Saint-Simon

Visit Saint-Simon, Poitou-Charentes

The village of Saint-Simon is centrally situated between Cognac and Angouleme in the Charente department (Poitou-Charentes region) of France.

Spread out along the Charente river, Saint-Simon developed around the river itself and the related trades that carried out their business on the river, transporting salt, wood, paper, military equipment etc. The village had a thriving port until the 19th century, after which time the railways gained importance as the main transport system.

Exploring Saint-Simon

It is still the river that attracts visitors to Saint-Simon, although it is hard now to imagine that until 200 years ago it was a major port.

After taking a stroll along the river banks you can learn more of the important history of the Charente River and also Saint-Simon itself in the 18th century 'Maison des Gabariers'.

During the summer months it is possible to take a trip along the river on a traditional boat, known as a 'gabarre' - these were also constructed in the village during several centuries. A nice way to see the village, work areas and the surrounding countryside the trip takes about an hour and is open May to October. See Village Gabarrier for details.

Apart from the river and quais, other highlights include the centre of the village itself and the 12th century roman style Church of Saint-Sigismond.

In the region

Visit also the nearby hamlet of Juac to see the lock and the site of the traditional boat-building workshops.

Enthusiasts of roman architecture and churches will find several other examples near to saint-Simon in Charente, at Saint-Brice, Gimeux and Gensac-la-Pallue to the west of here and several others to the east (Trois-Palis, La Couronne, Roullet-Saint-Estephe and others).

Note: photo of Saint-Simon, Charente is copyright

See Poitou-Charentes and Charente (the region and department for Saint-Simon) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Saint-Simon, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Barbezieux 21km; Torsac 25km; Charmant 26km; Villebois-Lavalette 33km; Tusson 34km; Jonzac 36km; La Rochefoucauld 37km; Bayers 38km; Marthon 41km; Verteuil-sur-Charente 44km; Saintes 45km;

Saint-Simon tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Notre Dame (Trois-Palis) - religious monument (10km) : Eglise de Saint Cybard (Roullet-Saint-Estephe) - religious monument (12km) : Jardin du Chaigne - remarkable garden (13km) : Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (La Couronne) - religious monument (14km) : Eglise de Saint Martin (Gensac-la-Pallue) - religious monument (14km) : Eglise de Saint Michel (Saint-Michel) - religious monument (14km) : Abbaye Notre Dame de l'Assomption de Châtre (Saint-Brice) - religious monument (15km) : Cathédrale Saint Pierre (Angouleme) - religious monument (18km) :

See more places and a map at places near Saint-Simon