Claira is a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, in the Occitanie region, 12 km northeast of Perpignan.
Its territory of 19 km² belongs to the former province of Roussillon. It is crossed by the coastal river of Agly, the village having been established on its left bank.
Between the agglomeration of Perpignan and the beaches of the Mediterranean coast, a few kilometers to the east, the locality has retained a green character, mainly covered with crops and agricultural areas (88% of its area). It produces appellation wines (Rivesaltes in particular) and fruit and vegetables.
If the Via Domitia which linked Rome to the Iberian Peninsula in Antiquity crossed the territory, it was not until the year 1000 that a village developed around a feudal castle and protected by fortifications. In the 12th century, to the west of the town, the priory of Saint-Pierre-de-Vilar was established and in 1233, the Count of Roussillon granted some privileges (tax exemptions) to the inhabitants. A time detached from the kingdom of Aragon, Claira nevertheless remained a prosperous village until the 17th century, but from 1639 to 1659, the town was deserted on several occasions by the inhabitants who refused French annexation.
Nowadays, the town, which has just over 4,600 inhabitants, has retained a historic center of character. Its leisure offer a few minutes from Perpignan and the sea and its preserved environment justify a stopover...
In terms of heritage, the locality has retained some sites of interest. This is the case of its parish church of Saint-Vincent, once "supported" by the ramparts to the east of the village. Romanesque in base (11th century), the building was rebuilt in the 14th century (with the addition of interior chapels) and subsequently benefited from alterations. An original Romanesque window, semicircular, a gothic style enfeu (funerary niche) surmounted by a bas-relief are visible on the "south" wall. The steeple, raised in brick, is also in the Gothic style, although it has been restored. In addition to various altarpieces (dedicated for example to Saint Anthony of Padua, 18th century), 19th century reliquary statues, an 18th century Christ, two statues of the Virgin of Sorrows (18th century), canvases from the 17th and 18th centuries, Inside, you can admire the altarpiece of the high altar (17th century). It was damaged then hidden during the Revolution and found to be restored in 2004. The church is listed in the Inventory.
This is also the case of the church (or chapel) of Saint-Pierre de Vilar, serving from the 11th century a priory to the west of the village which depended on the abbey of Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse.
Consisting of a single nave and a semi-dome apse, the building was later fitted with a bell tower. The chapel nowadays hosts cultural events.
Don't miss the 15th century water mill on the Agly, used for milling, which dates from the period when irrigation canals were built. Nearby, a windmill turns out to be much more recent. Both contribute nevertheless to give all their character and their charm to the banks of the river.
As far as the civil heritage is concerned, it should unfortunately be noted that what remained of the feudal castle (then located opposite the church, on the square) was demolished at the beginning of the 20th century. On the other hand, to the south-east, the old medieval hospital of Templar origin, consisting of a large fortified-looking building, was then transformed into a private Catholic school in the 19th century. It is now the seat of a cultural center. As for the fortified enclosure of the primitive village, rectangular in shape, dotted with round towers, it has almost disappeared and only two of the old gates can be distinguished…
As far as cultural leisure is concerned, events (meetings with authors, conferences, readings, etc. are regularly offered at the library (information on +33 4 68 38 78 12) and shows, exhibitions or association events are scheduled throughout the year in the village hall, at the multi-purpose room, within the Saint-Pierre chapel and of course at the Cultural Center… Contact on +33 4 68 28 31 50. bowling alley or tennis courts (to book with the club on +33 6 24 52 48 70).
The vines (possibly with tasting breaks in certain areas), the fruit crops, the banks of the Agly finally prove to be pleasant goals for hiking. Secure loops for walkers or cyclists are also available to reach Perpignan, Rivesaltes or, of course, the coast and its beaches. Maps and information on +33 4 68 66 30 30.
The last Friday of June, fires of Saint John.
The last Saturday in June, mill festival with gourmet and musical entertainment.
The first Sunday of July, apricot festival.
July 13 in the evening, ball and fireworks on the occasion of the national holiday.
Tautavel Museum of prehistoric man Tautavel, vineyard.
Perpignan and the castle of Castillet.
The valley and its vineyards famous Muscat de Rivesaltes, Maury ...
The descent along the coast by sea Collioure ...
In summer, many festivals and village markets with local fruits and vegetables.
