Quimper travel guide

Photo of city of quimper with castle in brittany france.
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Introduction to Quimper

Quimper, known for its incredible Phare d'Eckmühl, Saint Corentin Cathedral, and Pointe du Raz, is a travel destination everyone should visit once in their lifetime. This arrondissement of France, has plenty of experiences to offer curious travelers. Home to a variety of natural beauty and architecture, a unique historical background, and a culture as rich as its population of more than 326.1 thousand people, Quimper is truly one of the main highlights of France.

Easily accessible from the Quimper–Cornouaille airport, Quimper is the perfect base for a memorable and unique vacation in France. Travelers looking to experience the best of France often choose to stay in Quimper.

Get ready to explore and learn more about the city of Quimper below!

History of Quimper

Quimper, the oldest city in Brittany, has a rich history that dates back to the Roman era. This ancient city, initially named 'Quimper-Corentin', was founded during the Roman occupation in the 1st century AD.

In the Middle Ages, Quimper grew in prominence due to its strategic location at the intersection of the rivers Odet and Steir. It was known for its thriving pottery industry, which gave birth to the famous Quimper faience – a type of tin-glazed pottery that is still produced today.

The city's architectural treasures provide a glimpse into its historical journey. The Saint-Corentin Cathedral, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture in Brittany.

In the 19th century, Quimper became a center of Breton culture, with the establishment of the Breton Regionalist Union and the revival of Breton language and traditions. Today, Quimper continues to charm visitors with its quaint medieval streets, riverside setting, and rich cultural heritage.

Top services in Quimper

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Quimper, France. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 66 airlines that fly to France. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Quimper.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Quimper, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Quimper on your vacation in France.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Quimper from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Quimper!

Best time to visit Quimper

The best time to explore Quimper, a picturesque city in Brittany, France, is during the late spring to early autumn months, from May to October. During this period, the city enjoys mild, pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 21°C, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The summer months from June to August are especially vibrant, with the city coming alive with numerous cultural festivals such as the Festival de Cornouaille in July, celebrating Breton culture with music, dance, and local cuisine. However, these months also attract the highest number of tourists, leading to crowded attractions and higher accommodation prices. For those seeking a quieter, more peaceful experience, the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to early June) and early autumn (late September to October) are recommended. These periods offer moderate weather conditions and fewer tourists, while still affording the opportunity to witness the city's beauty and charm.

Local tip for visiting Quimper

For a truly authentic experience in Quimper, our insider tip is to schedule your visit during the 'Fête des Brodeuses,' a traditional Breton festival held every year in July. This event, while well-known to locals, often slips under the radar of tourists. The festival celebrates the region's rich cultural heritage with traditional music, dance, and most notably, an exhibition of the renowned Quimper embroidery. Visitors have the chance to see local artisans at work, creating intricate designs that have been passed down through generations. As well as providing a fascinating insight into Quimper's history and culture, it's a wonderful opportunity to purchase unique, handcrafted souvenirs. So, immerse yourself in a delightful swirl of Breton culture at the 'Fête des Brodeuses,' and remember to take a piece of Quimper's tradition home with you.

Learn more about France

There are many reasons to visit the city of Quimper, but a trip to France needs no explanation.

Exploring France, which spans 643,801 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. France offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

As the home country of many world-famous attractions like the spectacular Phare d'Eckmühl, Saint Corentin Cathedral, and the Pointe du Raz, you’re all set for a unique and memorable travel experience in France.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about France.

What to see in Quimper

Photo of the Cathedral of Saint Corentin in the streets of Quimper - France.

Quimper has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the city.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the city of Quimper.

Top attractions in Quimper

Home to plenty of top attractions, Quimper is more than just a wonderful city in France. Quimper is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of France.

One fascinating sight in Quimper is the unforgettable Phare d'Eckmühl. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Quimper. This remarkable attraction is located at Pl. Du Maréchal Davout, 29760 Penmarc'h, France and is open for visitors Monday - Sunday, between 14:00-19:00.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in France, check out our list of top attractions in Quimper below. Discover the best places to visit in Quimper, including the fascinating Phare d'Eckmühl, Saint Corentin Cathedral, Pointe du Raz, Haliotika - City of Fisheries, and Beach Bellangenet.

Map of attractions

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Quimper.

Things to do in Quimper

Photo of Old traditional houses Quimper, France .

