What a wonderful experience I had living in Quimper for almost six months! Quimper is a river port, established before Roman times at the confluence of two rivers. I was very fortunate to have access to an apartment in the centre of town, and therefore in walking distance of EVERYTHING. And I felt so safe walking around town, no matter what the time. Trains run to every location in and out of Brittany - the TGV takes hardly any time to go to Rennes, and only 4 hours to Paris. Cheap travel can be booked to Paris via the internet "last minute" bookings of SNCF, or "prems". Local, Emerald coast Breton train systems takes you just about everywhere. Buses to other towns are easily accessible and tickets can be booked even in a bar or a tabac near the bus stop!
Going to major shopping centres (les grands surfaces, or centres commerciaux) is easy too by bus. Get yourself a map from the bus company, then head down to the main squares in town. Most tickets to the suburbs cost only 0.95 Euros, and you can continue your trip with two hours of purchase. The cathedral, the museum, the art gallery are so richly fascinating! And even when walking around town - look up above the shopfronts to see historical buildings, and down to see ancient cobblestones throughout. The section of the old town still has ancient eleventh century mediaeval buildings still in daily use. Every turn reveals yet another fascinating photograph! The tourist bureau offers great support in information and conducted walking tours, often based on some aspect of the town's cultural history. I went on a guided tour of the city's stained glass windows and found out so much. Given the opportunity again I would LEAP at any chance to return to Quimper, and use it as a base to visit the culturally rich celtic Breton "coin" (corner) of France! Kenavo!