Belvédère de la Carelle, Scenic viewpoint in La Palud-sur-Verdon, France
The Belvédère de la Carelle is a scenic viewpoint perched above the Verdon canyon in La Palud-sur-Verdon, France, at around 760 meters (about 2,500 feet) above sea level. The platform juts out over the cliff edge, offering a direct view down into the deep gorge and across the surrounding limestone walls.
Before the gorge became known as a climbing destination, local people used to come down into the canyon to gather the roots of boxwood plants. These roots were used to make the first pétanque balls, a craft that is documented at a nearby wooden-turners museum.
From the platform, it is common to see vultures circling slowly above the cliffs, hunting for food over the canyon. The rocky walls of the Verdon have long drawn climbers, including Patrick Edlinger, who made this area his home.
The viewpoint is free to visit and open year-round, with free parking nearby. Clear days give the best view into the gorge, while low clouds or fog can completely cover the canyon floor below.
On September and October mornings, the canyon can fill with a sea of clouds that hides the valleys below and makes the landscape look like it is floating. From this viewpoint, you stand above the cloud cover and see the tops of the cliffs emerging from the mist.
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