Quimper faience

Quimper has been a centre of the pottery industry for over 300 years, and the beautifully crafted ceramic pieces (known as faience) produced in the city are internationally recognized as being of the finest quality. There are many mass produced imitations, but every item of genuine Quimper faience is hand-painted and individually signed by the creator before firing, making it an extremely collectable item. Vases, plates, bowls, cups, jugs and a wide variety of ornaments are produced, each one decorated with a highly distinctive design.

Predominant colours used in these designs are blue, green, yellow and orange, and while flowers and birds sometimes feature, it is the work displaying Breton figures in traditional dress that is most closely associated with Quimper faience.

The oldest name in Quimper faience is HB Henriot, a company who still produce traditional styles and offer guided tours of their factory. For more contemporary designs, the Faiencerie d’Art Breton (founded in 1994) might be more to your taste. Prices vary considerably according to the piece, but there are also good quality seconds available in a shop near the factories.

Fashion

Quality ladies’ clothing, particularly that with a traditional Breton nautical flavour, is extremely easy to come by in stores all over Brittany. What’s more, you’ll find that a lot of these creations are very reasonably priced.

Two of the region’s leading manufacturers are Armor Lux and Mat de Misaine. Both are leading international brands with a fine reputation. The same is true of Petit Bateau, another local brand that tends to specialize much more in children’s wear.