In Clairac, we have always played the role of rebel, whether it be royal authority or religion. And it is not only through its history that Clairac cultivates its difference, it is also the only village in our territory to be bordered by the dark waters of the Lot. But that doesn’t matter, since one of the city’s mottos is Lux Clareat, “Let the light shine”.
Step 1: Clairac with a C, like Charlemagne
The legendary foundation of Clairac is that Charlemagne defeated a Moorish army there. As the divine light lingered on the battlefield and highlighted the defeat of the Enemy, Charlemagne would have given the nearby abbey the name of “Clara Luce” which would have become Clairac. Of course, you don't have to believe me. Come on, head for the towpath and the banks of the Lot!
Step 2: The banks of the Olt
The Lot is truly a remarkable river. Although it has its source just 300 km from here, its winding course extends for nearly 400 km, forming tight meanders called cingles. The depth of its waters, due to the dams along its route, make its bottom impenetrable; from the towpath pontoon, it is a real mirror reflecting the natural and built heritage that borders it. Finally, in Occitan, this river was called “Olt”. As for why today it was Frenchified as “Lot”, try saying “l'Olt” several times at full speed.
Step 3: The Big Bottom
If there are many fountains in Clairac, none matches the beauty of the Font Grand. Restored at the beginning of the last century, it has retained a certain solemnity, highlighted by its vaulted basin and its classical facade. The whole is enhanced by a Latin inscription AND ANNI, AND UNDAE : the waters are rapid and the years even more so. So no question of hanging around, head to rue Puzoque via rue des Fossés.
Oh, wait! Just before leaving, take a look at the stairs on rue Esclopière right next to the fountain. I might as well tell you straight away, the answer is no. No, this is not the street of the cripples! If some see similarities with a slave, the clog maker in Occitan, the Clairacais readily called him the street Pissebach, because when it rains, the water goes down like a cow pissing. AND ANNI, AND UNDAE I tell you…
Step 4: Rue Puzoque and Impasse du Clocher
There are Puzoque streets in the South-West everywhere. Most often, however, they took the street name of the well. This street allows you to reach the dead end of the bell tower where there is a stone for shoeing horses. From there, the apse of the church appears with its large fortified tower from which navigation on the river was monitored. Of the Romanesque church, only the north side remains; the rest did not survive the Wars of Religion.
Step 5: The Montesquieu house… or not
Clairac has preserved many half-timbered houses. Among them, the magnificent house known as Montesquieu. The famous philosopher and writer married in 1715 a Protestant from Clairac, Jeanne de Lartigue. From there to saying that this house was actually his, there is a step to take as wide as the Lot. There once existed, attached to this house, a hotel in which Montesquieu and before him John Calvin, one of the most important theologians of the Reformation, actually stayed. A small, understandable exaggeration and after all, Gascony is just opposite on the other bank.
Step 6: The abbey and the Church of Saint Pierre Es Liens
If the Benedictine abbey of Clairac was one of the centers of the Reformation in France from the XNUMXth century, its history remains closely linked to the Lateran basilica in Rome. Henry IV had in fact decided to give the revenues of the Clairacaise abbey to the Roman chapter and since then, all French heads of state have held the title of honorary canon of Saint-Jean-de-Latran. But the monks of Clairac are especially famous for being the first to have cultivated the Damascus plum, the same one whose dried fruit is a concentrate of energy, as well as a formidable remedy against transit problems. Would you like a little prune again?
Step 7: the beach
After the effort, comfort with a little splash at Clairac beach. White sand, supervised swimming and bar restaurant welcome you to spend a good time relaxing.
