Faience, three centuries of painting
Since 1690, Quimper has hand-painted bowls, plates and pitchers. The Henriot-Quimper workshop, in Locmaria, keeps alive the little blue-and-yellow Breton figure that has become an icon. The Faience Museum, open from April to October, tells this singular story through more than two thousand pieces. A date at the workshop, followed by coffee served in a signed bowl, is a Breton attention that never fails to raise a smile.
Fine Arts Museum and strolls
Facing the cathedral, the Fine Arts Museum notably holds works by the Pont-Aven school, Max Jacob and 19th-century Breton painters. After the visit, the Retraite Garden, a hidden oasis a few steps away, can be discovered together: centennial magnolias, banana trees, rose garden. End the walk with a drink on Place Saint-Corentin, when the light turns the cathedral golden.
Market hall and treats
The Saint-François market halls, in the city centre, offer the produce of Cornouaille every morning: kouign-amann, far breton, salted-butter caramels, Guilvinec langoustines and Plougastel artichokes. You put a picnic basket together, heading for Mont Frugy. On Lyad, people from Quimper share their favourite stalls; it is up to you to find someone to fill the basket with.
Date ideas
- Quimper faience
- Faience Museum
- Fine Arts Museum
- Henriot-Quimper workshop
- Kouign-amann
- Market Hall
- Place Saint-Corentin
