Towns in Cornwall
Discover Cornwall’s towns and their history
Concarneau (11 km)
A major port city and seaside resort, Concarneau and its remarkable Old Town are among the finest gems of Cornouaille. Concarneau was fortified in the 14th century, becoming Brittany’s fourth-largest stronghold.
The ramparts were rebuilt in the 15th century, and the city became a royal seat following the marriage of Anne of Brittany to the King of France.
Vauban made significant modifications to the fortifications, giving the Ville Close the appearance it still has today, with the exception of the belfry, which was built in the early 20th century.
Quimper (15 km)
The historic capital of Cornouaille, Quimper is a magnificent medieval town situated at the confluence of the Steïr and Odet rivers. Home to a stunning cathedral, it has been famous for its earthenware for three hundred years. Quimper’s old quarters, with their cobblestone streets, immediately evoke the medieval period. Beautiful half-timbered and corbelled houses line the main streets and squares.
Take Rue du Guéodet, where you’ll notice the Maison des Cariatides (16th century), as well as Rue Kéréon, which offers a beautiful view of Saint-Corentin Cathedral. Magnificently crafted and displaying an unmistakable Gothic style, its construction spanned from the 13th century—with the consecration of the choir in 1287—to the 19th century, with the addition of the two spires (1854–1856) that crown the 15th-century towers.
Pont-Aven (22 km)
Nestled along a gentle, sun-drenched river, Pont-Aven charmed Gauguin and his friends. The town, also famous for its renowned galettes, continues to attract artists. Pont-Aven, a renowned town, with fourteen mills and fifteen houses.
As early as the early Middle Ages, Pont-Aven enjoyed a certain degree of fame and prosperity thanks to the establishment of numerous mills along the Aven River. Beautiful granite houses began to spring up in the town center, and quays were built to facilitate trade at the port. This magnificent site was discovered in the 1860s by American painters who settled there, staying at Julia Guillou’s Hôtel des Voyageurs.
Locronan (36 km)
A charming small town, Locronan is built entirely of stone. Its houses, with their beautifully laid granite walls—a testament to its former prosperity—now serve as the backdrop for numerous films as well as for many artisans.
The ramparts were rebuilt in the 15th century, and the city became a royal seat following the marriage of Anne of Brittany to the King of France.
Vauban made significant alterations to the fortifications, giving the Ville Close the appearance it still has today, with the exception of the belfry, which was built in the early 20th century.
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