Cathédrale St-Corentin


At the centre of the city rises Quimper's dramatic Gothic cathedral, with its distinctive dip in the middle where it was built to conform to the land. It is said to symbolise Christ's inclined head as he was dying on the cross. Construction began in 1239, but the cathedral's imposing twin spires weren't added until the 19th century. High on the west façade, look out for an equestrian statue of King Gradlon, the city's mythical 5th-century founder.

The building is also notable for its nave, which is in a different line to the rest of the church. A fire in the early-17th century saw the bell tower go up in a conflagration and a green devil was spotted by some amid the flames.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Musée Départemental Breton

0.03 MILES

Beside the Cathédrale St-Corentin, recessed behind a magnificent stone courtyard, this superb museum over several floors showcases Breton history,…

2. Musée des Beaux-Arts

0.05 MILES

The ground-floor rooms of the town's main art museum are home to 16th- to 20th-century European paintings, and upper levels include a room dedicated to…

3. Église St-Ronan

8.62 MILES

At the core of Locronan, this beautiful and very sacred church dates from the 15th century. It contains the tomb of St Ronan, as well as a green wooden…

4. Musée Municipal d'Art et d'Histoire

8.62 MILES

Situated next to the small town hall (off the main square near the church), this museum is largely dedicated to the history of the linen industry. It…

5. Plage des Sables Blancs

11.13 MILES

This lovely stretch of sand is around 1.5km northwest of town. There are lifeguards on duty in summer.

6. Château de Keriolet

11.77 MILES

This impressive building is an exquisite example of 19th-century architecture. Its intriguing Russian connections are revealed during a guided tour …

7. Musée de la Pêche

12.15 MILES

This excellent museum, just inside the main western gate of the Ville Close, delves into Concarneau's seafaring traditions using everything from archive…

8. Ville Close (Walled City)

12.22 MILES

This special walled town, fortified in the 14th century and modified by the architect Vauban two centuries later, sits on a small island linked to place…