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Guide to Quimper, France
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Quimper
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QuimperSitting at the junction of the Odet and Steir Rivers, and not far from the France's western coast, lies Quimper, a town as famous for its peaceful existence during the country's bombardment at the height of WWII as its largest industry, pottery. Seemingly since its inception, Quimper has been home to some of the greatest artisans in Western Europe, and though it's size remains rather small at roughly 63,000 residents, the city's fascinatingly simple, yet intricate layout, combined with plenty of folklore to accompany its day-to-day life, place it amongst the few locations along the country's westernmost strip worthy of a close look. No spectacles reside within Quimper. Rarely do crowds gather, and despite the clustering of businesses new and old around town, you'll have to keep an eye out for anything in the way of suits, ties, or briefcases. The people of Quimper have kept a tight hold on tradition, and it seems "casual and conservative" is the most noticeable theme of all here. Such characteristics are common in small locations around the Finistere region, but don't think that because of such practices, a cap will be placed upon what you can do and what you're availed if you do decide to stay for some time in Quimper. The city's narrow streets are perfect for daytime strolls with no particular destination in mind, and though a grande musee may not be found amidst its historic housing structures, you can gain entry to some of the most fascinating workshops on the continent. The ateliers, as many in Europe know them, offer exhibits, tours around works in progress, and some have even made advances into the tourism business by adopting hands-on programs for those who enjoy the malleability of damp clay.
When to go:
Though Quimper offers travelers its most temperate environment in summer, the season's real attraction is enjoyable 90-minute tour of the city, organized by its own tourism office. You can of course take your own approach to your discover of Quimper, but with an arrangement offered by the city's office come package deals for discounts to many places around town - yes, even in the busiest season of the year. Spring and early autumn are also pleasant times to trip to Quimper, though you'll likely miss out on those short-sleeved afternoons and long dry periods.
Getting there and around:
Quimper-Pluguffan Airport, a regional terminal, if that, has few direct flights from distant locations to show for each year. Connections to the city can be made from Paris and numerous places within the Finistere region, though the quantity of daily flights in and out of the airport is rather low. You can take a slow train ride from the nation's capital if a scenic, well-paced arrival is something worth the seven hours' travel time. There is no central bus station within Quimper, and because taxis are all but nonexistent, the most reliable form of transportation is private vehicle. Rates for compacts and sub-compacts are reasonable: the longer the stay, the lower the daily cost.
Attractions:
Upon the ornate street bearing an identical name stands tall the Cathedrale St Corentin, a stone structure marked by twin towers jutting 75m (25ft). Completed in the 15th century after roughly 200 years of workers' labor, the cathedral is open for much of the workday.Also located upon Place St. Corentin is the Musee des Beaux-Arts, collection of mostly French works, with a few international pieces garnered from around Brittany and beyond.
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