Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The collections of the Gallo-Roman museum of Claracq come from the archaeological excavations of the villa of Lalonquette, carried out between 1959 and 2005. Two phases mark their constitution: from 1959 to 1972, under the direction of Jean Lauffray (Architecture des Monuments de France and then researcher at the CNRS), and from 1994 to 2005 by the Group of Archaeological Research of the University of Pau. The furniture exhumed during the first excavations belongs to the State, while the remains of the later countryside (directed by François Réchin) are the property of the Communauté de communes des Luys en Béarn (CCLB).

The museum, labeled Musée de France, has the mission of preserving and valuing these collections since 2008, through a convention with the DRAC Aquitaine. The objects exhibited illustrate the romanization of the territory, rural daily life and ancient know-how. The CCLB's collections include mosaics, ceramics and jewellery, while those of the state have painted, marble and terracotta architectural coatings. This site museum, unique locally, is aimed primarily at an agricultural and regional audience.

Although modest in appearance, the museum plays a key role in the scientific mediation and the valorisation of the Bear heritage. Its official address, 7 Route du Château in Claracq, and its website (www.museum-claracq.com) make it an accessible tool for discovering local Gallo-Roman history. However, the accuracy of its location is considered fair (note 5/10), according to available data.

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