Quimper, the prefecture of Finistère and historic capital of Cornouaille, lies at the confluence of the Odet and the Steir. Its medieval centre of half-timbered houses is dominated by the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Corentin and is best explored on foot along the flower-lined quays and footbridges, up to the gardens of Mont Frugy.
The city is famous for its faïence, a tradition visited at Locmaria, and for the Festival de Cornouaille, an unmissable celebration of Breton culture each summer. The fine arts museum, crêperies, markets and craft shops complete a stay on a human scale.
A few kilometres from the beaches of Audierne Bay, Concarneau and the Penmarc’h headland, Quimper is an excellent starting point for exploring southern Finistère. It is easily visited in a day or as a stop on the road through Atlantic Brittany.