Éco-Hôtels à Quimper

Hébergement durable in Brittany's pottery capital — the heart of Cornouaille. Garantie du meilleur prix — 1 tonne de CO₂ éliminée par réservation. 5 € de crédit gratuit pour les nouveaux membres.

Pourquoi Séjourner à Quimper

Quimper (Kemper in Breton) is the capital of Cornouaille — the most authentically Breton corner of Brittany, and one of the most captivating small cities in western France. Built at the confluence of the Odet and Steir rivers, Quimper is a city where medieval half-timbered houses lean over cobbled lanes, where the twin spires of the Cathédrale Saint-Corentin pierce the sky above flower-lined riverbanks, and where the ancient art of faïence pottery has been practised continuously since 1690. This is not a museum piece — Quimper is a living, breathing Breton city. The Breton language appears on street signs, the crêperies serve buckwheat galettes alongside bowls of cidre brut, and each July the city erupts into the Festival de Cornouaille, one of the largest Celtic festivals in Europe, drawing musicians, dancers, and pipe bands from across the Celtic world.

Quimper's charm lies in its intimacy. The old town is compact enough to explore on foot in a morning, yet dense with discoveries: the painted pottery of the HB-Henriot manufactory in the Locmaria quarter, the Pont-Aven school paintings in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the terraced gardens behind the cathedral with views across the rooftops, and the lively covered market at Les Halles Saint-François where locals gather at the oyster bar for a dozen Bélon flat oysters and a glass of Muscadet at 10 AM. The pedestrian street Rue Kéréon, lined with gorgeous 16th-century timber-framed buildings, connects the cathedral square to Place Terre au Duc and is one of the most photographed streets in all of Brittany. The riverside quays along the Odet are flower-lined and peaceful, with cafés spilling tables onto the embankment in summer — the perfect spot for an evening cidre as the cathedral illumination begins.

Beyond the city, Quimper is the gateway to the wildest stretch of the Brittany coast. The dramatic cliffs of Pointe du Raz — mainland France's westernmost point — are less than an hour's drive. The walled fishing town of Concarneau is 25 minutes away. The artist's village of Pont-Aven, where Gauguin found his revolutionary style, is 35 minutes east. And the beach resort of Bénodet, where the Odet estuary meets the Atlantic, is just 16 kilometres south. The medieval village of Locronan, classified among the most beautiful villages in France, is a mere 17 km northwest. Douarnenez, the sardine capital of Brittany and birthplace of kouign-amann, is 25 minutes west. This extraordinary concentration of coastal scenery, culinary heritage, and artistic legacy makes Quimper the ideal base for exploring Finistère — the "End of the Earth" department that is truly one of France's greatest travel destinations. Book your sustainable stay through IMPT and every night removes 1 tonne de CO₂ vérifié at no extra cost — same prices as Booking.com or better, with 5% cashback and EUR 5 free credit for new members.

En un Coup d'Œil

Profiter au Maximum de Quimper

Quimper is superbly connected for a city of its size. The TGV direct from Paris Montparnasse reaches Quimper station in approximately four hours — a scenic ride through the Loire Valley and across the Breton countryside that ranks among the most beautiful train journeys in France. Quimper-Cornouaille Airport, located 7 km southwest of the city at Pluguffan, offers seasonal flights to select destinations. By car, the N165 expressway links Quimper to Brest (1 hour north), Lorient (1 hour southeast), and Rennes (2.5 hours east). Régional TER trains connect Quimper to smaller Breton towns including Douarnenez and Pont-l'Abbé, making car-free exploration surprisingly practical. Within the city, the QUB bus network covers all quarters, but the compact old town is best explored on foot — most sights are within a 15-minute walk of the cathedral. Bicycles can be rented from several locations for exploring the riverside paths, and the flat terrain along the Odet makes cycling accessible to all abilities.

The best areas for a base depend on your style. The old town around the cathedral puts you in the heart of the medieval quarter, with restaurants, crêperies, and the covered market steps away — this is where you want to be for evening atmosphere and walkability. The Locmaria quarter, along the south bank of the Odet, is quieter and steeped in pottery heritage — the HB-Henriot factory and the Musée de la Faïence are here, along with the beautiful 11th-century Romanesque church. Near the station, modern hotels offer practical access for day trips by train and typically include amenities like pools and fitness centres. For beach lovers, Bénodet (16 km south) offers sandy shores, a sailing school, and thalassotherapy centres while remaining an easy commute to Quimper's cultural attractions.

