Quimper is a commune and capital of the Finistère department of Brittany in northwestern France. The name Quimper comes from the Breton kemper, meaning “confluent”.
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Region | Brittany |
| Department | Finistère |
| Mayor (2020–2026) | Isabelle Assih |
| Area1 | 84.45 km2 (32.61 sq mi) |
| Population (2017-01-01) | 62,985 |
| Density | 750/km2 (1,900/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
Geography
The city was built on the confluence of the Steir, Odet and Jet rivers
Breton language
The municipality launched a linguistic plan through Ya d’ar brezhoneg on 6 February 2008, to revive the teaching and use of Breton, the historic Celtic language of the region.
Education
Quimper has several schools. These include two Diwan pre-schools, two Diwan primary schools and one Diwan collège (all specialise in use of Breton).
Local points of interest
- Quimper Cathedral. This cathedral has a remarkable bend in its middle.
- churches (Locmaria, Saint-Mathieu, Kerfeunteun, Ergue-Armel…)
- an old town centre with mediaeval fortifications and houses
- Musée des Beaux-Arts (near the cathedral)
- Cornouaille Festival: traditional dance (last week of July)
- Faience museum
- Statue of Gradlon looking in the direction of Ys at Quimper Cathedral
Winter Festival
Most French festivals are held in the summer season, but Quimper has a Winter Festival: Les Hivernautes. In the summer, you can also find concerts on street corners, with pipers and accordion players.
Transport
The network consists of seven urban bus routes and 16 suburban bus routes. During the summer months of July and August, an additional “beach” bus route is open to service.
Quimper–Cornouaille Airport has flights to Paris and London City.
