cannot work in the same industry for one year after resignation?

Hello Forum,

I finally decided to resign gracefully and professionally from my current employer. But I found a clause in my contract signed three years ago. It said that I cannot work for the same domain for one year after my termination except I am fired. I wasn’t told exactly at the time of employment. It was in French!!!
I currently accepted one offer in different country (neighborhood). Do you think the clause is still applicable to me? Does the clause make sense? My company is a pretty small start up company. I am the only one providing one of the core service.

How to prevent it haunting me one day?

Thanks.