Quimper through parks and gardens...

Published on July 8, 2024 at 4:00 pm

As well as being a city of art and history, Cornwall's capital is also a "city in bloom".

In fact, Quimper always tops the rankings of France's most flower-filled towns. With this in mind, the city takes great care in the flowering of its pedestrian streets.

Take a look at the upkeep and beautification of the banks of the Odet, lined with flower boxes.

The town also boasts a number of remarkable gardens, so if you're looking for a breath of green in the city, follow us!

Flowerbed along Quimper's ramparts at the foot of the cathedral

Summary

👉The different parks and gardens in Quimper
👉Zoom on the Cornouaille Botanical Park
⭐Where to sleep near the Jardin de la Retraite in Quimper town centre?

👉The different parks and gardens in Quimper

The La Retraite acclimatisation garden: adjoining the ramparts of the old fortified town. The garden at La Retraite is an exotic park made up of three themed gardens. Its most remarkable collection is that of tropical plants. The palms and banana trees will transport you to sunny tropical lands! The garden has been open to the public since 1979.
The Théâtre Max Jacob garden: still in Quimper town centre, come and relax in this well-preserved green space. Created in 1904, it is famous for its beautiful and vast rose garden covering more than 600 m².
Le jardin du Prieuré de Locmaria: located near the river Odet and the priory in the heart of Quimper. This garden features a range of aromatic and medieval plants. They are displayed in the spirit of monastery gardens. It's a highly instructive garden, ideal for families.

The flower-filled, shady banks of the Odet in Quimper

👉Zoom on the Cornouaille Botanical Park

The wealth of plant species on display here is phenomenal. More than 3,000 types of plant are on display for you to marvel at!

As a result, the Cornouaille Botanic Park has been classified as an outstanding garden. Established in 1981, the park now covers more than 4 hectares.

This English-style garden offers a botanical journey from Chile to Costa Rica, via Japan!

If you can, come in spring, when the flowers explode in colour. The best time to visit is from the end of March to the end of April. While exploring the Cornouaille Botanical Park, take the opportunity to visit the Minerals Museum.

🕐 The Cornouaille Botanical Park is open every day from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm, it is located in Combrit south of Quimper. Please note that the garden closes in winter. Admission charge for children over 5.

The flower-filled quays of the Odet in Quimper

⭐Where to sleep near the Jardin de la Retraite in Quimper town centre?

Located near the Jardin de la Retraite, right in the centre of Quimper, welcome to the Hôtel Gradlon.

This 3-star hotel offers rooms for couples and families (2 adults and one child).

The hotel is in fact a former coaching inn that has been completely refurbished. Hotel Gradlon also has a pleasant communal area. You can relax by the fireplace or in the library, not forgetting the patio.

There is also a bar on site. A continental breakfast is served to hotel guests every morning.

There is also a private car park reserved for hotel guests.

Booking.com

Gradlon Hotel

Located in Quimper, a city renowned for its art and history, the Gradlon is a former coaching inn ideally situated a few steps from the cathedral, exclusive boutiques and museums.

7.5 Fine

From

£87 / night

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👉Practical information

🗓️ When to come and admire Quimper's flower gardens?

Quimper enjoys an oceanic climate. As such, you can plan a visit all year round.

However, the flowering season is at its peak in spring and summer.

In autumn, the town's parks and gardens take on warm hues alternating between golden yellow and orange...

Quimper flower garden

🚌How do I get to Quimper and South Finistère and get around town?

By road, several major trunk roads serve the Quimper conurbation. The N165 links Quimper to Brest and Lorient, and further afield to Nantes and Paris.

From Quimper, you can take the D765 to Douarnenez.

If you choose to travel by train, there are several SNCF connections from Paris. In fact, the journey from the capital takes just 3h30, most of it on a high-speed line.

The town is also connected to the capital by air. Quimper-Bretagne airport is to the west of the town.

Once you're in the heart of the city, you can get around on the Quimper Bretagne Occidentale bus network: QUB.

The city centre parks are within easy walking distance.

🅿️ Where can I park near Quimper's parks and gardens?

A number of car parks are available in Quimper town centre, providing easy access to the Retraite, Théâtre Max Jacob and Prieuré parks and the flower-filled quays of the Odet.

Note that most car parks charge for parking, but you can park for free for a limited time at the Steir car park in particular.

Free parking is available directly on site at the Parc de Cornouaille.

by Val HANCOCK | Editor

Val Hancock is an editor, writer and researcher. While she is currently based in Paris, she previously lived in London and Brussels. She holds a Masters degree in International Relations from King’s College London.

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