Whilst strolling through the lower town of Quimperlé, the number 4 on Place Hervo catches the eye. This is where Les Folles Farandoles is nestled – a unique establishment that combines a herbalist’s shop, a craft shop, a tea room and a restaurant serving home-made lunch.
Conceived and run by Carole and Barbara, a mother-daughter duo with complementary backgrounds — herbalism and traditional Chinese medicine for one, patisserie and Japanese culture for the other — this venue offers a clean, well-kept and particularly peaceful setting. The interior immediately captivates with its floral-inspired décor and carefully chosen wall colours, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere.
A shop combining herbalism and tea rituals
As soon as you enter, the front part of the shop features a bright and well-organised retail area. Here, Carole’s expertise shines through in her personalised advice and products selected for their mildness:
- Herbal remedies and teas: Behind the counter stand magnificent 2-kg loose-leaf tea tins, offering organic teas from Japan and other parts of Asia, as well as teas grown in Brittany. In the herbal section, the shelves are stocked with medicinal and aromatic plants, bespoke blends, mother tinctures, essential oils and hydrosols.
- Crafts and wellness items: The space showcases creations from France and Japan: wind chimes, stationery, traditional items such as maneki-neko, plant-based scented candles, specialist books, and seasonal plants and seeds.
A variety of atmospheres: from the tatami corner to the waterside terrace
At the rear, the layout features several tasting areas, each with its own distinct character.
The Asian-inspired lounge and the ceremonial corner
Inside, comfortable tables invite you to settle down in peace. The centrepiece remains the Japanese-style area set on a raised platform. Dedicated to the way of tea, it is fitted with tatami mats, traditional seat cushions (zabuton) and a kotatsu (a heated low table that is particularly cosy in winter).
The terrace and its green gazebo
A large bay window opens onto a peaceful inner courtyard bordering the river. The outdoor terrace is sheltered beneath a wooden gazebo, along which a wisteria, a vine and a jasmine plant climb. This green setting and the murmur of the water below create an atmosphere perfect for relaxation on sunny days.
A craft menu: homemade pastries and seasonal lunches
All dishes are prepared on the premises on the day itself, using fresh, often local and organically grown produce.
The tea room and a taste of Japan
Barbara, who trained in traditional patisserie in Tokyo, offers a display of varied sweet treats:
- Classic pastries: Comforting recipes featuring seasonal fruit and buckwheat flour.
- Japanese Week: Once a month, Japanese Week invites you to discover pastry specialities from the Land of the Rising Sun for a unique culinary experience, alongside tea ceremony workshops. This is your chance to sample traditional wagashi (daifuku, anmitsu, nerikiri) made from red bean paste (anko) and glutinous rice.
- Drinks: These treats are accompanied by fine teas served from the large tins on the counter, soothing herbal infusions, local juices or matcha tea prepared to perfection.
The lunch menu
The kitchen prepares simple, fresh dishes: comforting soups, savoury vegetable tarts, seasonal snacks and, during Japanese-themed weeks, bowls of homemade ramen.
Practical information
Address: Les Folles Farandoles, 4 Place Hervo, 29300 Quimperlé
What’s on offer: Tea room, herbalist’s shop, craft shop, lunch service
Highlights: The indoor tatami area, the sheltered terrace by the river, and the monthly Japanese theme week with its pastries and workshops
