Viaduct

When in the last years of the XIX^e century, the railway line from Tonneins to Penne-d'Agenais was built, some technical feats were necessary, including the long tunnel under the Moncaubet, the railway bridge over the Lot at Roussannes and, at the entrance to Clairac, the viaduct overlooking the Calmette valley.

A 159-metre-long work of art that made everyone proud: not only the Orléans Company, but also the Clairacais, who saw progress right on their doorstep. Proof in the number and immense success of the postcards published. The meadow at the foot of the building became a place for strolling – on foot, by bicycle or in a cart – and also for picnics where one could come with friends, umbrella in hand to prevent the sun from tanning the skin of the coquettes!
Here, a man in a light-coloured suit is caught in the act by Gabriel Martin as a steam train arrives at high speed from Tonneins. This photograph will be published as a postcard.

And yet, some had believed that it would never be finished, as an article in La Dépêche tells us, on July 14, 1892:

On the map published by Vignolles (below), it is amusing to read the handwritten additions made by the sender; on the mile marker: “Clairac, 1 km”; and our author corrects the printed legend: “More exactly from Tonneins to Penne. The train leaves Clairac and enters the Castile viaduct.” In fact, the Castilian property is just a few hundred meters from our viaduct. After the dismantling of the line, the viaduct became a place for walking, where you can even drive by car today; as for the gatekeeper's little house, it is now a private home.

Grandfather of the late Claude Martin, born in Cambes, Gabriel Martin was a resourceful man. Indeed, in addition to having been a notary clerk for Mr Dudon (future mayor), he was secretary of the town hall. At the origin of the electrification of the mill on the right bank with his cousin Bichon, he was also passionate about photography and took many pictures of Clairac, its houses and monuments, which are today essential testimonies of the village in the past. His photographs were often published as postcards which are the delight of collectors today.