Saint-Simon: Cultural Heritage and Craftsmanship in the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park

Landscape and getting there

Saint-Simon is located in the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park, which has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2017. This designation gives the village a clear landscape setting. At the same time, its local points of interest are diverse, ranging from church and military architecture to crafts, local produce and archaeological finds. When travelling by car, the A20 is a useful reference point: Saint-Simon is about 20 kilometres from Exit 56.

Church, fortified building and local history

The parish church of Saint-Sigismond belonged to Saint-Sauveur Abbey in Figeac; its portal arch is dated 1752. This brings together two historical perspectives in a single building: its former connection to the abbey and a precisely dated architectural feature. Visitors interested in local history will find both institutional history and a specific architectural detail here.

In the hamlet of Poutoy in Saint-Simon stands a 17th-century tower. Originally, it was a fortified castle with a breteche and a loophole. A breteche is a defensive architectural feature, while a loophole is an opening designed for that purpose. Unlike the parish church, the focus here is not on a connection to the abbey but on the building's fortified form.

The communal bread oven in Mas del Vit is also considered an important part of the local heritage. Communal bread-making is part of the village's history and complements its sacred and military architectural heritage with a historical link to everyday life.

Archaeological traces and crafts

The rock-shelter cave of Mas Viel opens a window onto a different period. Discovered in 1906, it yielded numerous flint tools and bones from many animals, including bison, deer and woolly rhinoceroses. The finds bring tools together with bones from a diverse range of animal life. For visitors interested in history, the site therefore adds archaeological traces beyond the visible buildings to the picture.

The dates mentioned refer to different things: the tower dates from the 17th century, the portal is dated 1752, and 1906 marks the discovery of the cave.

Also in Mas Viel, the Poterie Kéwin Moret welcomes visitors to its pottery workshop. Stoneware is made there, primarily into everyday objects. If you plan to visit the workshop, please check the visiting arrangements in advance.

Food and small everyday places

Yui Yoshinari holds Japanese cooking workshops in Brandouly. As availability may change, please ask about current dates in advance. The Ferme des Prés produces three varieties of cow's milk Tomme cheese. For food enthusiasts, these offer two different local points of interest: a Japanese cooking workshop and a specifically named local product.

Near the new cemetery is a book hut where you can take books or leave some. Check what is available when you arrive. Its open take-and-leave principle makes this small spot a practical everyday amenity in the village.

Discover more destinations: Bio, Saint-Cirgues, Grézels, Le Roc, Carnac-Rouffiac, Cremps, Espedaillac, Puy-L'evéque

For the broader travel overview: Lot.