Brittany's Bays, Quimper France
March 7, 2025 - by Muriel Dassen
Brittany, or Bretagne in French, is located in the Northwestern part of France. Its name traces back to the Celtic people, the Britons, who inhabited modern-day Britain and parts of France during ancient times. Following the decline of the Roman Empire many Britons from Great Britain migrated to France: seeking refuge they crossed the English Channel and settled in this Northwestern region of France, which eventually became known as Brittany.
Their arrival influenced the culture, language, and thus even the name of the region, but Brittany did developed its own distinct identity over the centuries. Today, Brittany stands as a vibrant region with a rich history. Ánd some nice landscapes to discover during nice motorcycle rides.
Of course you can download the GPX / ITN files and full e-books of the 3 rides we have in this tour via our roadtrip planner but you can already find the info in this blogpost.
With it’s rugged coastline, picturesque villages and rich cultural heritage it is a breathtaking region. In this Brittany’s Bay motorcycle tour we are exploring the more Southwest part and the rides are all about those rugged coastlines. The cultural heritage and picturesque villages are more represented in the second motorcycle tour we have in Brittany, the Pearl of Brittany motorcycle tour in the North part of Brittany with St Malo as its central point. Of course we will link that playlist in this video as soon as possible!
But for now: What to do in Quimper!
The name Kemper in Breton means confluence, meeting point. An ideal name for the city of art and history, and ancient knowledge and modernity. It’s also the place where 3 rivers meet and described as a surprising city!
Quimper is nestled along the Odet River, the biggest of the 3, and is known for its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets and lively markets. The town is actually divided in three distinct parts: Locmaria, La Ville Episcoale, and La Ville des Ducs.
Locmaria
Our journey begins in the Locmaria district, the oldest part of the town, where the Eglise Notre Dame stands tall, a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It dates back to the 11th century and they say the intricate details inside will leave you in awe.
Now, if you're into craftsmanship, you can head over to Faïencerie Henriot. You can witness the magic of traditional Breton pottery being crafted by skilled artisans. It's a vibrant blend of art and history and Quimper faience has been painted by hand since 1708!
They do so called workshop tours and if you are interested visit this link with the opening times.
La Ville Episcopale
Moving on to the second part of Quimper, La Ville Episcopale, literally the Bischop’s City, and it is no wonder that this is the area around the old but magnificent Cathedrale Saint Corentin cathedral. This part of the historic centre was completely surrounded by city walls and you can still find beautiful pieces of this today.
This cathedrale itself is described as a Gothic gem and a testament to centuries of history and architectural brilliance. So let’s take a moment to soak in its spiritual aura.
For a deep dive into Breton culture, you can make your way to the Musée departemental Breton, also in this part of Quimper. This museum is a treasure of artifacts and exhibits, giving you a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region. Their website is only in French.
If you are an art enthusiasts, this Musée des beaux arts is your haven. From classical to contemporary, this museum showcases an impressive collection that will captivate your senses. This musée has a website in English.
Also if you are not that into museums, Quimper has enough to offer. Take a stroll to this picturesque Place de beurre for instance: the Butter Square.
It is formerly known as the place au Ruches (Hive Square) and then place au Beurre-de-Pot (Butter Pot Square), this is where winter butter was sold –in stoneware pots with extra salt to keep it fresh for longer. Nowadays this square is not just a feast for the eyes but also a hub of lively cafes and local vibe and it could equally well be called Creperie Square, as their terraces fill most of the square! Perfect for a relaxing break!
At the Place de Beurre you can see a typical 17th century wooden house facade, consisting of straight poles with the overhang reduced to a minimum and the side walls built of stone to limit the risk of spreading in the event of a fire.
And this specific house on the corner of the Place du Beurre and Rue du Lycée is one of the smallest wooden houses in Quimper. Single-storey with a gabled timber facade on the street side and a stone facade on the square, which is actually an ancient adjoining wall, a testament to the expansion of the square over the years.
La Ville des Ducs
The Place terre au Duc is the heartbeat of the city, surrounded by historical buildings and a vibrant atmosphere. We think the perfect ending to our Rides journey here in Quimper.
