Hotel Gradlon 3*

In a great location right in the centre of Quimper, the Hotel Gradlon is close to the cathedral and museums and was named after a former Breton king whose daughter famously became a mermaid. This traditional 19th century coaching inn has individually personalised bedrooms and a comfortable bar lounge with an open fireplace. Breakfast is served until late each morning and in summer you can choose to eat in the bright conservatory or on the garden terrace.

Medieval Quimper is the cultural heart of Brittany as well as the oldest Breton city so it is no surprise that it is best known for it annual summer festival that celebrates its heritage to the full. Steeped in history and legend and with a reputation for fine Faïence pottery, it has a lovely atmospheric old town with quaint cobbled streets named after ancient job titles, and beautiful half timbered houses. The Place au Beurre with its enticing pavement cafes is a great place to try a local crêpe, and flower-lined bridges across the river all add to the overall charm. There are a couple of good museums worth a visit - the Musée des Beaux Arts and the Pottery museum- and the Gothic cathedral is pretty impressive too.

Bénodet and many other seaside resorts are a short drive.