Lafare
Mairie de Lafare
Le Grand Jardin
84190 Lafare
Tel : 04 90 62 96 17
Fax : 04 90 62 96 17
E-mail : village.lafare@club.internet.fr
Population : 99 inhabitants ( the Farsiens)
Altitude : 200 metres
Leaving Beaumes taking the direction of Malaucène and following the Salette stream, you will discover Lafare. At the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail and St. Cristopher’s Rock, the little village, in the very heart of the appellation, overlooks the valley.
The origins of the village go back to around the Middle Ages. Originally situated on the road going from Malaucène to Gigondas, at the foot of St. Christopher’S Rock, you have a beautiful view of the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Dentelles Sarrasines.
On the shady village square, you will find a blessed fountain spurting cool, clear spring water.
Today, only several houses surrounding the Church form the village with its 100 or so inhabitants. It is by no means an abandoned village, as it is the starting point for climbing sites as well as countless hikes taking you through hills, vines and pine forests.
One of these hikes will lead you to the famous St. Christopher’s cascade, unexpected in this arid land! Take the little road north of the village, which first crosses a ravine and then climbs up toward the Dentelles. On the left, a footpath leads you to the cascade in 5 minutes. A last curve and you will arrive at a spectacular view point dominating the valley. If you continue on the path to the right, you will arrive at St Christopher’s Chapel, well worth the detour!
Historical Vestiges to Visit, to See :
-St Christopher’s Cascade
This cascade is one of the few in the county, its flows between two rock walls where a famous climbing site is located.
The Chapel
St Christopher, being the patron saint of travellers, this place is dedicated to him. The modest chapel called St. Christopher is a construction of the Romance era (beginning of the 12th century), restored in 1981. It was most likely the original village church.
Today we appreciate its peacefulness and its lovely point of view of the cascade.
A benediction of cars is organized here on the first Sunday after August 15, at the time of the village festival.
St-Sixte Church
This church dominates the confluence of two valleys. Inside we can see:
-The painted sacristy ceiling.
-The barrel vault in the right lateral part of the aisle.
- Two polychrome wooden statues of the Virgin Mary and St Christopher.
-An 18th century painting of the Virgin Mary, St. Christopher and St. Roch.
Leisure Activities: Climbing, Hiking, Mountain Biking
Hotel, Restaurant, Halts for Hikers