What to do in Quimperlé A guide to activities and places to discover!
Quimperlé, between river charm and heritage
Discover this emblematic town in South Finistère, whose Breton name “Kemperle” means “confluence of the Ellé”.
Where three rivers meet: the Ellé, the Isole and the Laïta, Quimperlé is one of the links in the memory of the Brittany region.
Just 15 kilometers from Le Kergariou campsite, this historic little town bears witness to its port and trading past. From the lower town to the upper town, today’s cobbled streets, staircases, bridges and footbridges allow you to discover its heritage, including a number of historic monuments.
As of 2019, Quimperlé Communauté is now a Pays d’Art et d’Histoire.
What to do in Quimperlé
Hiking in the Quimperlé area
If there’s one destination that’s a must for hiking enthusiasts, it’s the Quimperlé region.
Over 1300 km of signposted circuits in Southern Brittany. Voted France’s favorite GR (Grande Randonnée) in 2018, the GR34, also known as the Sentiers des Douaniers, takes you around Brittany’s coastline. As you follow this trail, you’ll come face to face with the wild, unmissable landscapes of South Finistère, between coves, white sandy beaches and rocky coasts.
For experienced hikers or Sunday enthusiasts, there are all kinds of trails and walks to choose from, ranging from 4 to 20 km loops. Inland, in the forest or along the rivers, it’s also an opportunity to discover the diversity of the local flora and fauna. This “Pays d’Art et d’Histoire” territory will delight you with its chapels, mills, pine ovens and megalithic sites.
We invite you to visit this site to discover the range of walks available in the Quimperlé area: http: //www.rando-quimperle-terreoceane.com/.
You can also download the “Rando Bretagne Sud” application.
Cultural walks in the Quimperlé area
Quimperlé naturally offers a rich cultural heritage through its architecture and history.
An ideal starting point, you’re sure to come across some beautiful stone mansions and timber-framed houses that bear witness to the town’s religious history and port activity.
Quimperlé, which has been awarded the “Villes fleuris” label, will also delight lovers of biodiversity, thanks in particular to its magnificent medieval flower bridge and its many green spaces.
Last but not least, exceptional sites such as the Sainte-Croix abbey, Notre-Dame church and the Ursulines chapel will make you want to visit this town that deserves all your attention.
Discover the seaside
There are no less than 5 Blue Flag beaches in the Quimperlé area.
A guarantee of environmental quality and easy access for the whole family.
In addition, Bellangenêt beach in Clohars-Carnoët has an access system and launching facilities for people with reduced mobility.
For lovers of calmer beaches, there are numerous coves waiting to be explored, notably along the famous GR34.
A true paradise setting, the crystal-clear waters, white pebbles and fine sand beaches will charm you after just a few minutes’ walk.
For sports enthusiasts and lovers of water sports, we invite you to visit the Kerfany beach in Moëlan-sur-mer or the Kérou beach in Clohars-Carnoët.
You can discover or practice your favorite water sports: surfing, paddling, kayaking, canoeing and more.
Don’t hesitate to ask at the Tourist Office for the schedule of activities.
Last but not least, the coastline of south Finistère is home to a wide variety of marine life, whether you’re a Sunday fisherman or a more experienced angler.
Shrimps, crabs, periwinkles, spider crabs, curlers, mussels, oysters, clams or cockles, there’s something for everyone. All you have to do is find the perfect spot.
What to see in Quimperlé
The Presidial
In 1683, the Présidial was built in the lower town of Quimperlé. At the time, it housed a court, the seat of the municipality and a strolling trade. Today, all that remains is the staircase with its superb original balusters. It is one of the few historic buildings with a judicial vocation.
It is now a place dedicated to artistic creation and cultural meditation. So it’s not unusual to find workshops, lectures and even performances.
The Archers’ house
Contrary to popular belief, the Maison des Archers did not house archers.
In fact, its name is said to come from the name of the street formerly known as Saint-Sébastien.
This saint would then be depicted with his body pierced by arrows, hence the name “Maison des Archers”.
This mid-16thᵉ century house bears witness to Quimperlé’s urban wealth.
Later, it became the property of 3 generations of notaries, the Gourhaels.
Today, it belongs to the town of Quimperlé, which hosts exhibitions.
Holy Cross Abbey
The Sainte-Croix de Quimperlé Abbey, a listed historic monument, is a must-see site for your vacation in the Finistère department.
This superb 11th-century architectural achievement is one of the finest Romanesque churches in the region. The imposing, majestic rotunda is divided in two by pillars. The monks’ choir is built over the crypt, accessible by 3 steps.
Outside, the cloister is opened by arcades. All in all, a true feat of Romanesque art.
Medieval bridge at Quimperlé
Whether you call it “Le pont médiéval” or “Le pont fleuri”, this bridge dates back to the 1250s, when Quimperlé’s defensive system was built.
