Discover Clairac: Abbey history and paths along the Lot

Clairac reveals itself through its religious architectural history and the paths along the Lot. If you are looking for a hotel in Clairac, you can plan your trip around whether you want to visit historic sites, go hiking or spend time by the river.

Abbey, education and historic houses

The Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens is a Benedictine abbey church dating from the 12th century. It became a parish church in the 17th century and was listed as a Monument historique in 1996. Its history thus connects its time as an abbey church with its later role in the community.

The Maison des Dames de la Foy was founded by royal endowment in a Protestant-influenced setting when the Edict of Nantes was revoked. Until the French Revolution, the institution taught girls reading, writing and religious duties. Together with Clairac Abbey and the adjoining church, the Maison forms a religious ensemble. A plaque on Place Viçoze commemorates tolerance; check the plaque’s condition and visibility on site.

The half-timbered house at 2 rue Broustet is currently used as a museum. Check access arrangements before visiting. The house has a brick base and two stories of brick and timber with a chevron pattern. Mullioned wooden windows and a projecting timber gallery are also part of its architecture.

The historic Font'Grand fountain and a washhouse are located on rue Gambetta. The reservoir, spanned by a ribbed vault, dates from the 16th century; the washhouse was renovated in the 1990s. A regional tradition is also linked to the abbey: the origin of Pruneau d’Agen is associated with monks from Clairac in the 13th century. They are said to have grafted local plum trees with Damascus plum trees brought from Syria.

Walking and cycling routes along the Lot

Clairac lies on a variant of the GR®654-Est Way of St James, which connects Bergerac with Montréal-du-Gers. Check the waymarks before setting out. Circular Route No. 121 leads to the banks of the Lot and then through some of Clairac’s historic streets. The walking route, which partly passes through the town, is 5 km long; the walking time is about 1 hour 40 minutes, with a cumulative ascent of 60 metres. Before hiking, also check local trail conditions.

For a different kind of outing, consider the Circuit Pont de Roussanes–Clairac: this easy road cycling route is 12.5 km long and has 55 metres of ascent. While an approximate walking time is given for Circular Route No. 121, the cycling route is described by its distance and ascent. Route details may change; check them before setting out. VTC hybrid bikes and e-bikes are available to rent at the Point Information Touristique de la Halle, which also offers cycling routes. Check in advance whether a reservation is required.

Time by the river and guided tours

There is a beach on the banks of the Lot in Clairac. Seasonal swimming is scheduled from 1 July to 31 August; check swimming arrangements before your trip. For kayaking, KAYAKOMAT offers self-service rentals on the Lot. As availability may change, check it before making plans.

Guided tours have different schedules: “Visite de Clairac entre Guyenne et Gascogne” starts at 10 a.m. on Thursdays at the Halle de Clairac and lasts 1 hour 15 minutes. “Clairac et les bords du Lot” starts at 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays at the same location and also lasts 1 hour 15 minutes. Dates and availability may change; confirm the details before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Castelmoron-Sur-Lot, Saint-Eutrope-De-Born, Tournon-D'agenais, Marmont-Pachas, Seyches, Montpezat, Varès, Allemans-du-Dropt.

Go to the main travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.