Ortala waterfall from Bastelica

de fr

A short hike starting from Bastelica, following the Volta Canal and leading to the Ortola Waterfall. You will pass through a magnificent forest of old chestnut trees.

Details

n°37321167
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.51 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 393 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 390 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,095 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 846 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Bastelica (20119)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 42.005266° / E 9.052365°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 4252OT, 4252OTR
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Photos

Ortola Waterfall
The Volta Canal
The spring
Bridge over the canal.

Description of the walk

Park near the restaurant "Chez Paul".

(S/E) The trail starts to the right of the wash house. You will need to open a small gate to access it; the trail is marked in orange. The hike begins with a challenging climb on a trail with large rocks. The rest of the trail is easier. You will soon arrive at the Volta Canal, which dates back to the 1930s.

(1) Follow the canal until you reach the spring, which is located below the trail and is marked by a sign. You can quench your thirst and fill your water bottles here.

(2) Continue until you reach the waterfall where you can take a dip.

(3) All that remains is to turn back and return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 846 m - Wash house
  2. 1 : km 1.06 - alt. 1,027 m - Volta Canal
  3. 2 : km 1.46 - alt. 1,023 m - Source
  4. 3 : km 2.72 - alt. 1,095 m - Cascade d'Ortola
  5. S/E : km 5.51 - alt. 846 m - Wash house

Notes

Orange markings.
There is a drinking water source along the way.

Worth a visit

You can swim at the waterfall.
Restaurant "Chez Paul" at the start/end of the hike.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
User 20159703

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A good, challenging climb, followed by a picturesque trail along an old canal and a beautiful waterfall at the end. There are also a few cows and pigs roaming freely along the route .
Be sure to wear good walking shoes.

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User 18708936

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful route that reveals a magnificent waterfall and magnificent chestnut trees. Free-roaming pigs and cows accompanied us part of the way. A must-do.

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User 8231626

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant and easy hike, except for the first part, which includes a physically challenging climb. The rest is relatively straightforward, and it feels like you're on the Isle of Madeira.

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Lisa26
Lisa26

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful hike, well shaded. The signs for this walk have been repainted yellow. Be careful near the waterfall

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Gmhi68
Gmhi68

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Relatively difficult route. We couldn't make it to the waterfall, we saw it from afar. At one point, you have to cross the canal and then the path goes through some rocks. There is a cable to hold on to, but at one point it is only held by two wires. We stopped there. The final descent on the way back is also difficult with the rolling stones.

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Arthur_mdn
Arthur_mdn

Thank you for your review ☺️

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Sioux
Sioux

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Good climb at the start. Then a shaded route along a rather impressive structure to the waterfall, which is very beautiful. Beautiful view of the valley and the village on the way back down.

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