At the time, this was the only access to the town from the east, across the Ellé river. It was defended by two towers, but this did not prevent Henri IV’s troops from entering and pillaging the town in 1590.
The bridge now offers a superb view of the river and the bell tower of Saint Croix Abbey. It’s also a place of inspiration for many painters.
The ruins of Saint-Colomban church
Also listed as a “Monument Historique”, the ruins of Saint-Colomban church date back to the Xᵉ or XIᵉ century, as we can see from its Romanesque façade.
It was during the XIIIᵉ century that a Gothic church was then built here, which unfortunately fell into ruin at the beginning of the XIXᵉ century. However, a fragment of the choir wall and the base of 3 columns can still be seen.
This rich historical heritage of the Quimperlé region, located in the lower town, is now home to a parking area and a cinema.
What to see around Quimperlé
The Devil’s Rocks
The site of a well-known legend, this is where the battle took place between the Devil and Saint-Guénolé to take over the land.
According to legend, certain rocks were the living quarters of Saint-Guénolé before his battle with the devil. The devil is said to have left him a hidden treasure when he left on the path that winds along the Ellé river.
For the more down-to-earth, it’s also the ideal place for a stroll on a sunny day. For the more sporty, it’s here that top-level kayaking competitions are held!
The City of the Painters | Pont-Aven
You’ll be familiar with the name of this small town of character, with its artistic life, the charm of its streets, but also the calm and gentleness of the river Aven.
Pont-Aven, a city of painters in the XIXᵉ century, has seen great names such as Paul Sérusier and Paul Gauguin pass through its streets.
Now, it’s also the perfect place for a family stroll, notably along the pretty Promenade Xavier Grall or to discover the many windmills.
Of course, you’ll end your day by dropping into one of Pont-Aven’s famous galette stores.
Manoir de Kernault | Mellac
Located in Mellac, near Quimperlé, Manoir de Kernault is a must-see site and historic monument for your vacation in South Finistère.
The manor house dates back to the XVᵉ century and is set in a magnificent 32-hectare estate, offering a wooded setting for discovering the animals present who ensure the shearing: Ouessant sheep, Scottish cows, Breton draught horses… A venue for exhibitions, workshops, entertainment and shows, this residence lives to the rhythm of the seasons.
The Glenan Archipelago | Fouesnant
Have you ever imagined yourself in the Seychelles? Transparent waters and white sandy beaches are the perfect image to describe the seven islets that make up the Glénan archipelago.
A lazy day in the sun, departing from Concarneau on the Odet boats, you’ll enjoy all the activities on offer: water sports, discovery of the marine environment, restaurant, sunbathing.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the sublime “Narcisse des Glénan”, the archipelago’s emblematic, protected flower.
Sentier du Pouldu
A small part of the GR34 “sentier des douaniers” (customs path), it passes through Le Pouldu, offering breathtaking scenery.
Along this coastal path you’ll also discover beaches and small coves, inviting you to explore the rocky cliffs.
A veritable source of inspiration for artists, the panoramic sea views will enchant you with their palette of colors, and of course you’ll be able to hear the gentle sound of the sea.
This coastal path will be your source of energy for your family vacation.
A typical day in Quimperlé
Whether you’re an early riser or a late riser, your vacation day begins at Flower Camping Le Kergariou, in a mobile home or on a camping pitch, depending on your choice.
This campsite in Brittany offers an idyllic setting for a calm and relaxing vacation, thanks to services such as an indoor heated swimming pool, children’s facilities and family entertainment.
So start your day with an activity for the kids, or a morning swim.
Then it’s back to your rental accommodation with terrace, or your caravan on its spacious pitch, to think about the day’s program. And why not start with a visit to Quimperlé’s historic town center, to learn more about the heritage of this charming city that the Bretons love so much.
When it’s time to eat, we recommend you book a table at the crêperie Saint-Maurice, which not only offers a superb menu, but also a magnificent view of the Laïta. Alternatively, we recommend the restaurant Le 3 mâts, with its sumptuous view over the port of Doëlan.
Afterwards, you can venture into the forest of the Abbaye Saint-Maurice, where breathtaking views await you. For lovers of “old stones”, you can even take the opportunity to visit Saint-Maurice Abbey to learn more about its history.
In the late afternoon, you can head to Le Pouldu to enjoy the coastal path, the beaches and the Breton vacation atmosphere. And for the more sporty, it’s an opportunity to try your hand at water sports.
Finally, you have two choices. The first is to spend the evening at the campsite, enjoying the family-friendly entertainment on offer. It’s also a good time to socialize with other holidaymakers and make some great vacation memories.
Or take part in one of the many festive activities on offer in the Quimperlé area.
You’ll find the program at the reception desk of your campsite, or at the Tourist Office.