QUIMPER

Breton Kemper town, capital of Finistre dpartement, Bretagne region, France, and a port at the estuarine confluence of the Odet and Steir rivers. Once the ancient capital of the countship Cornouaille, it is associated with the legendary (5th century) king Gradlon, who came from Cornwall in Britain. The countship was united with the duchy of Brittany in the 11th century; but the town suffered in local wars of succession and, in 1344, was sacked by Charles de Blois. After the defeat of Charles at Auray (1364), the duchy passed to the House of Montfort. The city's Gothic cathedral (13th16th centuries) was named for the first bishop, St. Corentin of the 5th century. There are two museums, one of fine art, the other conserving local Breton tradition. At the Great Festival of Cornouaille held each July all the costumes of Bretagne are displayed. Quimper, a commercial town and tourist centre, is known for its pottery, a faience that has been produced there since the 17th century. There are also some metal, dairying, clothing, and paper industries. Pop. (1982) 52,335.