L'ORIENT, FRANCE

Set in a beautiful ring of hills and dales, Quimper seems to be a gem of the Middle Ages. Legend says that in the 6th century, the devil seduced King Gradlon’s daughter, Dahud, to get the golden key of the sluices, which protected the town of Ys from the ocean.

Set in a beautiful ring of hills and dales, Quimper seems to be a gem of the Middle Ages. Legend says that in the 6th century, the devil seduced King Gradlon’s daughter, Dahud, to get the golden key of the sluices, which protected the town of Ys from the ocean. After a tidal wave had swallowed up the town, King Gradlon founded Quimper, which became the new capital of Cornouaille. During our guided walking tour of the historical centre, we will better understand why Quimper (Kemper in Breton) is said to be the cultural capital of Brittany. The pedestrian precinct is a delight to look at, in view of the numerous old half-timbered houses we can admire here. Of course we will not miss visiting the real heart of the city: St. Corentin’s Cathedral, which was constructed over a period of seven centuries. The evocating names of the medieval alleys testify to the important commercial activity of the last centuries, when each trade association used to have its own street. Fortunately for us this know-how remains, and our only difficulty will be that of choosing amongst the regional products during our free time. If we did not know it yet, we will quickly realise that hand-painted earthenware of Quimper is famous worldwide. Please note that this tour involves approximately 1½ hours of compulsory walking during the tour and 1½ hours of walking during the free time.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES