If you’re dreaming of a holiday but you don’t want to battle with the crowds, it’ll pay to visit the places less travelled. Rather than heading to Paris along with millions of other people, there’s a perfect French city that has all the beauty and none of the tourists.
According to travel experts at Iglu Cruise, this city is full of authentic shops, world-class art and gorgeous views. This charming city is Quimper, nestled in the heart of Brittany. Visitors to Quimper can wander through the city, admiring the houses lining the Odet River before stopping into one of its many cafes for a traditional crêpes or a local cider.
The Old Town is a must-see, and is home to Place Terre au Duc – one of the largest squares in the city. It’s full of shops, cafes and incredible medieval architecture. It also lies alongside the picturesque Steir River, which runs from the Odet.
For history lovers, there’s the Saint-Corentin Cathedral, a gorgeous Gothic cathedral that rises above the city. It’s free to visit, and well worth exploring due to its incredible architecture and beautiful art inside.
For even more art, the Musée des Beaux-Arts or Fine Arts Museum is unmissable. From local Breton artists throughout the ages to Spanish and Italian works, this museum is home to plenty of incredible works.
The museum is closed on Mondays, however, so make sure you time your visit right.
Quimper is also famous for its pottery, and many places offer workshops where you can learn how to make the traditional faience (glazed) pottery. Locmaria, a suburb just outside the city, is famous for its pottery making so it makes for a great day trip. You can walk to Locmaria in just 20 minutes from the city.
The city is also a culinary hidden gem, with Michelin-starred restaurant Allium and the Michelin Guide-recommended Sao.