Strolling in Quimperlé
Discover the historical town of Quimperlé, coiled in the confluence of three rivers : the river Ellé, Isole and Laïta.
Let yourself be charmed by the rich history of this town of character thanks to its many historic monuments, from the upper-town to the lower-town and from the Middle Ages to the end of the century.
Discover splendid buildings from the Frémeur hospital, last medieval hospital in the west in Présidial, to the old Court of Justice dated 1683, not forgetting the prestigious Sainte-Croix Abbey (Abbey of the Holy Cross). Its circular shape and its crypt, the latter being amongst the most beautiful ones in Brittany, make it an inescapable stopover !
Every year, many of Quimperlé’s historical buildings, such as the Ursulines Chapel or the Archers’ House (which contrary to popular belief did not shelter archers) host temporary exhibitions.
Quimperlé, ville fleurie "3 fleurs"
All year round, Quimperlé’s green areas change with the seasons to the inhabitants and tourists’ great delight. They contribute to making the visits of the historic heritage even more pleasant and colourful.
L’abbatiale Sainte-Croix (Classified as Historical Monument)
The Abbey of the Holy Cross was built in the 11th century. Its cross-like and circular shapes are of particular interest.
When the bell tower collapsed on the 21 March 1862, part of the church went with it. The choir of monks, jewel of the Romanesque art and the crypt, one of the most beautiful in Brittany have remained undamaged. The church houses rich furniture, a Holy Sepulchre (dated around 1500) and an Altarpiece dating from the Renaissance (1541).
The monastic buildings and the cloister are now part of the Gendarmerie.
The indoor market
Quimperlé’s indoor market was built in 1887 in the heart of Quimperlé’s historical centre by the Moreau brothers, Parisian builders, at the same time as the Eiffel Tower. An exact replica of this building was built in 2002 in the same location. Fishermen, butchers and greengrocers use the premises today.
The Flowery Bridge (Listed on the historical Monuments inventory)
Previously called « Pen-Pont-Ellé », this bridge straddles the river Ellé which stands as the traditional boarder with the diocese of Vannes. It used to give access to one of the three gates of the fortified town. Dating from the medieval era, it has kept its donkey’s back-like shape, its powerful spurs and two of its six gothic arches.
The ruins of Saint-Colomban's church (Classified as Historical Monument)
The Romanesque doorway probably dates back to the 10th century or beginning of the 11th century. Above it is a beautiful flamboyant window between two canopied alcoves. A fragment of the choir wall showing the basis of three columns with sculpted corbels dated 14th century can be seen in the courtyard next to the cinema. The gothic hall church which used to stretch as far as the river fell into ruins at the beginning of the 19th century.
The Présidial (Listed on the Historical Monuments inventory)
The Présidial is an ancient judicial tribunal dated 1683 with its carved oak stairway still standing. It is used today for exhibition purposes, artistic creations and cultural outreach.
Private hotels (From the 16th to the 19th century)
Beautiful dwellings were built on both sides of Brémond d'Ars main street by reputable architects originating from Lorient for the benefit of town officials, Army and Marine officers. These private hotels have big gardens leading to the rivers Isole and Ellé. Their location can be explained by the close proximity of the political, administrative and judicial authorities.
The Archers House (Classified as Historical Monument)
The Archers House which dates from the middle of the 16th century is located in Dom Morice paved street in surroundings of beautiful architecture dating from the 15th to the 17th century. Next to the Archers House is an old shop with a stall made of stone and likely to be Quimperlé’s oldest house. The Archers House hosts exhibitions for the town of Quimperlé.
Notre-Dame de l'Assomption's Church (Our Lady of the Assumption's Church - Classified as Historical Monument)
Perched on the hill of Saint-Michel it dominates the whole of Quimperlé. This gothic church was built in two parts. In 1373 part of the church was left in ruins by Du Guesclin. The nave and the choir (especially the beautiful north facing porch) which respectively date from the 13th and the 15th centuries were rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century in a flamboyant gothic style. The church keeps the oldest dated sculpted beams in Brittany (1430) and rich statuary.
The Ursulines Chapel (Listed on the Historical Monuments inventory)
This Jesuit with a baroque style chapel which was part of a convent dating 17th century possesses a magnificent roof gilded with gold leaves. The Chapel hosts exhibitions for the town of Quimperlé. Do not miss the panoramic view of Quimperlé accessible via the Bel Air park.
The Frémeur Hospital and Saint-Eutrope's Chapel (Classified as Historical Monuments)
This exceptional Breton monument is the last medieval hospital of the West. A farmhouse and a chapel dating from the 14th century make up this building. The name “Frémeur” originates from the Breton word “frout-meur” which means big stream. Only the outside can be visited.
It is also an ideal spot to set off on a stroll along the quays of the river Laïta or along the GR34 or the route of Saint James of Compostella.
A different kind of visit
Visit Quimperlé on board a canoe-kayak.
