Quimper 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Quimper: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Vieux Quimper (Old Town)

Wandering the semi-pedestrianised streets of timber-framed houses on Rue Kéréon and Rue du Rayon. Half-timbered facades with carved corbels.

🕐 Public streets, accessible 24/7

Free entry

💡 Go early—before 10am the streets are empty. Look for the tiny alleyways (venelles) leading to hidden courtyards off Rue du Chapeau-Rouge.

Hotels near Vieux Quimper (Old Town) →
Afternoon
Cathédrale Saint-Corentin

Medieval Gothic cathedral with twin spires and vivid stained glass. The nave leans slightly due to its 13th-century foundations.

🕐 Daily 9:30am–12pm, 1:30pm–6pm

Free entry

💡 Go on a clear morning around 10am—the sun hits the west rose window and projects colours onto the stone floor. Entry via the south door.

Hotels near Cathédrale Saint-Corentin →
Evening
Where to eat

Bistrot du Stade · ££

Le Commerce · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Quimper

Morning
Marché de Quimper (Place Saint-Corentin)

Saturday morning market spilling from the cathedral square into adjacent streets. Local produce, crêpes, and fabrics.

🕐 Saturdays 8am–1pm

💡 Arrive by 9am to avoid the crush. Grab a crêpe from the stall near the fountain (€3.50)—better made and cheaper than the tourist spots.

Midday
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Quimper

Fine arts museum with strong collection of Pont-Aven school painters (Gauguin, Bernard, Sérusier). Free on first Sunday of each month.

🕐 Tue–Sun 9:30am–12pm, 2pm–6pm

💡 Check for temporary exhibitions in the basement gallery—usually free with the permanent collection. Skip the audioguide; wall texts are clear.

Evening
Dining tonight

Les Korrigans

Saint-Andrew's

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Jardin de la Retraite

Terraced public garden set on a hill, with views over the city rooftops and the Odet river. Well-kept flower beds and a small pond.

💡 Bring a picnic and sit on the bench near the top—sunset shows the cathedral spires in silhouette. Free loo at the cafe by the entrance.

Final meal

Café Le Finistère

Bar-Tabac Le Quetzal

Getting Around Quimper

QUB Tram From 1.60 3 min

Buy a single ticket from the machine at the stop—coins only. The tram runs on the main boulevard, but the hotel is a 2-minute walk from Kergariou. It’s faster than walking, but you’ll pass the cathedral, so consider on foot to soak it in.

Ouibus / FlixBus From 10 55 min

Buses stop right outside arrivals. Buy tickets on the app for the best price—last-minute fares can double. The drop-off is a 10-minute walk to the hotel.

TER Bretagne From 3.50 5 min

If arriving by TGV from Paris, hop on the local TER from the same station. The hotel is a 5-minute walk uphill—take the lift at the station exit to avoid the hill.

Taxi Quimper From 70 50 min

Pre-book via their website to guarantee a fixed fare. The drive is scenic via the N165, but avoid Friday evening traffic when locals head home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Quimper?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Vieux Quimper (Old Town) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Quimper?

See our full best time to visit Quimper guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include B&B Hôtel, Première Classe, Le Derby. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.