Small hamlet of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes located in the heart of the department of Cantal, Saint-Simon is located on the banks of the Jordanne, a few kilometers from Aurillac, not far from the Circus Mandailles, at the foot of Puy Mary.
Place of birth in the tenth century Gerbert d'Aurillac, Pope Sylvester II, Saint-Simon was called until the nineteenth century Saint-Simond. The village takes its name from Saint Sigismund, king of the Burgundians, and was formerly the property of the abbey of Aurillac.
The town has preserved a significant number of monuments and other architectural sites tracing its history over time. Its proximity to some of the most beautiful natural sites of Auvergne gives it a certain charm and make Saint-Simon an ideal place to explore this part of France.
Several castles take place on the territory of Saint-Simon, revealing the rich history of this Auvergne village. Listed as a historic monument for its roofs and facades, the castle of Clavières dates from the mid-seventeenth century. Former country residence, it presents the typical architecture of the Cantal bourgeois houses.
Today partly in ruins, the castle of the Force served originally of prison. Built in the fourteenth century, it still has the remains of a large tower.
Built in the 17th century, Labeau Castle is a classic-style mansion with a rectangular dwelling with a staircase tower.
Do not miss the Château d'Oyez, listed as a Historic Monument, for its 12th century motte and its 16th century dwelling. It also has a charming botanical garden.
Listed as a Historical Monument, Lalaubie Castle is unfortunately not visited. This turreted house built in the seventeenth century takes place in the village of Belliac, also partly registered with the Historical Monuments.
The Saint-Sigismond church has several elements classified as Historical Monuments such as 16th and 17th century bronze bells, Romanesque baptismal fonts made of volcanic rock from the Middle Ages, and a 17th century painting of Saint Sigismund.
The church of Saint-Simon, restored in the nineteenth century, presents the tower of Saint-Géraud twelfth century. The latter is an old Romanesque style stepping stone device tower.
While walking in the surroundings, do not miss to admire the Veyrine, the Réginie, the Sagne, or Mazic, former stately mansions, now private properties.
The village of Belliac, partly listed as a historic monument, hosted until the late eighteenth century a chapel at the invocation of Our Lady. On site, Puy Gerbert was probably an old castrum.
Around the town, you will also see the village of Boussac in the heart of the mountains, the former oppidum of Done or the commandery of Saint-Jean-de-Donne with its chapel.
