Déco Baisse de Raymond (Veillos)

The Baisse de Raymond, more commonly known as Veillos, is one of the main launches at La Colmiane — a site just south of the Mercantour National Park boundary, about 40 km almost directly north of Nice. The 2,037 m launch works on SW flow and sits within easy reach of the large mountains to the north, with views reaching into Italy on good days. There are actually two south-facing 'Veillos' take-offs on spines of the Mont Pétoumier–Mont Pépoiri ridge north of La Colmiane. A summer shuttle runs from the Veillos chairlift when the lift itself isn't operating. The official landing is at the Le Soun Pra football field in Saint-Dalmas, signposted from the village.

Launch & conditions

Two Veillos launches face south on the ridge spines. In summer, use the Veillos chairlift or the connecting shuttle; you can also drive up by taking the minor road at the first sharp left-hand U-bend on the D2565 out of La Colmiane toward Saint-Dalmas — take the right-hand fork immediately after.

Getting there & local rules

From the D2205, 5 km before Saint-Sauveur-de-Tinée, turn right onto the D2565 to La Colmiane; you reach the small village of Saint-Dalmas about 2 km before La Colmiane ski station. The Le Soun Pra football field is the official landing, signposted from the village. Landing area has goalposts to watch out for at one end. The Libuelle paragliding school building on the landing field carries a bulletin board with current take-off and landing information.

Local rules & hazards

Wind can switch from coming up-slope to coming over the back of the col above the main landing — check wind direction on approach every time. The main valley is well protected, but the surrounding valleys are narrow — factor that in when leaving the area for cross-country.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Déco Baisse de Raymond (Veillos), read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Déco Baisse de Raymond (Veillos) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.