Baratier
Ideally located between Crots and Embrun, Baratier spans the gap between Lake Serre-Ponçon and the summit of Pouzenc (2898 m), offering a full range of landscapes typical of the Southern Alps. Nature is omnipresent and contributes fully to the charm of this small village. Just like its heritage, unique to Serre-Ponçon.
Discover Baratier
Baratier is ancient history. Very ancient. On the slopes of Pouzenc, above the village, a dagger dating back to the Bronze Age was found. Below, excavations unearthed the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa and four coins. In the Middle Ages, the small town was organized as a "street village" along the Vachères torrent (now the historic village). Today, renowned for its traditional Provençal architecture, Baratier charms visitors with its cobbled streets and dry-stone houses.
On the Saint-Chaffrey church (16th century), the shield and motto of the Baratier family: “Poor, but proud and good-hearted.”
Visit Baratier
Explore a village steeped in history… and little stories.
Plat Aiguille Lookout
From here, the view extends over the entire territory of Serre-Ponçon, Embrun and the Durance Valley. Sumptuous.
See the hike. Discover the most beautiful viewpoints of Serre-Ponçon
Archaeological site of Clapier des Monges
Or "Monks' Pile of Stones" in dialect. The site reveals the remains of the thermal part of a Gallo-Roman villa (-3 to – 5 BC), probably a stopover for travelers on the famous Via Domitia connecting Rome to Cadiz via Briançon, Embrun, Chorges, Gap and Sisteron (our first tourists!). It is assumed that the building extends under the plateau. Unique in the region.
What to do in Baratier?
Enjoy the tranquility and charm of the country roads to begin with. Or set off on a bike ride on beautiful climbs towards Crévoux, Les Orres, or Saint-Sauveur. On foot, several hiking loops offer stunning scenery.
Have fun with “The 1000 Waterfalls”
One of the most popular Sens'Action trails. An educational, family-friendly game-filled hike along the raging Vachères torrent. The idea? Find the "story caches" that explain how the torrent's floods are tamed and the mountain reforested to limit erosion, and take on dozens of exciting challenges. Ages 6 and up.
Take a loop in the Liou Riparian Forest
At the northern end of the lake, this small mangrove swamp located at the mouth of the Durance River is home to exceptional wildlife (fish, migratory birds, etc.). Its pedestrian path in the heart of the area and its observation post on stilts allow visitors to observe wildlife and aquatic life up close. The Liou riparian forest is one of the rare places where aquatic flora has developed in Lake Serre-Ponçon and is a privileged breeding ground for fish.
Additional advice: to do when the lake is full to enjoy the water under the pilings (less than 2 meters below its maximum level)
Foraging at the Baratier honey house
Honey and honey products farm, and exhibition space on the work of bees and those who harvest it. Appetizing.
Do your shopping at the source
Local artisans and producers gather in the village square every Monday during the summer at the end of the day.
