Background

Belvédère de la Carelle: A Verdon Gorge Masterpiece

Experience breathtaking views of the Verdon Gorge from this easily accessible observation deck on the Route des Crêtes.

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The Belvédère de la Carelle is a renowned observation deck in La Palud-sur-Verdon, France, celebrated for its stunning views of the Verdon Gorge. Easily accessible, it's a popular spot for tourists exploring Provence's landscapes, offering mesmerizing views of cliffs and emerald waters.

A brief summary to Belvédère de la Carelle

  • D23, La Palud-sur-Verdon, 04120, FR

Local tips

  • Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
  • Bring binoculars to spot climbers on the cliffs and vultures soaring above.
  • Visit during September or October for a chance to witness a stunning sea of clouds filling the canyon.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From the center of La Palud-sur-Verdon, take the D23 road (Route des Crêtes). Follow the D23 for approximately 6 kilometers. The Belvédère de la Carelle is the third belvedere on this route. Look for signs guiding you to the observation deck and a parking area on the side of the road. Parking is free. Be aware that the central section of the Route des Crêtes is often one-way, so plan your route accordingly.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Castellane or other larger towns in the region to La Palud-sur-Verdon. From La Palud-sur-Verdon, it's approximately a 1.5-kilometer walk to Belvédère de la Carelle. Follow signs for the D23 road. The bus fare from Castellane to La Palud-sur-Verdon typically costs around €3-€5. Be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk uphill to reach the viewpoint.

  • Walking

    From the parking area, follow the marked paths to the observation deck. The walk is short, taking approximately 5-10 minutes. Enjoy the views along the way.

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Discover more about Belvédère de la Carelle

Belvédère de la Carelle, perched along the Route des Crêtes in La Palud-sur-Verdon, offers an unparalleled panorama of the Gorges du Verdon. This viewpoint is named after the pulleys ('carelle' in local dialect) used in the early 20th century by locals to lower themselves down the cliffs to harvest juniper and boxwood roots. These roots were used to make the first pétanque balls. Today, the Belvédère de la Carelle is a must-see stop along the Route des Crêtes, offering dramatic views into the canyon. The deck extends out into the open space, providing unobstructed views of the Verdon River snaking through the gorge below. Keen observers may spot climbers scaling the towering rock faces, or griffon vultures soaring overhead. The Route des Crêtes is known as a mythical place for climbing in the Gorges du Verdon and is internationally renowned. Visiting in the early morning during September or October may reward you with a breathtaking 'sea of clouds' filling the canyon. The viewpoint is easily accessible with a parking area nearby. From there, a short walk leads to the observation deck.

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