 1690 featuring traditional designs and the beloved Breton figures. No trip to Quimper should be complete without a visit to the Musée de la Faïence de Quimper, which showcases the history of this regional pottery and to the Henriot Quimper Faiencier where you can witness the production process and visit the store where you can purchase Quimper pottery.

The town is also known copper and bronze work, food items, galvanized ironware, hosiery, leather, paper and woolen goods, which can be found in the lovely shops through town. And don’t forget to try the local cuisine. Quimper’s eating establishments boast some of the best crêpes, freshest seafood and cider in Brittany.