The land was part of the seigneury granted to explorer Louis Jolliet on April 30, 1697. Left undeveloped for a century, it passed to Gabriel-Elzéar Taschereau, Jolliet’s great-grandson, who became its sole owner in the late 18th century. The first settlers arrived in the mid-1780s.
The town at a glance
RCMBellechasse
South Shorein the Etchemin valley
Life in Sainte-Claire
The vibe
A busy village, both agricultural and industrial, with modern farms on both sides of the Etchemin. The sports and cultural complex, with its arena, and the village parks keep local life going all year.
The housing
Single-family homes, including fine old houses near the church, and rental units from 3 ½ to 5 ½ in the village.
Nearby
Sports and cultural complex · Parc Taschereau · Cycloroute de Bellechasse
Good to know
Route 277 runs through the municipality, and an RCM intercity bus serves it Monday to Friday toward Lévis. Cyclists on the Cycloroute de Bellechasse have parking and a rest area on Rue de la Station.
Landmarks
- Sainte-Claire church
- Rivière Etchemin
- Maison du Dr J.A.N. Chabot
History
The history of Sainte-Claire
- 1697Seigneury granted to Louis Jolliet
- 1824Parish established
- 1827Church completed
- 1924Eugène Prévost’s first bus
- 1977Merger with Louis-Joliette
A mission opened in 1806, and a chapel was built in 1809 on land given by Seigneur Taschereau. On April 14, 1824, Bishop Plessis erected the parish, and the governor recognized it civilly on August 13 of that year. Sainte-Claire thus became the first Catholic parish recognized by the British Crown after the Conquest.
The current church was built from 1825 to 1827 by contractor François Audet, to plans by Thomas Baillairgé and Father Jérôme Demers. The parish municipality was created in 1845, then re-established in 1855. In 1926, the territory was split between Sainte-Claire and the new municipality of Louis-Joliette.
In the winter of 1923-1924, Eugène Prévost built his first bus in his village workshop. His company employed more than 200 people by 1951, took the name Prevost Car in 1957 and now belongs to Volvo. Sainte-Claire and Louis-Joliette merged in 1977 to form today’s municipality.
Frequently asked questions about Sainte-Claire
Where is Sainte-Claire?
In the Bellechasse RCM in Chaudière-Appalaches, on both sides of the Rivière Etchemin. It borders Saint-Anselme to the west, and Route 277 runs through it.
Where does the name Sainte-Claire come from?
Seigneur Gabriel-Elzéar Taschereau is said to have chosen it in memory of Claire-Françoise Bissot, wife of Louis Jolliet, the first seigneur. The parish also honours Saint Clare of Assisi.
Which company was born in Sainte-Claire?
The coach builder Prevost, founded by Eugène Prévost, a native of Sainte-Claire. The company, owned by Volvo, runs an assembly plant in the municipality.
How do I find an apartment for rent in Sainte-Claire?
Rental units managed by Lease Lane in Sainte-Claire will soon be listed on the site, along with the online rental application. In the meantime, Cléo can notify you as soon as a unit is posted.
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