The House of Caryatids

The House of the Caryatids

The Quimper audio-guided tour presents you with the House of the Caryatids, one of the finest half-timbered houses of the city, famous for its sculpted figures.

An exceptional half-timbered house

Quimper has no fewer than seventy-three preserved half-timbered houses, of all sizes and all colours. Among the most famous is the House of the Caryatids. At the time of its construction in the sixteenth century, the dwelling was part of the some two hundred and three cabarets and taverns of the city; today, a restaurant occupies it. Its fame is due to the figures sculpted in granite, on either side of the entrance door, which gave it its name. Who do they represent? The mystery remains, several hypotheses having been advanced, which adds to the charm of this remarkable witness of the heritage of Quimper.

What there is to see

The House of the Caryatids charms with its half-timbered façade and its figures sculpted in granite, enigmatic and characteristic. Amid the many old houses of Quimper, it stands out by its refinement and its mystery. It is a picturesque stop, to be admired by looking up at its curious sculptures.

Practical information

The House of the Caryatids is in Old Quimper. Its façade can be contemplated freely from the street; it houses a restaurant, open according to its own hours.

Why is it called the House of the Caryatids?

Because of the figures sculpted in granite, on either side of its entrance door, whose identity remains mysterious.

From when does the House of the Caryatids date?

From the sixteenth century; it was then part of the many cabarets and taverns of Quimper.