Saint-Simon is located in the Parc naturel régional des Causses du Quercy. The village brings together several themes that appeal to different interests when choosing a destination: hiking trails, religious architecture, archaeological finds, crafts and local food production. Its character therefore ranges from landscapes and outdoor activities to history and everyday culture.

Landscape and hiking trails

The Parc naturel régional des Causses du Quercy has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2017. Saint-Simon lies within the park; the designation applies to the park.

For hiking, the municipality lists three trails that pass through Saint-Simon and are managed by Grand Figeac. Hiking can therefore be considered a focus in its own right, alongside the village’s history.

Church, tower and local history

The Saint-Sigismond parish church belonged to Saint-Sauveur Abbey in Figeac; its portal arch is dated 1752. In the hamlet of Poutoy in Saint-Simon stands a 17th-century tower that was originally a fortified castle. Its original defensive features included a machicolation and a loophole. The church and tower offer different perspectives on the built heritage: ecclesiastical ties and a dated portal on the one hand, defensive architecture on the other.

The rock-shelter cave of Mas Viel leads from architectural history to archaeology. It was discovered in 1906; numerous flint tools and bones from many animal species were found there, including bison, deer and woolly rhinoceroses. In Mas del Vit, the communal bread oven is considered an important part of the local heritage. Communal bread-making is a historic tradition and complements the buildings with a perspective on everyday life in the past.

Crafts, cuisine and local produce

In Mas Viel, Poterie Kéwin Moret welcomes visitors to its pottery workshop. Stoneware is made there, mainly for everyday use. If you are interested in the workshop, arrange your visit in advance.

Yui Yoshinari runs Japanese cooking workshops in Brandouly in Saint-Simon. If you would like to take part, check the dates in advance. Ferme des Prés produces three varieties of cow’s-milk Tomme, adding a local product to the village’s culinary offering.

A book-sharing hut stands near the new cemetery. You can take books from it or leave your own; you can see which titles are available when you arrive.

Getting there and planning

Saint-Simon is about 20 kilometres from the A20 motorway at Exit 56. This distance provides a specific reference point for travelling by road. When choosing a destination, you can weigh your interests: hiking, architectural history, archaeological subjects or local crafts each offer a different focus.

Discover more destinations: Girac, Cassagnes, Latronquière, Puybrun, Marminiac, Lentillac-Du-Causse, Sérignac, Le Bastit

For the broader travel overview: Lot.