King of Corsica’s long-distance hiking trails are a dream come true, but not everyone has the time and energy to embark on a backpacking adventure with its 16 stages flying over the island’s peaks. However, all is not lost, as it is possible to flirt with the legendary route of the day and walk for a few hours along its most legendary sections, such as the Aiguilles de Bavella, the Lac de Nino or the Coscione plateau. Sporting hikes to some of the most beautiful locations in the Corsican mountains.
In the direction of Bonifato Circus
Its name means “forest of blessings”. Many vacationers are familiar with the cold shelter Bonifatu Forest, about twenty kilometers from Calvi. Fewer still use it as a starting point for the GR20 road that penetrates the cirque de Bonifatou, high above the forest in the heights of Balagne. Who says the GR20 requires mountain hiking? This route is no exception to the rule. It does stop climbing (750m elevation gain) until Karozu’s Asylum, the goal of the second part of the route. The award. It’s a great view from the circus needles and the pools below Spasimata pedestrian bridge, synonymous with swimming, just before reaching shelter. Estimate around 4h30 round trip.
- Our advice
You can eat at the Carozzu shelter, where the caretaker serves simple and refreshing dishes that hikers appreciate in season or, returning to your starting point,Bonifato Forest Inn. It is better to leave early to avoid the hot weather. Provide plenty of water.
The tranquility of Lake Nino
For the brave who travel the GR20, passing Lake Nino is like a moment of sweetness in the wilds of the Corsican mountains. After days of rocks and unevenness, Stage 6 is synonymous with walking on a gentle slope, the shade and, above all, the soft feel underfoot provided by the pozins, these spongy plant formations that border some Corsican lakes. A beautiful route allows you to reach this stage Poppagja forest houseIn the cool between Albertache and the Vecchio Pass Waldo Nielu Forest. The climb is unrelenting, but fatigue flies when you discover the mirror of the lake, bordered by posies, between which groups of horses draw light and moving specks. The bravest can return, taking a very panoramic section of the GR to Vergio pass: and pass through the loop San Petro Pass (notation is missing in some places).
- Our advice
Depending on the route chosen, count on a 4 to 5 hour round trip. The main difficulty is the descent, almost 700 m. Pack a picnic as the shores of the lake provide a sublime setting for relaxation. Posins are fragile. avoid getting trampled and stay on the paths as much as possible.
Vizavona and its basins
In the heart of the island mountain, Visavona roughly marks the halfway point of the GR20 route. It’s also one of the few points where the trail crosses the road, making it particularly easy to access. Most visitors come here to enjoy the crystal clear waters English waterfalls, an idyllic spot of natural baths located on a route accessible by a 1 hour 30-step return journey. However, nothing prevents us from continuing further work Agnone Valley, to discover more peaceful basins and to taste the freshness of the beech and larizio pine forest. Those who want an adrenaline rush can even rub shoulders on the adrenaline slopes Monte d’Orothe fifth peak of the island (2389 m), with a route that is certainly busy, but a bit acrobatic (and poorly marked in places).
- Our advice
During the season, Visavona and English Falls should be avoided if you are looking for relaxation. These places, the first center of interest on the road connecting Bastia via Ajaccio Corte, can be very busy indeed in the heart of summer.
The world but Coscione
On the heights of Alta Rocca, the mountain range in the south of the island, a village Quenza: stretching for several kilometers as the crow flies (which here may be a bearded vulture) from the Aiguilles de Bavella. This peaceful village is also a gateway to the city Coscione plateau. Under the silhouette of Monte Incudini (2136 m), this plateau, which extends from 1400 to 1700 m, contrasts with the scenery that surrounds it with its vast pastures and waterways bordering the pozins. All the conditions were there for the development of pastoral activity. A century ago, Coscione had hundreds of breeders. Today, few people live there, there are still a few sheepfolds, but sheep, horses and pigs bred in semi-freedom are still guests of the place.
- Our advice
Several easy routes cross the plateau, one of which crosses the route of the GR20. From Quenza you will have to drive towards the village Jaliku then continue on a bad but passable road to s the shelterBuccinera. Plan on water and food as you may not encounter any, even in high season.
Around the needles of Bavella
Shall we introduce Bavella yet? The high point Alta Rocca massifUnbroken by seven granite spiers rising into the azure of the Mediterranean, this pass offers Corsica one of its most famous postcards. Add clouds that love to dance between these snappy names “Bavella Needles”, laricio pines near the peaks and… GR20. For its fifteenth and penultimate stage, the road offers a crossing of the whole. More precisely, two, because he offers two ways here. The first runs along a mountain range through forested landscapes. The second is rightly called “alpine version”. resolutely mineral, it climbs towards the needles to get as close as possible to this chaos of rock, taking athletic passages, sometimes equipped with chains, and revealing a panorama all the way to the coast. (really!) breathtaking! The good news is that it is possible Bavella transfer cycle through using both options and return to its starting point. The route is not easy – about 6 hours and about 800m of altitude – and is aimed at motivated hikers, but allows you to immerse yourself in the world of the GR20 for a whole day. Who knows, you might want to try the whole adventure once you arrive!
- Advice
Bavella pass is overcrowded in high season. In addition to the car parks, you will find bars and restaurants. This sporty mountain hike is aimed at hikers who are used to mountains.
Practical notebook
A few precautions
Putting one foot in front of the other may seem like something anyone can do, but hiking in the mountains requires a few rules. Even more so on the GR20.
Created in 1972, this route, which today has 16 grades and connects Calenzana, Balagneum, to the outskirts of Porto-Vecchio, i.e. approximately 180 km at an altitude of 2607 m, follows an uncompromising path that contributes to the beauty of the landscapes. the muscles of the walkers. The nature of the island also adds to its difficulties. Conditions here can be brutal, even in the “average” mountains, and summer thunderstorms are legendary.
Summing up: don’t underestimate the GR20, including day trips.
Equipment to be provided
Good hiking boots are essential, as is protection from the sun and rain. Don’t leave without checking the weather forecast, bring a map and bring enough water and energy food. Many people enjoy walking with sticks on these steep and rocky trails.
Source: Le Figaro