Recommended hotels:
Booking.com Fabulous 8.6
With free – not covered - private parking
With bar
Coffee/Teamaker on rooms
In Locmaria, 15 to 20 minute walk into city centre of Quimper
Best Western Plus Hotel Kregenn
Booking.com Very good 8.5
With private – not covered - parking – fee applicable and mention you need private parking when booking
With bar
Coffee/Teamaker on rooms
In city centre Quimper
Booking.com Very good 8.2
With on site – not covered – private parking, fee applicable and reservation needed
With bar
10 minute walk into city centre Quimper
Terres de France – Appart’Hotel Quimper Bretagne
Booking.com Good 7.9
With onsite private – not covered – parking, fee applicable and reservation needed
5 minute walk into city centre Quimper
Booking.com Very good 8.2
With – not covered – free private parking
With bar and restaurant
25 minute walk into Locmaria, 40 minute walk into city centre Quimper
Booking.com Good 7.4
With – not covered – free private parking
30 minute walk into Locmaria, 40 minute walk into city centre Quimper
Ride 1
Our starting point in this Brittany’s Bays motorcycle tour is the charming town of Quimper, right in the heart of Brittany and with its medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere the perfect launchpad for our adventure here. As we head North/Northwest from Quimper in this ride of a bit over 215 km / some 134 miles we are going to explore the Western part of the Parc naturel régional d'Armorique on the Crozon peninsula, which is the second nature park to be created in France in 1969. We have planned stops to enjoy the views and of course lunch and a drink.
Our first stop is the majestic Menez Hom, a panoramic viewpoint offering a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding landscapes. A perfect spot to take in the beauty of Brittany's rugged terrain. Fun fact: Menez Hom is not just a great viewpoint; it's also steeped in history, with ancient megaliths scattered across the landscape: monuments consisting of one or more large stones, often with the function of a shrine or burial monument. So, if you want be sure to explore the area and soak in the rich cultural heritage.
Our next stop in this ride 1 of Brittany’s Bays motorcycle tour is the Pointe des Espagnols, a coastal gem. Nestled along the shoreline, this spot offers a different but equally breathtaking view than the Menez Hom. The crashing waves and the rugged cliffs create a picture-perfect scene. And did you know? The Pointe des Espagnols got its name from the Spanish soldiers who landed here during the 16th century.
The tower between the parking and the viewpoints was built under Napoleon on the heights of the Pointe des Espagnols to reinforce the defence of the Pointe in the event of an attack from land. These towers, where the soldiers lived, complemented the coast batteries, which were firing points for the enemy fleets. They consisted of three levels as you can see on the information board: in the basement, storage for gunpowder and small equipment, on the ground floor, accommodation for the soldiers and the first floor, an observation platform designed to accommodate 2 cannons.
So you can get amazing views and learn some history here at the Pointe des Espagnols!
After the thrilling ride so far it's time to refuel ourselves. We added a stop for lunch in the picturesque Camaret-sur-Mer at the Quai. Pro tip: Don't miss out on the local seafood specialties! Camaret-sur-Mer is known for its delicious oysters and seafood platters. So if you are a seafood fan a perfect way to recharge for the rest of our journey. And if you would like to stretch your legs for a bit before or after lunch, you can walk up to Le Cimetière de Bateaux, giving the harbour an even more characterful look.
In the meantime we have left the Parc naturel régional d'Armorique ánd the coast line. But we’re not done yet, and last but not least, our last stop before we are really heading back to Quimper is the enchanting village of Locronan. This well-preserved medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's the ideal place to stretch our legs and immerse ourselves in history.
In the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, Locronan amassed wealth through the manufacture of sailcloth. After Louis XIV ended the Breton monopoly on this, the town fell into decline, but today the legacy of several Renaissance buildings still attracts large numbers of visitors. The city belongs to the very private clubs of "petites cités de caractères" and "les plus beaux villages”. To protect the authenticity of the historic centre, cars stay outside the centre, so we let’s walk into town.
If you take this nice walk you will also be able to notice the lack of power lines, antennas and traffic lights, the reason why Locronan's charming streets have been featured in several films, making it a popular destination for both history buffs and movie enthusiasts.
And there you have it as we are back in Quimper– an unforgettable ride through Brittany's Bays. From the panoramic viewpoints to the charming villages, we've experienced it all.
Ride 2
Today we're embarking on our second thrilling ride Brittany's Bays Motorcycle Tour, heading west of our central point Quimper for again a bit over 215 km / 134 miles. And this ride will live up to the tour's name: plenty of Bays to discover in this ride.
