HI - Quimper Hostel

Location

From the train station, you can pick up the QUB #9 direction Kerlagatu. Take it to the Pont l'Abbé bus stop. From here continue on foot two blocks along Avenue des Oiseaux. Just past a roundabout the hostel will be on your left and is an unmistakable salmon-colored building.

Amenities

The dorm rooms have the normal multiple-bunk setup found in many hostels. Be aware that there are no locks on the room doors, only to the main hostel entrance. The showers are very nice. Breakfast is available from 8-9, and is not included in the price, but it is not very expensive, either. The kitchen is accessible 24 hours a day and has decent gas burners for cooking, although it is a bit short on utensils. Internet access can be found nearby at various internet cafés.

Atmosphere

The hostel can be very quiet in the off-season, even in the final weeks leading up to France's normal summer break in July and August. The surrounding streets and nearby quais are very charming, although you may occasionally spot a few tougher-looking folks on them.

Attractions

Along with Brest, Quimper is one of the westernmost cities in Brittany and is located in a rather hilly region, which provides much of this region's charm. Within the town, you can visit the aforementioned quais, the Cathedrale St-Corentin (in quite a bit of scaffolding as of June 2007), and Mt. Frugy. To the west, the village of Locronan is highly recommended, as is the wild coastline view of the Pointe du Raz, France's version of Land's End. To the north lie the beautiful views from Ménez-Hom and the imposing calvary of Pleyben. To the east, the enclosed village at Concarneau (also pictured) is worth a trip, but the must-see location along this route is Pont-Aven (also pictured), once home to many impressionist painters and still just as inspiring today.

Price

Rates at the Auberge de Jeunesse Quimper are kept at a competitive price with other types of accommodations in Quimper, making it an affordable option, especially for the solo traveler.

Overall Value

If you're interested in exploring the western tip of Brittany, this hostel is a definitely a good value because the attractions can take you in any direction from here!

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review