Lafarre combines a circular hike across the Sardier massif with viewpoints where, on a clear day, you can see as far as the Alps. Other highlights include the remains of the Saint-Julien church and a cycling route through the village. This allows you to take the landscape, local history and different route profiles into account when planning your trip.
Hiking on Serre du Sardier
Le Serre du Sardier is a moderately difficult circular hike covering 13.5 kilometres with 580 metres of elevation gain. It starts and ends at the Info-Rando sign on Place de l'Église in Lafarre. It takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes, so plan for it as a longer activity. The route length, elevation gain and approximate duration provide concrete guidance on the scope of this hike.
The route passes through Lafarre’s expansive wild landscapes, across the Sardier massif and along its long ridge, which offers impressive viewpoints. Along the way, it passes numerous scattered hamlets. Most are former farms, where families once made their living primarily from agriculture. If you want to consider the landscape and rural history together, this same route offers both perspectives: the long ridge and the families’ former agricultural livelihood in the hamlets.
Heights, forests and views
Lafarre lies at elevations ranging from 580 to 1,189 metres. From some points, on a clear day, the view stretches as far as the Alps and across numerous neighbouring départements. La chaîne des Alpes et le Mézenc is a viewpoint offering a panorama of Mézenc and the Alps, also in clear weather. The elevation range across the area and the panorama from this viewpoint are two distinct ways to experience the landscape.
Rivers and forests also shape the surroundings: Lafarre is bordered by rivers where trout can be found, as well as numerous fir, pine and broadleaf forests with many different tree species. The area’s natural attractions also include lovely walking opportunities. Le Martoulet in Lafarre is an exceptional natural site. The natural setting thus ranges from distant views to river landscapes, forests and walks.
The Saint-Julien church
The remains of the Saint-Julien church date from the 12th, 14th and 15th centuries. The church also contains an octagonal holy water font. Architectural remains from several centuries and this specific item of church furnishings give Saint-Julien its own cultural and historical character. If you want to consider local history alongside nature and outdoor activities, the church is a distinct point of interest in Lafarre.
A cycling route through Lafarre
The Au coeur de l'Ardèche verte cycling route is 42 kilometres long and has 823 metres of elevation gain. It passes through Lafarre and turns left shortly before the church square. It is more than three times as long as the Le Serre du Sardier circular hike, and its elevation gain is 243 metres greater. Le Serre du Sardier is also classified as moderately difficult and has an approximate duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes. You can compare the two routes by their length, elevation gain and different forms of activity.
Discover more destinations: St. Barthelemy Le Plain, Gravières, Limony, Les Vans, Balazuc, Saint-Désirat, Laurac-En-Vivarais, Genestelle
For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.
