Program of your self-guided hike in Corsica
D 1: Calenzana – Ortu di Piobbu
elcome in Calvi in the morning and transfer to Calenzana. First stage to reach the mountain hut of Ortu di Piobbu.
Day 2: Ortu di Piobbu – Carozzu
long hike on a steep path on ridge to reach Bocca Avartoli, before descending through the forest to join the refuge of Carozzu. Night in Carozzu.
Day 3: Carozzu – Ascu
You cross the famous hanging bridge of Spasimata and walk up the Spasimata valley surrounded by sharp peaks. A short stop at the Muvrella Lake and you continue to the Muvrella pass, end of the uphill section. A long and steep slope leads you to Ascu Stagnu. Night at refuge d'Ascu Stagnu (Possibility to have access to your following luggage).
Day 4: Ascu – Tighjettu
An impressive and strenuous day in high mountains. You enter the trimbulacciu valley and walk up on the mineral north side of Monte Cintu massif. A long scree slope leads you to the pointe des Eboulis (2606 m). Depending of the weather and your physical shape you can climb the Monte Cintu (2706m), highest mountain of Corsica (1 hour and 40min for a return trip) Night at refuge de Tighjettu.
Day 5: Tighjettu – Vergio
fter a steep slope on difficult terrain you join the Foggiale pass at the foot of Paglia Orba, one of the greatest peaks of the island. The trail becomes easier and follows the Golu River that offers plenty bathing possibilities. Night at the lodge Castel di Vergio (Possibility to have access to your following luggage).
Day 6: Vergio – Vaccaghja / Manganu
The trail goes through the forest and then along ridges before joining Bocca a Reta. The Ninu lake surrounded by green lawns is a perfect place to stop for the lunch. Near the end of the stage, the river provides bathing possibilities. Night at the Vaccaghja shepherds’ hut or at the refuge of Manganu.
Day 7: Vaccaghja – Petra Piana
We first walk easily to the Manganu refuge and then up a wild valley to the Bocca a e Porte notch (2225 m). We follow the edge that overlooks the Melu and Capitellu lakes. After the Haute Route pass (2206 m) we go down to the refuge of Petra Piana. A great day in the heart of the mountains! Night at refuge of Petra Piana.
Day 8: Petra Piana – L’Onda
Descent through the Manganellu Valley; the trail runs alongside vast pools of clear water where you can swim. Crossing the Tolla footbridge before beginning your ascent towards the Onda Refuge - option to take the aerial Pinzi Corbini variant. Overnight stay at the Onda Refuge.
Day 9: Onda - Vizzavona
Ascent up to the Muratellu pass and descent via the Cascade des Anglais to the hamlet of Vizzavona. Dinner and overnight stay in Vizzavona (Possibility to have access to your following luggage).
Day 10: Vizzavona – Capanelle
You follow an old mule path in the forest to the Palmente pass (1640 m). Stunning view of the east coast. The trail continues easily contour around and a last but steep slope leads you to the lodge of Capanelle. Night at the lodge of Capanelle (Possibility to have access to your following luggage).
Day 11: Capanelle – Verde
As yesterday, we walk on a flat trail through the forest to Verde pass. Here starts the long slope up to Bocca d'Oru (1840 m), on the ridge that separates eastern and western Corsica. You now cross the pleasant and grassy plateau "Foce di Prati» before a long descent to the refuge of Verde. Night at refuge of Verde (Possibility to have access to your following luggage).
Day 12: Verde – Usciolu
You still walk on the ridge and overlook the Mediterranean Sea. Great view on the Taravo valley and the east coast. This long and great day leads you to the refuge of Usciolu. On the way, you climb Punta Capella (2041 m) and Monte Furmicula. On the first part of the stage you will go through airy and steep passages. But there is no need of technical equipment. Night at the refuge of Usciolu.
Day 13: Usciolu – Bassetta
You follow Arête des statues (the statues ridge). You find your way between these strange granite blocks shaped by the wind. The terrain flattens out and you walk between the hills to the Bassetta shepherd’s hut. Night at the Bassetta shepherds’ hut (Possibility to have access to your following luggage).
