Simeyrols in the Beautiful Perigord Noir

The tranquil village of Simeyrols is situated in the heart of the beautiful Périgord Noir region of the Dordogne, midway between the market town of Souillac in the Lot and the fantastic mediaeval town of Sarlat with its cobbled streets and lively bars and restaurants. This area, in the “golden triangle” of the Dordogne, offers a huge range of activities for the holidaymaker and lover of French country life. Peace and quiet in an idyllic rural haven, bustling market towns nearby, places of scenic and historic interest, sporting activities and, above all, the wonderful cuisine, made with fresh local produce, for which France is renowned.

The name “Simeyrols” comes from the word “cime”, meaning hilltop and the village is surrounded by undulating woodland and fields, many of which have marked walking routes through beautiful countryside. Only 2 km away, the picturesque village of Carlux has a choice of three restaurants and a bar, with shady terrace, butcher’s, baker’s and post office.

Many of the departments of France are named after the main river that runs through them and the Dordogne is no exception. Simeyrols is 5 minutes’ drive from the Dordogne River at Rouffillac, with opportunities for swimming, canoeing and fishing or simply watching the river flow by. The disused railway, which extends for 30 km from Cazoulès to Sarlat, has been converted to a scenic cycle path which runs alongside the river at this point.

No visit to France would be complete without a visit to a market and Simeyrols is in close proximity to many of them, both large and small. The Saturday morning market in Sarlat is a must, but smaller markets are to be found on almost every day of the week in the surrounding towns and villages. Salignac, just up the road from Simeyrols, holds an evening market on Fridays in high season, with tables available to sit and taste a wide range of local food and drink. (Try an aperitif made from local walnuts, peaches or chestnuts. Sample some pâté de foie gras or delicious “magret de canard” (breast of duck)

Simeyrols is also close to several beautiful gardens -Cadiot, Manoir d’Eyrignac, (offering picnics with musical accompaniment) and Marqueyssac, (with candlelit walks in high season).

If you have an interest in history, you might want to visit one of the many castles in the area (Beynac, home to Richard the Lionheart, Milandes, where the opera singer Josephine Baker lived, Castelnaud, with its mediaeval museum). The famous cave paintings at Lascaux or the prehistoric site of La Roque St. Christophe, with nearly half a mile of caves over 5 galleries also provide interesting days out.

Keen golfers will not be disappointed with The Souillac Country Club, or the Domaine de Rochebois at Vitrac and the more adventurous sporting types might even opt for a hot air balloon ride.

Hopefully this short guide will provide some idea of what awaits you in Simeyrols and the beautiful Périgord Noir. Come and find out for yourself!

Written by Lynne Smith - Owner of Property 88887 in Simeyrols, France