Lorient
The town prospered when the India trading company - "Compagnie des Indes" - moved here in the 17th century and developed into an important naval base, commercial and fishing port. Severely damaged during world war II, it retains an immense fishing port worth a visit. The old submarine base, originally built by the Germans, is now
deserted. The tourist office arranges daily visits. The city does have lively nightlife and some excellent restaurants.
Lorient plays host to an important Celtic music and dance festival which takes place the first fortnight of August. Uniting Celtic peoples from the British Isles, Spain and Brittany, the festival draws more than 4,500 artists and musicians every year. The festival is highly recommended, but with over 300,000 people attending, it can get
crowded.
Quimper
Stretching along the banks of the river Odet, Quimper is the ancient capital of la Cornouaille, the name given to this region by the ancient Celts who fled here from Cornwall. There are plenty of references to King Arthur and his knights too, as much part of folklore here as in Britain.
Much to see in Quimper is around the cathedral, with its distinctive twin spires, started in 1239. Next door is the Breton Museum, recently renovated, and the museum of Fine Arts is opposite.
Quimper’s particular fame is its pottery: the H.B. Henriot workshops, now run by an American couple. They can be visited (except at weekends) and there is, of course, a shop. Behind the workshops is the pottery museum, showing three and a half centuries of the art.
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