Quimper

Quimper: A Charming Breton TownLocated in the Finistère department in the Brittany region of France, Quimper is a charming town that is steeped in history and culture. Known for its architecture, gastronomy, and vibrant arts scene, the town is a delightful destination that offers a rich blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Here is a guide to help you explore the best of Quimper:What to See?The Old Town: A maze of winding streets lined with medieval half-timbered houses, the old town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and charming squares. Highlights include the Cathedral St-Corentin, the Gothic church of St-Mathieu, and the iconic Breton house, Maison de la Rivière.Museum of Fine Arts: Located in a 19th-century neo-Gothic building, the museum showcases an impressive collection of French and European art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Highlights include works by Monet, Gauguin, and Degas.Quimper Pottery Museum: The museum is dedicated to the town's famous hand-painted pottery, which has been produced since the 17th century. Visitors can see examples of pottery from the past and present, learn about their history, and even try their hand at painting their own piece.What to Do?Explore the markets: Quimper's markets are a feast for the senses, with the heady aroma of fresh produce and the colorful displays of flowers, cheese, seafood, and artisanal products. The town hosts a number of markets throughout the week, including the Saturday market in the Place Terre-au-Duc and the Wednesday market in the Place St-Mathieu.Shop for souvenirs: If you're looking for souvenirs to take back home, Quimper has plenty to offer. Aside from pottery, there are other local crafts to discover, such as lace-making, woodworking, and basket-weaving. The shops of the old town are packed with artisanal products, antique shops, and boutiques.Explore the countryside: The countryside around Quimper is breathtakingly beautiful, with rolling hills, green fields, and charming villages. Rent a bike or hire a car and explore the area at your own pace. The coast is also within easy reach, with several sandy beaches and rugged cliffs to enjoy.Where to Eat?Quimper is a foodie's paradise, with a superb range of gastronomic experiences to savour. Some of the must-visit places include:Le Bistrot du Château: A popular restaurant located just a stone's throw from the castle, the restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere and serves traditional Breton cuisine. Specialties include seafood, crepes, and the famous Breton butter cake.La Belle Epoque: A stylish bistro that serves modern French cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Try the confit duck leg, the roasted cod, or the homemade ravioli.Le Caractère: A trendy bistro that serves inventive, contemporary cuisine. The restaurant is known for its imaginative dishes, such as figs stuffed with foie gras, duck breast with red cabbage, and sea bream with roasted almonds.Where to Stay?There are many excellent hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals in Quimper to suit all budgets and requirements. Some of the top choices include:Hotel Gradlon: A charming, family-friendly hotel located in the heart of the old town. The rooms are decorated in a traditional Breton style and feature modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.Le Relais du Henvez: A beautiful guesthouse housed in a restored 17th-century farmhouse, the property is set in spacious gardens and has an outdoor pool. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, with exposed brick walls and wooden beams.Les Appartements de L'Archevêché: A collection of elegant self-catering apartments housed in a historic building next to the cathedral, the apartments are stylishly decorated and have fully-equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.Whether you're looking for history, culture, food, or natural beauty, Quimper has something to offer everyone. Plan your trip today and discover this charming Breton town for yourself!