Top 10 Things to Do in Quimper


 

Quimper is the oldest city in Brittany originally settled during Roman times. It is the capital of the Finistére department of Brittany in northwestern France. The name Quimper comes from the Breton kemper, meaning confluence as the city is located on the confluence of the Steir, Odet and Jet rivers. Since 1690 Quimper has been known for its tin-glazed pottery which greatly boosted its economy.

The city of Quimper boasts of a rich Breton Celtic heritage. It has a countryside like atmosphere created by the number of old fashioned, half-timbered houses found all  around the city. Quimper is also known for it fresh delicious sea food cuisines. Here are 10 interesting things to do while at Quimper;

1. Le Jardin De La Retraite

Le jardin de la Retraite – Wikipedia

“The retirement garden” in English, covers almost half a hectare. It is located between rue Elle Fréron and rue des Douves. Originally, the buildings and garden were owned by the canons of the cathedral. Over the years the premise exchanged hands but in 1977 the city of Quimper bought the buildings and the garden. The buildings are now used for municipal services and a retirement home. The garden was opened to the public in 1979.

The garden is divided into three sections; the low section structured around a basin shelter has a lovely collection of palm trees. The neighboring section is used for dry land plants. The last section is full of broad-leaved plants with a tropical trait. The garden also has a small playground for children under the age of 8 years.

2. Old Quimper

Old Town Quimper – Flickr

Old Quimper is a large well-preserved medieval quarter that is completely pedestrianized. The quarter is covered with several half-timbered homes whose cobbled upper stores are painted in different shades.  The different color shades provide a spectacular view as you stroll around. The quarter also has a wide array of crêperies and shops.

Strolling around these medieval quarter makes you feel like you have stepped back in time, near the Episcopal palace are ruins of the town’s fifteenth-century walls. The 19th Century architecture of the Museum of fine arts adds to this feeling.

3. Bonobo Parc

ziplining – Flickr

The Bonobo Parc is a treetop adventure park with 6 trails and more than 100 challenges. It is a physical course that has something for everyone to enjoy. It is a paradise for lovers of heights and nature.  At Bonopo Parc your adrenaline courses through your veins, allowing you to push your body to new heights.

The Bonobo Tree-Climbing Park includes the following fun areas in a natural setting: Ziplines, Tarzan jump, monkey bridge, stirrups, ladder, barrels, rope swings, arm pulls and many more fun activities.

4. Musée Departmental Breton

Musée départemental breton – Wikipedia

The museum was created in 1846 by the Archeological Society of Finistére. The museum is housed in the Episcopal palace.  The palace was the residence of the Cornouaille Bishops between 1500s and 1800s. The museum defines itself as a “museum of society” because it is devoted to regional history, archaeology, ethnology and economy.

The museum is divided into two; the first floor is dedicated to prehistory and ancient art. The 1st floor which is scaled with a gorgeous spiral staircase displays traditional costumes, antique furniture, stained-glass, gold and silverware and the famous Quimper pottery. You can also enjoy the Catalan Modernisme façade of the 19th century palace.

5. Odet River

Odet Quimper – Wkimedia Commons

It runs from Saint-Goazec into the Atlantic Ocean at Bénodet. The river measures a length of about 62.7 km. It is also known as the “prettiest river in France” with its old-fashioned footbridges which have flower boxes, views of the city along the meandering river banks and interesting plaques with notable information about historical figures, the town’s history and present initiatives.

The banks of the river are covered with foliage in summer. You can also enjoy a boat cruise downriver and enjoy a 360 degree view of the river and its surroundings.

6. Cathedral of Saint Corentin

Cathédrale Saint Corentin de Quimper – Wikipedia

The cathedral of Saint Corentin is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint Corentin, its first bishop. It is the seat of the Diocese of Quimper and Léon. In 1620 the cathedral’s bell towers burned and the residents who witnessed the fire confess to seeing a green devil within the flames.

The cathedral is distinguished from other Gothic cathedrals in that it slightly bends in the middle. This is because during construction the choir was out of line with the nave, having a slight curve to the left, this was to avoid disturbing the older chapel which housed the tomb of Alain Canhiart. The bending effect on the top part of the cathedral has been likened to Christ’s head leaning on the left during His crucifixion.

7. Gorges Stangala

Gorges Stangala – Wikipedia

The stangala is located on Odet’s upriver on the GR 38 footpath. It is considered the most extraordinary land landscape in Basse-Cornouaille. The valley both deep and wooded by the Odet River takes on the appearance of gorges reaching up to 80 m in height.

Hop across this environmental curiosity owing to the nature of the rocks and tectonic accidents that give this area its 45 degrees slope. Walk across the riverbanks which are covered with mossy rocks, ferns and beech trees.

8. Festival de Cornouaille

Festival de Cornouaille 2017 – Wikimedia Commons

It is a five-day annual festival that takes place in the late days of July. The festival was founded in 1923 as a beauty contest. The festival continued in this form until 1947 when changes began to be made to the festival. The festival was altered from being only a beauty pageant to being a dedication to the richness and diversity of the Breton culture.

The festival is packed with various cultural events such as; the Breton folk costumes parade, the bagpipe music competition, musical concerns at the bishop’s gardens, street dancing and entertainment and the crowning of the queen of the festival.

9. Mont Frugy

Le mont Frugy – Wikimedia Commons

Mont Frugy is 70 m high hill covering almost six hectares on the left bank of the Odet River. It has always dominated the city of Quimper such that during the revolution the revolutionaries renamed Quimper to Mountain on Odet. The hill is covered with beech trees that were replanted after the 1987 hurricane that left the hill bald. It has been a listed gazebo since 1911.

Hike up the hill and enjoy an aerial view of Quimper from the peak of the hill. Watch the river below meander along its course. Enjoy the fresh cool air that comes from the green trees surrounding you. Enjoy peace and quiet provided by the forest.

 10. Museum of Fine Arts Quimper

Musée des beaux-arts de Quimper – Wikipedia

The museum is located in front of Quimper’s cathedral at the main square. The museum was built after Jean-Marie de Silguy left his art collection to the city of Quimper on condition that a museum will be built to accommodate the vast collection.

It was designed by architect Joseph Bigot in 1867 and was opened to the public on August 15th 1872. In 1993 the front face of the museum was completely renovated to modern architectural choices by architect Jean-Paul Philippon. This move permitted better natural light exposure of the arts within the museum.

The museum’s core collection are the 1200 paintings, 2000 drawings and 12,000 prints left to the city of Quimper by Jean-Marie de Silguy. Today the museum has a rich collection of French, Italian, Flemish and Dutch paintings from the 14th century up to date.

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