Enrich your travel experience in Quimper by joining tours and activities. Quimper offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the city.

Discover the most popular experiences in Quimper below.

Search for things to do in Quimper

Discover the best things to do in Quimper.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Quimper. Click the green button to view your options.

What to eat in Quimper

Quimper, a charming city in Brittany, France, offers a delightful array of culinary experiences. The city is renowned for its Creperies, with Rue de la Harpe and Place au Beurre being the best places to eat in Quimper if you desire a taste of the traditional Breton galettes and crepes. For those with a preference for seafood, head to the Quai de l'Odet, where restaurants serve a variety of fresh, locally sourced dishes. A must-try is Cotriade, a traditional Breton fish stew. For a more high-end dining experience, visit Allium, a contemporary restaurant on Rue Duguay-Trouin, celebrated for its innovative take on local cuisine. Don't forget to try the region's famous cider, and end your meal with a slice of Far Breton, a custardy prune cake. With its blend of traditional and modern culinary offerings, Quimper is sure to delight both food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

Nightlife in Quimper

As the sun sets, Quimper, a charming city in Brittany, France, transforms into a lively hub of nocturnal activity. The city's unique night culture is a fusion of traditional Breton charm and contemporary vibrancy. The best area for bars in Quimper is around the Place au Beurre and the Place Saint-Corentin, where a multitude of bars, pubs, and bistros exude an inviting, friendly atmosphere. The Café des Arts, an emblematic establishment, is a must-visit, offering a range of local beers and ciders alongside live music.

Not to be missed is the Ty Anna Tavarn, a popular haunt for locals and tourists alike. This establishment offers a vast selection of beers and a warm, welcoming ambiance, making it the ideal spot to enjoy Quimper's night scene. For those who prefer a more tranquil night out, a stroll along the banks of the Odet River provides a serene backdrop for the city's illuminations. Lastly, remember that the local law requires bars to close by 2 a.m., so plan your night accordingly. Quimper's nightlife is an enchanting mix of conviviality and tradition, ensuring a memorable night out in this Breton gem.

Best Shopping in Quimper

Quimper, the cultural heart of Brittany, is a shopper's paradise. With its charming old town filled with boutiques, it's undoubtedly the best place to go shopping in Quimper. Venture into Rue Kéréon, a picturesque pedestrianized street lined with timber-framed houses, where you'll find a myriad of independent shops selling everything from clothing to locally crafted products.

The city is renowned for its exquisite Quimper faience pottery, a must-buy souvenir, available in various shops like Henriot-Quimper. For fashion enthusiasts, visit Armor Lux, a famous Breton brand known for its iconic striped shirts. If you're a foodie, don't miss out on the local markets such as Halles Saint-François, where you can buy fresh regional produce.

Remember, shops in Quimper typically close between 12pm and 2pm for lunch, a perfect opportunity for you to indulge in the city's delectable cuisine. Sundays see most shops closed, with the exception of bakeries and some grocery stores. Happy shopping!

Best Free Things to Do in Quimper

Experience the charm of Brittany without breaking the bank with the best free things to do in Quimper. Begin your journey at the heart of Quimper, the Place Saint-Corentin, a perfect spot to admire the city's medieval architecture. The square is home to the impressive Saint-Corentin Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece that is free to enter and explore. Wander through its nave to appreciate its magnificent stained glass windows. Just a short walk from the cathedral, the streets of Old Quimper beckon. This historic district is a delightful maze of half-timbered houses and quaint cobblestone streets where you can lose yourself in a different era. Don't forget to visit the local open-air markets, where you can experience the vibrant local culture and even sample some local produce. Lastly, visit the banks of the River Odet, known as the 'most beautiful river in France'. Its picturesque pathways, adorned with blooming flowers, offer a serene setting for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

Vacation packages in Quimper

Photo o fcapital of the Finistere department Quimper, France.

The best and easiest way to visit Quimper is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in France.

Booking a vacation package to Quimper means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Quimper to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Quimper is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find unique vacation packages to Quimper, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the city of Quimper.

Find vacation packages in Quimper

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Quimper.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Quimper get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in France. Your customized holiday package to Quimper is only a few clicks away!