Day 14: Bassetta – Bavella
You first cross the Plateau du Cuscionu and cross the hanging footbridge of Pedinielli. The trail goes out of the forest and follows the ridge to the summit of Alcudina (2134m), the last summit above 2000m of your trip. You can see the refuge and the shepherds hut of Asinao far underneath. You reach them by a long and demanding slope. If the weather is good enough, we recommend you to follow the variante alpine that passes through the heart of the Bavella massif. You are surrounded by peaks and ravines and the view is magnificent. Night in Bavella (Possibility to have access to your following luggage).
Day 15: Bavella – Conca
Last stage of the GR20 that will lead you to Paliri and then Conca, where a shuttle awaits you to drive you to Porto Vecchio, the final point of your trip.
LEVEL
Very : average daily walking time between 6 and 8 hours, with an ascent of 800 m or more. More than 10 days of walking in a row. This trek is considered as the toughest one in Europe.
At time of registration, we give you an information note concerning the GR20. You need to fill in and sign this note ; it allows us to evaluate your level and form our guided groups. One of our moutain guide may contact you if he/she has doubts concerning your ability to complete the trek.
Terrain : it is uneven and very stony on long distances. Some short portions require easy scrambling and some one more exposed portion is equipped with chains to secure the hikers.
For who? For very experienced hikers with good physical shape. You must be used to hike several days in a row with big ascents and very poor accommodations comfort. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are uncertain about your level.
Day | Walking time | Ascent+ | Descent- |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 6h30 | +1350 | -50 |
2 | 5h00 | +780 | -920 |
3 | 6h10 | +790 | -640 |
4 | 8h30 | +1200 | -1240 |
5 | 6h15 | +720 | -730 |
6 | 4h45 | +530 | -350 |
7 | 6h30 | +890 | -630 |
8 | 4h30 | +470 | -830 |
9 | 6h00 | +665 | -1170 |
10 | 5h15 | +890 | -225 |
11 | 6h10 | +890 | -590 |
12 | 6h30 | +700 | -750 |
13 | 4h15 | +210 | -630 |
14 | 7h30-8h00 | +1330m | -1320m |
15 | 6h45 | +400m | -1150m |
At time of registration, we give you an information note concerning the GR20. You need to fill in and sign this note ; it allows us to evaluate your level and form our guided groups. One of our moutain guide may contact you if he/she has doubts concerning your ability to complete the trek.
Terrain : it is uneven and very stony on long distances. Some short portions require easy scrambling and some one more exposed portion is equipped with chains to secure the hikers.
For who? For very experienced hikers with good physical shape. You must be used to hike several days in a row with big ascents and very poor accommodations comfort. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are uncertain about your level.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Mountain huts, bivouac, lodge or shepherds' hut
GUIDING:
Self-guided
BAGGAGE:
2 options: with or without luggage transfer
DEPARTURE DATES:
Every Saturday from the end of May to mid-September
Possible departure on another date: consult us.
Mountain huts, bivouac, lodge or shepherds' hut
GUIDING:
Self-guided
BAGGAGE:
2 options: with or without luggage transfer
DEPARTURE DATES:
Every Saturday from the end of May to mid-September
Possible departure on another date: consult us.
PRICE
from 1390€ per person
This price includes:
- Pick-up charge from the meeting point in Calvi
- Transfer from Calvi to Calenzana
- Full boards from day 1 for diner to day 15 after lunch
- A road book with extracts of 1/25000 IGN maps
- Liability insurance
This price does not include:
- Picnic on day 1
- Transfer from Conca to Porto-Vecchio
- Transfers of your luggage between the accommodations
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Transfers that are not in the program
- Guiding
- Cancellation and repatriation insurances
This price includes:
- Pick-up charge from the meeting point in Calvi
- Transfer from Calvi to Calenzana
- Full boards from day 1 for diner to day 15 after lunch
- A road book with extracts of 1/25000 IGN maps
- Liability insurance
This price does not include:
- Picnic on day 1
- Transfer from Conca to Porto-Vecchio
- Transfers of your luggage between the accommodations
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Transfers that are not in the program
- Guiding
- Cancellation and repatriation insurances