Centre Corse Tourisme

Setting off from Corte, embark on a challenging adventure that will take you to the iconic and majestic Arcu di U Scandulaghju. This demanding hike, with its 1,060 metres of elevation gain, combines physical exertion with the discovery of an exceptional natural site.

Starting from Corte, very close to the citadel, this legendary trail winds its way through the Tavignanu Valley. This hike, which is not particularly difficult but is best suited to experienced walkers, follows the old mule track that runs alongside the river and offers spectacular views of the wild gorges. It also forms part of the Mare a Mare Nord, one of the routes offered by the Corsican Regional Nature Park. Here you’ll discover unspoilt nature where the maquis is in full bloom and fragrant in spring, and where beautiful sculpted granite rocks delight climbing enthusiasts. At the footbridge, the river offers a peaceful spot, perfect for swimming in summer and ideal for a well-deserved picnic.

First stage of the circular Two Valleys loop. Thisfirst stage takes you deep into the heart of the Rotondu massif, along a wild and unspoilt route. From the Restonica Valley, famous for its alpine landscapes and crystal-clear waters, you’ll follow a path climbing through a Laricio pine forest to the sheepfolds of Cappellaccia. You will then continue towards the vast Alzu plateau, which offers a magnificent panorama of the surrounding peaks. The descent to the A Sega refuge, near the beautiful lake of the same name, marks the end of this day’s hike.

This circular route starts on the Mare a Mare Nord trail and allows you to return near the Tavignanu River. You will discover wonderful swimming spots, including Lake Antia, which offers a 40-metre swim, just a few metres off the trail.

The second stage of the “Circular Tour of Two Vallées” takes you into one of Corsica’s wildest and best-preserved valleys: the Tavignanu Valley. From the A Sega mountain hut, situated on the banks of the Tavignanu, the path follows the river and descends gradually through a dense forest where Laricifolius pines and holm oaks grow side by side. Along the way, you’ll enjoy numerous viewpoints over the steep-sided gorges and pools of crystal-clear water that dot the river. Halfway along the route, you can stop for a break at the Rossulinu Footbridge before continuing on the less steep but equally spectacular section of the trail, which will gently lead you towards Corte.

The first part of this walk follows the Mare a Mare route, starting from Corte, near the Citadel. The path then, opened by the organisers of the “Périple de l’Arche” (Trail), climbs towards a small arch carved into a granite rock. This circular route ends by passing by the “Casetta” (little house). 

U chjassu di ZurmuluThis walk, which is shaded for the first part, takes you to Punta di Zurmulu from Corte.This small peak offers a panoramic view of the town, overlooking the citadel and the two valleys. On a clear day, you can even see the sea in the distance!The second section takes you to the Chjarasgiolu footbridge in the Restonica Valley.From this point, if you wish, you can then take the San Teofalu route (+ 2½ hours’ walk) to complete a circular route to the Chapel of Saint Anthony in Corte.

U chjassu d’Alzu This walk follows in the footsteps of shepherds who still practise transhumance, offering as a reward a splendid panoramic view of the mountains in the heart of Corsica and the chance to meet shepherds during the summer months.

U chjassu di i lavi The beautiful lakes of Melu and Capitellu are still accessible. It is now a challenging hike. Take on the challenge and your efforts will be rewarded! The former starting point for this hike, from the Grotelle sheepfolds, is no longer accessible by vehicle due to the significant damage caused by storms Ciaran and Domingos. The starting point is now at the Frasseta bridge.

The E Grotelle Path The only access route to the upper Restonica valley, this walk takes you to the famous sheepfolds of E Grotelle. Following the storms last November, extensive damage has made the upper Restonica valley inaccessible by car from the Tagone Bridge (which was swept away by the flood). Access to the E Grotelle sheepfolds is now via this walking route from La Frasseta (this is the same starting point as for the route leading to the Cappellaccia sheepfolds). This trail can be taken either for a moderate-difficulty hike leading to the Grotelle sheepfolds, or to reach the start of the hike to the Melu and Capitellu lakes (which is now considered a challenging route). This trail runs along the upper Restonica valley and leads to the Grotelle sheepfolds.

U chjassu di u Finellu (The Finello Trail) A challenging hike that takes you along the ridges, following the watershed between the Restonica and the Tavignanu rivers, via Punta di u Finellu, to the summit overlooking the town of Corte known as Zurmulu. The route starts in the Restonica valley, at Tuani, and finishes in Corte.

U Chjassu di San Teofalu A lovely walk starting from the Saint Antoine chapel in Corte, offering beautiful views of the town and the surrounding area.

U chjassu di u fiume (The River Path) A trail in the lower Restonica Valley. This trail is ideal for a family walk. In summer, where the trail runs close to the river, you can combine the pleasure of the walk with a refreshing dip.