How to get to Quimper

To get to the city of Quimper the fastest way possible, travelers from outside France can travel by plane. International travelers can fly to Quimper by booking flights with any of the 1 airline that offer direct flights to Quimper–Cornouaille airport. Some airlines that operate flights to Quimper–Cornouaille airport are United Airlines, Airlink (SAA), Spirit Airlines, Air Tahiti, and Royal Air Maroc. Go to this page to compare all flights to Quimper.

To reach the city of Quimper, travelers can choose from various airport transfer options available at Quimper–Cornouaille airport.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Quimper, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to Quimper–Cornouaille airport and Quimper below.

Find cheap flights to Quimper

Photo of Drone view of summer cityscape of Quimper ,France.

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Quimper, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in France. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Quimper, France, in July.

The cheapest one-way flight to Quimper costs around 72 EUR and is offered by the airline Chalair. The flight leaves on August 19 at 2 and departs from Kerry airport in County Kerry, Ireland.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Quimper cost approximately 171 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on March 13 and the return flight is scheduled on March 14. The flight time is around 1 hour per way.

The return flight is operated by Paris Orly.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to France and the city of Quimper from your city of departure.

Popular flights to Quimper

Travelers visiting Quimper in France can fly to Quimper–Cornouaille airport directly from 162 destinations worldwide.

The three most popular routes to Quimper–Cornouaille airport and the city of Quimper in France depart from Quimper–Cornouaille airport in Quimper, France, Kigali International airport in Kigali, Rwanda, and Douglas–Charles airport in Saint Joseph Parish, Dominica.

Travelers can fly to France by choosing from from 1 weekly flight(s) from Quimper; from 1 weekly flight(s) from Kigali; and from 3 weekly flight(s) from Saint Joseph Parish.

The airline that operates most flights to France is Kenya Airways. Kenya Airways offers 3 scheduled flight routes to France.

Discover the most popular flights to Quimper below. Click to view flights to Quimper, France from destinations all across the globe.

Where to stay in Quimper

Photo of Quimper in Brittany, old public theater Quimper, France.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Quimper is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in Quimper usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Quimper offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Quimper and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Quimper planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in France can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Quimper. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Quimper.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Quimper in the next sections.

Popular types of accommodation in Quimper

While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Quimper provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Quimper. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

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Search for accommodation in Quimper

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Quimper on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Quimper that match the information provided.

Car rental in Quimper

Photo of Beautiful half-timbered buildings in medieval town of Quimper,France.

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Quimper. Quimper has 4 car rental companies ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Quimper start from 34.47 EUR per day or 241.31 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Peugeot 3008.

If you prefer driving a manual car, you’ll find multiple options for rent in Quimper, starting from 29.29 EUR per day or 205.01 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Toyota Aygo X.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Quimper, France, below.

Popular types of car rental in Quimper

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Quimper to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Quimper can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore France at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Quimper is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Quimper is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Quimper.

Check out all options available in Quimper and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in France below.

Search for car rental in Quimper

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Quimper. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Quimper, France, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Transportation in Quimper

Quimper, a charming city in Brittany, France, has a variety of transportation options which make navigating the city and its surroundings quite convenient.

One of the most popular means of transportation is the QUB bus network, which operates throughout the city and its suburbs, providing a cost-effective way to explore Quimper. For more flexibility, taxis, which are readily available, offer a convenient option. The city's railway station, Gare de Quimper, is a major hub for intercity trains and offers connections to Paris and other major French cities.

For those who prefer to drive, several car rental companies are available in the city, including international chains like Europcar and Hertz. Finally, for a unique local experience, consider renting a bike. Quimper is cyclist-friendly, with numerous bike paths and lanes throughout the city. This not only provides an enjoyable way to explore the city, but also a green and healthy transport option.

Popular destinations to visit after Quimper

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The city of Quimper is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in France. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that France has it all.

France is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in France that are as magical as the city of Quimper. The most popular travel destinations in France are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in France

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in France. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from Quimper

vacation-packages

A taste of France through a visit to Quimper can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Quimper to another remarkable destination in France.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the city of Quimper to other spectacular locations in France, jump to the last section of this travel guide.

Popular domestic flights from Quimper

Travelers in France can catch flights to domestic airports in Paris, and Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Domestic flights in France are operated by 1 airline: Chalair. There are around 2 scheduled flight routes operating to Quimper on a weekly basis.

From Quimper, travelers can book scheduled flights to 2 domestic destinations.

Search domestic flights from Quimper

Traveling to another city or region in France? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Quimper to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in France on the selected dates.

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