For day trips, Concarneau is 25 minutes southeast — a stunning walled town and working fishing port with the magnificent Ville Close island fortress. Pont-Aven, Gauguin's village, is 35 minutes east, with dozens of art galleries and the Bois d'Amour woodland walk. Bénodet offers sandy beaches, sailing, and the ferry to the Îles de Glénan — an archipelago of tiny islands with Caribbean-turquoise waters. Pointe du Raz, mainland France's westernmost point, is 55 minutes west, with some of the most dramatic coastal cliffs in Europe. The medieval village of Locronan, frozen in time, is just 17 km northwest — its granite square has served as a film set for Roman Polanski and others. Cycling the Voie Verte along the Odet valley is a superb way to see the countryside, and a car opens up the entire Finistère coastline, from the surfing beach at Baie des Trépassés to the oyster beds of the Bélon river.

Où Séjourner in Quimper — Areas

Vieille Ville / Cathédrale

The historic heart of Quimper. Half-timbered houses line narrow cobbled streets that radiate from the cathedral square. This is where you'll find the best crêperies, the covered market at Les Halles Saint-François, and the pedestrian shopping street Rue Kéréon. Hotels here put you steps from every major sight. Evenings are atmospheric — the cathedral is illuminated, and the river Odet reflects the lights of the old town. Place au Beurre ("Butter Square") is the epicentre of crêperie culture, with several excellent establishments clustered together.

Locmaria

The potter's quarter, stretching along the south bank of the Odet below the old town. Locmaria is where faïence pottery has been made since the 17th century. The HB-Henriot factory, the Musée de la Faïence, and artisan pottery shops cluster here alongside the beautiful Romanesque church of Locmaria, dating from the 11th century. It's quieter than the centre, with a village-within-a-city feel, and the riverside walks are among the prettiest in Quimper.

Gare / Centre

The modern quarter around Quimper's TGV station. Hotels here tend to be larger and more contemporary, with good amenities including pools and fitness centres. It's practical for travellers making day trips by train to Brest, Lorient, or the coast, and is a 10-minute walk to the old town. Several of the city's best-rated hotels are located in this area, offering excellent value alongside comfort and convenience.

Bénodet (16 km south)

A charming seaside resort at the mouth of the Odet estuary. Bénodet offers sandy beaches, a sailing school, thalassotherapy centres, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It's a short drive or bus ride from Quimper and makes an excellent base for those who want beach days alongside city culture. The ferry to the Îles de Glénan — an archipelago with turquoise waters often compared to the Caribbean — departs from Bénodet harbour during the summer season.

Éco-Hôtels à Quimper

Affichage de 6 hôtels durables. Réservez sur IMPT — garantie du meilleur prix, 1 tonne CO₂ éliminée, 5% cashback.

Que Faire & Attractions in Quimper

Quimper offers a rich tapestry of attractions and places to visit — from medieval cathedrals and pottery workshops to river cruises and Celtic festivals. Here are the essential sights and experiences.

Cathédrale Saint-Corentin

13th-century Gothic masterpiece with distinctive bent nave and twin spires added in 1854. The oldest Gothic cathedral in Brittany. Free entry, beautiful 15th-century stained glass, and the equestrian statue of King Gradlon between the spires.

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Musée de la Faïence de Quimper

The history of Quimper pottery since 1690. HB-Henriot tradition, hand-painted Breton motifs, 2,500+ pieces on display. Located in the Locmaria quarter along the Odet riverbank.

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Musée des Beaux-Arts

Next to the cathedral. Flemish and Dutch masters, Pont-Aven school including Gauguin followers, Max Jacob collection. One of the finest regional art museums in France.

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Musée Départemental Breton

Breton history, traditional costumes and coiffes, carved furniture, archaeology — housed in the former Bishop's palace beside the cathedral. Essential for understanding Breton identity.

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Rue Kéréon & Old Town

The main pedestrian street, lined with gorgeous 16th-century half-timbered houses, boutiques, and pottery shops. Extends to Place Terre au Duc and the atmospheric Place au Beurre.

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Locmaria Quarter & HB-Henriot

Riverside potter's quarter. HB-Henriot factory visits where artisans hand-paint pottery since the 17th century. Artisan shops, Romanesque church (11th century), and the Musée de la Faïence.

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Les Jardins de la Retraite

Terraced gardens behind the cathedral with Mediterranean plants — palms, camellias, magnolias. Panoramic views over the city rooftops, cathedral spires, and the Odet river.

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Odet River Cruise

Boat trips down the Odet estuary to Bénodet (1.5 hours). Called the prettiest river in France. Past wooded gorges and grand châteaux. Operates April–September.

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Mont Frugy

Wooded hill directly above the city centre. 20-minute walk through oak and chestnut forest to a panoramic observation point with views of the cathedral and the confluence of the Odet and Steir.

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Festival de Cornouaille

Annual late-July Celtic festival since 1923. Pipe bands, traditional dance, parades, concerts — one of Europe's largest. Over 250,000 visitors. Book accommodation months in advance.

Randonnées & Guides

Quimper Travel Guides

Cities Near Quimper in Brittany

Questions Fréquentes — Quimper Hotels