A statue of Saint James the Greater stands proudly. It’s nestled in a niche on Rue du Pouzenc near Baratier’s town hall. This isn’t just any statue. It’s a modern masterpiece sculpted by ceramist Marcel Piot. Jean-Pierre Roux a local resident discovered the niche. He found it while restoring an old wall.
Baratier a charming village in the Hautes-Alpes department. It’s nestled along the impetuous Vachères torrent. The village stretches west with new housing developments. Guillaume Apollinaire famously mentioned Baratier in his poem Poems to Lou. The village’s history is rich. It’s detailed in a book published in 2016.
The statue’s inauguration was a significant event. It took place on May 20 2016. Jean Bernard the mayor presided. Jacques Arrault president of the Friends of Saint-Jacques association was also present. Many pilgrims from Provence attended. The mayor thanked the Friends of Compostelle association. They did much work to highlight and mark the pilgrimage route to Compostelle and Rome. Arrault thanked Baratier for honoring Saint James patron saint of pilgrims. A walk from Boscodon Abbey to Baratier celebrated this event. Around fifty walkers participated.
Baratier’s old village is a village-street. It extends along the Vachères torrent. The main street is now Rue Guillaume-Apollinaire. The village has expanded westward. There are new housing developments like La Mèbre and Les Grands Champs. The village also boasts several hamlets. There’s Pied de Chanchorre. There’s also Les Allemands renamed La Serbie after World War I. Verdun Champ Rambaud and L’Osselin are further hamlets.
Baratier’s inhabitants the Baratons and Baratonnes. They cultivate their traditions. They celebrate Saint Roch and Saint Chaffrey’s feasts. Folklore thrives here. The Revioure and L’Escoureta Dou Parpaïfoun groups maintain traditions. They do this through folk dances and sketches in the local dialect. Baratier’s motto “Poor but proud and kind-hearted” reflects their character.
The church of Saint-Chaffrey dates back to the 15th century. The village also has many fountains. The archaeological site of Clapier des Monges is another attraction. This is a significant Gallo-Roman villa. The larch Halle built in 2007 is a central meeting place. This is where the Baratons gather for celebrations.
Baratier offers a beautiful landscape. It ranges from the shores of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the Liou plain to the summit of Mount Pouzenc. Hikers fishermen hunters and nature lovers all find something to enjoy here. Baratier offers a stunning array of landscapes typical of the Southern Alps. The unique history and culture of Baratier make this village unforgettable.