Quimper is the ancient capital of Cornouaille in western Brittany, named from the Breto…

Quimper is the ancient capital of Cornouaille in western Brittany, named from the Breton word kemper meaning “confluence” because it sits where three rivers meet. It was founded by Celts who crossed from Cornwall and Wales in the 5th and 6th centuries, and the region’s name Cornouaille comes directly from Cornwall. The city is famous for its hand-painted faience pottery, produced here since 1690, and for the Festival de Cornouaille every July, one of the biggest celebrations of Breton culture, language, music and costume in existence.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​