# Quimper

> commune in Finistère, France

**Wikidata**: [Q342](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q342)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quimper)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/quimper

## Summary
Quimper is a commune in the Finistère department of Brittany, France, known for its rich cultural heritage, historic cathedral, and vibrant Breton traditions. It serves as a key administrative and cultural center in western Brittany, with a population exceeding 60,000 residents. The city is also recognized for its role in Breton music and festivals, including the annual Festival de Cornouaille.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune of France
- **Location**: Finistère department, Brittany, France
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 47.995833333333, Longitude -4.0977777777778
- **Population (approximate)**: 63,532 (varies by year)
- **Historic Province**: Cornouaille
- **Arrondissement**: Quimper
- **Cantons (current)**: Quimper-1, Quimper-2 (established March 22, 2015); formerly Quimper-3 (until March 2015)
- **Founded**: Municipality established post-1789; historical roots trace back centuries
- **Notable Institutions**:
  - Quimper Cathedral (inception: 1239)
  - Musée des Beaux-Arts de Quimper (established: 1864)
  - Bagad Kemper (established: October 1949)
  - Festival de Cornouaille (established: 1923)
- **Community**: Quimper Bretagne Occidentale (established: January 1, 2017)
- **Diocese**: Roman Catholic Diocese of Quimper-Léon (established: January 1, 1801)
- **Air Transport**: Quimper – Cornouaille Airport
- **Aliases**: Montagne-sur-Odet
- **Official Websites**: [https://www.quimper.bzh/](https://www.quimper.bzh/), [https://www.kemper.bzh/](https://www.kemper.bzh/)

## FAQs
**What is Quimper known for?**  
Quimper is known for its deep ties to Breton culture, including traditional festivals like the Festival de Cornouaille, its historic cathedral, and its role as a center for Breton music, particularly through groups like Bagad Kemper.

**Where is Quimper located?**  
Quimper is located in the Finistère department of Brittany, in northwestern France. It lies within the historic province of Cornouaille and serves as the seat of the arrondissement of Quimper.

**What are the administrative divisions associated with Quimper?**  
Quimper is part of the arrondissement of Quimper and currently falls under two cantons established in 2015: Quimper-1 and Quimper-2. It was previously divided into Quimper-3 until March 2015.

**What cultural institutions are based in Quimper?**  
Key institutions include Quimper Cathedral (founded 1239), Musée des Beaux-Arts de Quimper (established 1864), and the Festival de Cornouaille (established 1923). The city is also home to the Bagad Kemper, a prominent Breton pipe band formed in 1949.

**What is the population of Quimper?**  
The population of Quimper has varied over time, with recent figures ranging from approximately 62,000 to 66,000 residents.

**What is the significance of Quimper in Breton culture?**  
Quimper is a cultural hub in Brittany, hosting major Breton festivals and being home to cultural institutions like the Festival de Cornouaille and Bagad Kemper. It plays a central role in preserving and promoting Breton identity.

**What is the Roman Catholic Diocese of Quimper-Léon?**  
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Quimper-Léon is a Latin Rite diocese of the Catholic Church, established on January 1, 1801, and headquartered in Quimper.

**What is the Quimper – Cornouaille Airport?**  
Quimper – Cornouaille Airport is a local airport serving the commune and surrounding region, facilitating regional air travel.

## Why It Matters
Quimper holds significant cultural and historical importance in Brittany, serving as a focal point for Breton identity through its festivals, religious heritage, and musical traditions. The city’s institutions, such as the Festival de Cornouaille and Bagad Kemper, play a vital role in preserving and promoting regional culture. As an administrative center, Quimper also contributes to the governance and development of the Finistère department. Its blend of history, culture, and community makes it a key locale in understanding the broader cultural landscape of Brittany.

## Notable For
- Hosting the annual Festival de Cornouaille, a major cultural event in Brittany since 1923
- Being home to Quimper Cathedral, a historic structure dating to 1239
- Serving as the headquarters of Bagad Kemper, a renowned Breton pipe band formed in 1949
- Housing the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Quimper, established in 1864
- Being the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Quimper-Léon since 1801
- Acting as the administrative center of the arrondissement of Quimper
- Being part of the historic province of Cornouaille
- Having a vibrant community under the Quimper Bretagne Occidentale urban community (since 2017)
- Hosting Quimper – Cornouaille Airport, supporting regional connectivity
- Being known by the alias Montagne-sur-Odet

## Body

### Geography and Location
Quimper is located in the Finistère department of the Brittany region in northwestern France. It lies within the historic province of Cornouaille, one of the traditional provinces of Brittany. The city's coordinates are approximately latitude 47.995833333333 and longitude -4.0977777777778. It serves as the seat of the arrondissement of Quimper and is a central hub in the region.

### Administrative Structure
Quimper is a commune of France, part of the country's municipal structure established after 1789. It is currently divided into two cantons: Quimper-1 and Quimper-2, both established on March 22, 2015. Prior to this, it included the canton of Quimper-3, which was dissolved in March 2015. The city also belongs to the larger Quimper Bretagne Occidentale communauté d'agglomération, formed on January 1, 2017.

### Cultural Institutions and Heritage
Quimper is home to several notable cultural institutions:
- **Quimper Cathedral**, established in 1239, is a historic religious site and architectural landmark.
- **Musée des Beaux-Arts de Quimper**, founded in 1864, showcases regional and national art.
- **Festival de Cornouaille**, established in 1923, is one of the oldest and most significant Breton cultural festivals.
- **Bagad Kemper**, formed in October 1949, is a celebrated Breton pipe band that plays a key role in regional music traditions.

### Religious and Community Presence
The **Roman Catholic Diocese of Quimper-Léon**, established on January 1, 1801, governs the religious affairs of the area. The diocese is part of the broader Latin Rite of the Catholic Church and plays a central role in the spiritual life of the region.

### Transportation and Infrastructure
Quimper is served by the **Quimper – Cornouaille Airport**, which facilitates regional air travel. The city also maintains official websites at [quimper.bzh](https://www.quimper.bzh/) and [kemper.bzh](https://www.kemper.bzh/), promoting its cultural and administrative presence.

### Demographics and Population
Quimper's population has varied over time, with recent estimates ranging from approximately 62,000 to over 66,000 residents. The city's population data reflects its role as a significant urban center in western France.

### Historical and Regional Identity
Quimper is deeply rooted in Breton culture, particularly through its festivals, music, and religious institutions. As part of the historic province of Cornouaille, it maintains strong ties to regional traditions and identity. The city's cultural and historical institutions continue to play a role in preserving and promoting Breton heritage.

## References

1. French National Directory of Representatives
2. BnF authorities
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
5. INSEE code
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
9. MusicBrainz
10. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
11. Populations légales 2016
12. Populations légales 2017
13. Populations légales 2018
14. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
15. Populations légales 2019
16. Populations légales 2020
17. Populations légales 2021
18. Populations de référence 2022
19. Populations de référence 2023
20. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
21. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
22. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=28471)
23. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
24. [Source](https://www.habitants.fr/quimper)
25. GeoNames
26. [Source](http://vocab.getty.edu/tgn/7008262)
27. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
28. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
29. Quora
30. YouTube API
31. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
32. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/records/760b2d8a-05fe-4824-bffa-189ac52d2cc0)
33. CollectieGelderland