Paths of the Summer Pastures

This hike will lead you from the Corsican mountain to the sea by paths which were formerly for pastures.

This hike will lead you from the Corsican mountains to the sea using the paths which were previously the trails that were used for seasonal migration of livestock to summer pastures. The paths taken are the old trails which were used between the people on the coast and in the mainland from the 14th century and by shepherds moving their livestock according to the season. Mules with trunks made of pine were used for transportation of goods. For example, they carted chestnuts, cheese, cédrat lemons and olives. This route was purely for practical reasons, in those days, nobody would dream of hiking here!

Following the example of the shepherds who moved following the seasons between the high altitudes and the sea, this hike follows the Corsican valleys, from the town of Corte, the historical heart of Corsica, to Porto, a little port nestled in the gulf. Crossing diverse countryside, the paths cross exceptional natural sights, with high altitude lakes surrounded by the highest summits in Corsica. On the descent, the forest paths cross rivers and torrents that contain multiple natural swimming pools. It ends on the coast with beautiful views over Porto bay.

These are the surroundings in which, in the middle of the day, it does you good to sunbathe, swim and dream.

 

Program

Day 1

The trip begins at the end of the afternoon in Corte. Night in a cozyboutique bed and breakfast, a luxurious country retreat, in Corte.

 

Day 2

The Tavignanu valley. Following an old mule track up the river. igher up, the gorges come closer together and the path crossesover the torrent on a pretty footbridge. In return we leave the main path down to see beautiful natural pools

.Distance : 12 km / Elevation : + and - 550 m / Time : 5h

During the summer, we purpose you an other path at higher altitude,to the lakes of Melo and Capitello (1 930 m).Distance : 8 km / Elevation : + et - 730 m / 5h

 

Day 3

Climb through the majestic pine forest, then over scree and slabs of rocks to reach the pass "Bocca a Stazzone" at 1 762 meters.

From the ridge, enjoy a unique view of the highest Corsican mountain. On the other side, a real paradise lies below, the Nino, an idyllic bluelake, hidden in a gentle hollow framed by emerald-green mountain meadows and veined with meandering rills. Pigs, cows and horses graze peacefully on the closed-cropped pasture and along the lake.Hike to Vergio along the famous GR20, following the ridge between the Porto Gulf and the Niolu Valley.

14 km / + 880 m et - 630 m / 5-6h

 

Day 4

Average route: Follow an old path through a lovely pine and birch forest.

Continue to Radule waterfall where erosion has created numerous pools in the rocky valley.

On the menu: sheepfolds, high mountain pastures, clear water torrents. The path do a loop to returnto Vergio. For more demanding, possibility to join the highest refuge of the GR20 by a loop, with beautiful view on Porto’s gulf.

11km / + 450 m / 5h14 km / + et -800 m. / 7h

 

Day 5

From Vergio to Evisa village (850 m) passing by the magnificent Aïtone forest, with its high Laricci pine trees, natural swimming poolsand waterfalls.

 Follow to the village an education trail with , dedicated to the chestnut tree, baptized the "bread tree" and it is for good reason.

Night in a hotel.

10 km / -800 m et + 220m / 4h3012 km / -930 m et + 350m / 6h

 

Day 6

From Evisa to Porto by an the old mule track in perfect condition,with steps supported by dry stone walls, flagstone floors and beautiful Genovese bridges where it is so nice to swim. Then a path between the mountain tops and Porto’s gulf with the sea breeze which brings the maquis aromas alive.

Over night in hotel, on an excellent location, very close to the beach.

Medium route : 10 km / + 150 m et - 630 m / 4h30Sporty route : 17 km / + 270 m et - 1100 m / 7h

 

Day 7

Boat trip* to contemplate the beautiful Scandola reserve listed in the World Heritage of Unesco :natural splendor with its huge basalt that plunge into the sea, Scandola visit by the sea.

The excursion is made on a small friendly boat of a dozen people, with funny and instructive comments.After the visit, a nice stop at the village of Girolata will allow you to borrow for a loop trail on the litoral.

Return by boat in the evening at Porto.

5 km / + et - 280 m / 3h

* In the event of storm, the exit is cancelled and you are refunded of an amount of 44€.

 

Day 8

End of trip. Leave with the bus for Ajaccio (10.30) or for Calvi (12.30)

 

Level of difficulty

The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. You need to beused to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday.However, you can choose between two path every day, one more demanding than the other.

 

Trips 2022

Dates

Departure everyday from 24/06 to 25/08.In june, september and october : Every day except Sundays and 19 & 30 of May

In april and may, the temperature is better close to the sea; we advise our trips « West Coast » and« Mare e Monti sud ».

Start and end

Day 1 : at Corte's train station.

Day 8 : End of the stay, in Porto. Join by bus Ajaccio (10.15) or Calvi in July & August (12.30)

Further information

€ 920* per person, reservation from 2 people minimum.

Booking from 4 to 7 persons : € 850 per pers.

From 8 to 12 pers. : € 795

*Caution: For departure between 25/7 to 20/8 included, extra-charge of 75€/person

Benefits

Price includes

 

Half board accomodation

Accommodation :2 nights in a high-quality guesthouse in Corte   2 nights in hotel *** in Porto, beside the sea   3 nights in mountain hotel

Meals :

 Breakfast and evening meals at the hotel. However, the meal for the last 2 evenings atPorto are not included.

Transportation

Day 3 : by taxi, from Corte to Valdu-Niellu forest

Day 7 : boat trip to Girolata

Carrying

You need to carry a small day sack only with awater bottle, camera, picnic and wind jacket.The main luggage will be transported by vehiclebetween the different accommodations.

Travel notebook

You will receive this as soon as the payment isreceived. It consists of a day by day itinerary,the route marked on a 25 000° map and practicalinformation.     

 

 

Price does not include

 

Midday picnics, unless you have chosen the option

The last 2 evenings meal in Porto

The transfer in the bus from Porto to Ajaccio, day 8 (provide 11 €/pers.)

Cancellation and health insurance are not included unless you have chosen the option

Unforeseen additional transfers

Drinks, including wine and other personal expenses

Please note, you will be charged for any modifications you make to the program

 

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