Quimper & Finistère

Quimper (63,000 inhabitants) is the cultural capital of Brittany — a city that passionately preserves its Celtic heritage. The name comes from the Breton "kemper" (confluence), as the rivers Odet and Steir meet here. The old town with its half-timbered houses from the 15th–17th centuries, flower-decorated pedestrian bridges, and cobbled streets is one of the best-preserved in Brittany.

The Cathédrale Saint-Corentin (13th–15th centuries) dominates the city with its 76 m high twin towers — a masterpiece of Breton Gothic. Peculiarity: The nave bends in the middle (you can see it when looking from the entrance to the altar). The stained glass windows from the 15th century glow in indescribable colors.

Faïence de Quimper — hand-painted faience ceramics have been made in Quimper since 1690, famous for their Breton motifs (peasant figures, flowers, coats of arms). The HB-Henriot manufactory offers tours (€6, 45 min.) and a factory outlet — plates from €25, bowls from €40. Authentic craftsmanship, not tourist kitsch.

The Musée Départemental Breton in the former bishop's palace next to the cathedral displays Breton costumes, furniture, archaeological finds, and the region's history from prehistory to today. Especially the collection of Breton headdresses (coiffes) is fascinating — each community had its own form.

Festival de Cornouaille (end of July, 4 days) — the largest Celtic festival in Brittany. Over 200 artists, Festnoz (Breton dance festivals), Bagadoù (Breton pipe bands), Celtic music from Brittany, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Day ticket from €12.

Finistère — the End of the World

Finistère (Breton: Penn-ar-Bed) means "end of the earth" — and that's exactly how it feels. The westernmost tip of mainland France, where the Atlantic crashes against the cliffs.

Pointe du Raz — France's westernmost point (apart from islands): a narrow rocky promontory that juts 70 m above the roaring sea into the Atlantic. An apocalyptic spectacle during storms. View of the Île de Sein and the Phare de la Vieille lighthouse. Parking €7, otherwise free.

Locronan — one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France": a perfectly preserved Breton village of granite (500 inhabitants), almost unchanged since the 16th century. The village square served as a film set for Polanski's "Tess" (1979).

Concarneau — a fishing town with a walled old town on an island in the harbor (Ville Close). Today cafés and galleries, but the fishing port is the third largest in France — watch the fish landing at 6 am.