Quimper (Kemper in Breton) is the oldest city in France and is listed as a historic town. It is well worth a visit and is only 20 minutes drive from here. There are a myriad of medieval streets to explore and the best preserved are opposite the Cathedral. It lies at the confluence (Kemper) of the rivers Odet and Steir, with the Odet continuing downstream to meet the sea. You can easily spend a day here looking at the architecture and old timber framed houses, not too mention visiting the many boutique shops and when you need a rest why not sample some traditional cuisine in one of the many restaurants and cafes.
The 13th -15th century Cathedral St Corentin dominates the city and has recently been renovated. It has beautiful fretwork and stained glass windows and the Romanesque Nave and transept are lit by ten windows in the Gothic style.
Quimper has a covered market (les Halles) in the centre of the city that is open everyday except Sunday and there is also an outdoor market held on a Wednesday and a Saturday. There are several museums to visit, Musée Départemental Breton, Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée de la Faience and you can also take a tour around Faiencerie HB-Henriot and watch the traditional pottery still being hand painted.
Every year for one week in July (this year 23rd – 28th July) the Cornouaille festival a traditional Breton festival is held in Quimper. There are various stages built and everyday there are dancing displays and competitions, band competitions and concerts, workshops and expositions. On the last day there is a large procession of Breton dance groups and bands that winds it way through the streets of Quimper.