Our first stop on today's journey is the picturesque town of Concarneau: famous for its historic walled city, the Ville Close. It is described as a jewel of a fortified town in one of Brittany's most beautiful bays. So this charming spot is perfect for a coffee break and a short walk during our Brittany’s Bays motorcycle tour. The blend of old-world charm and maritime beauty makes Concarneau a must-visit on our route and it’s really nice to enjoy a coffee break here. But it's time to hit the road again.
After passing some more of Brittany’s Bays our journey continues as we ride towards Audienne for a possible lunch stop. Whether you fancy seafood or traditional Breton cuisine, Audienne has something to satisfy every rider's appetite.
But I said possible lunch stop. Because if the weather is in your favour as it is in our favour today, we have a special treat planned – a picnic with a view!
At this spectacular nearly 80-metre-high La Pointe du Raz! This rugged headland offers stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy your picnic.
La Pointe du Raz is a headland that juts out into the Atlantic at the tip of Cap Sizun. The view of the sharp rocks and pounding waves is breathtaking. Behind the Phare de la Vieille, you can see the flat, treeless Ile de Sein - 1.5 metres above sea level and with some 260 residents - and beyond it the Ar Men lighthouse.
Before we rev up our engines for the last leg of our ride, we're making a last little pitstop in Douarnenez. Douarnenez was France's main sardine port with a fleet of nearly 1,000 boats, but today it is not only a fishing port, but also a tourist resort.
We have added a parking here at Le Port-Musée, the most maritime museum in France located in an old cannery on the Port-Rhu in Douarnenez. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the maritime history of the region. If you are interested, you can visit the website of the museum here. Or you can settle for a drink at the bar just opposite the museum.
Of course our ride ends again in Quimper, the central point of our tour.
Ride 3
Today, we're taking you on a fantastic journey going North Quimper as the third and final ride in our Brittany's Bay Motorcycle Tour, covering about 240 km / 150 miles riding the more East part of the beautiful Parc naturel régional d'Armorique as we did the West part in ride 1 of this tour. On this ride, we'll explore some breathtaking landscapes, winding roads, and charming stops for food and drinks. We are ready for what should be a scenic route with nice riding.
Although we are not in the Parc naturel yet, that was already some pretty nice riding. Our first stop is in Gourin to grab a coffee and stretch your legs to get ready for the next leg of this journey. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, making it an ideal stop for motorcyclists after those views and winding roads. Gourin is known for its connection to Breton culture and should offer a variety of small cafes to relax and enjoy the local ambiance.
As we head more north, we just officially entered the Parc naturel régional d'Armorique and the landscapes become even more captivating. From now on the biggest part of the rest of the ride should be taking us through lush forests and rolling hills offering a diverse range of scenery, from dense woodland to open moorland. And the winding roads offer plenty of twists and turns to keep us entertained. We will keep an eye out for breathtaking views and make sure to take some photos along the way.
We added this Place Aristide Briand in the charming town of Huelgoat in the heart of the park as we are sure you will find a place to park your bike and a place to have some lunch here.
The town is renowned for the mystical forest surrounding it, which is filled with massive boulders, hidden caves, and serene walking paths.
If you are in for a true stretch of the legs you can head towards the Moulin du Chaos, this a cascade created by the mill dam, take a right just behind it on the Rue de la Roche Tremblante and take a right into the forest track for a 5 to 10 minute walk to get to the Roche Tremblante or Trembling Rock: a famous boulder that you can supposedly move with just a gentle push. And there is this simple but nice creperie next to it.
After that we are very ready to explore the parc on our motorbikes again. Let’s go!
We already knew from riding in this same parc in ride 1, but is sure offers some really nice motorbike riding! And we still have the South part of the parc to explore after our last stop here in Sizun if you want. Sizun is another charming small town in the Finistère department of Brittany and we added a stop here on the Place de L’Arogoat just next to this Enclos paroissial including the church of Saint-Suliau. But we’re just here for a quick drink at Café du Centre.
QUIMPER
Wow what a way to end our Brittany's Bay Motorcycle Tour with that ride 3. We really enjoyed this ride and hope you will enjoy the ride and the amazing stops along the way as well as you can go on this tour yourself as a self-guided motorcycle tour.
Go on your own QUAZY RIDE
You can download the GPX / ITN files of the rides and the full e-books via our roadtrip planner and then we hope you will enjoy the rides you will be doing in this Quazy Rides Brittany's Bays tour and your stay in Quimper.
If you are posting on social media, don't forget to tag Quazy Rides or use the #QuazyRides, because we LOVE to see you having fun with our rides.
