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To get to the starting car park from Oletta, take the D82 towards Saint-Florent for 5 km until you reach the roundabout at the shopping centre. Exit northwards, leaving the shopping centre on your left. Take the track opposite for 500 m and park in a clear space on the left-hand side of the track.
This hike is marked with yellow paint and cairns. French/Corsican addresses in the municipality of Saint-Florent.
(S/E) From the car park, start the hike by continuing along the track that climbs northwards.
(1) At the highest point, continue straight ahead between the posts of an old gate and begin the descent down a stony track.
(2) Continue for 100 metres, then continue downhill towards Cardoni. After an easy stretch through a clearing and then under the canopy, reach the lowest point and turn left.
(3) At the next intersection, turn right at a 90° angle onto the Pantiniccie Soprane path. Then cross the Poggio stream and continue until you reach the D238 road, a few metres from the Cathedral of Nebbio.
(4) Turn right and follow the road to the first crossroads. Turn left onto Chemin de Santa Maria and follow it until you reach the vineyards. Follow the dirt track that passes between the houses on the left and the vineyards on the right. Walk along the vineyards, turn left at the bend and continue straight ahead in a north-westerly direction to reach the highest point and the viewpoint over the Gulf of St-Florent.
(5) Take the path on the left that leads into low scrub for 200 metres. Reach the Croix du Jubilé, go down the steps, then cross the D81 road. Go up Rue Principale on the left towards the centre of Saint-Florent, reaching the crossroads at the post office.
(6) Turn right onto Rue Ernest Bonacoscia. At the end, enter the Citadel area. Walk along the esplanade overlooking the cove and the gulf, enjoying the views.
(7) Leave the esplanade via the south, taking Rue de la Citadelle and heading down towards the port. At Place Doria, pass to the right of the fountain and follow Rue de l'Église. At no. 22, enter through a gate, which is always open, onto Quai de l'Anse de la Marinuccia. This is the site of the city's ancient fishing port.
(8) Leaving No. 22, take the narrow alley opposite. Cross the street and turn left onto the Quai d'Honneur promenade, which you follow to the municipal car park. Exit onto Route de la Passerelle and turn right.
(9) After 50 metres, cross the Pont Neuf bridge on the right for a stroll along the redeveloped seawall and Roya beach. Return via the quays, lined with pine trees, to the bridge. Cross the Pont Neuf bridge again.
(10) Turn right onto Rue de l'Aliso, then follow the quays to Route du Pont de Fer. Cross the D82 in front of the gendarmerie and continue to the right to reach Chemin de Faggiolo.
(11) Turn left at the petrol station. Continue straight on for 500 metres. At the end of the tarmac road, turn right onto the dirt track called Arrechimozzo.
(12) At the second crossroads, turn right then left onto Chemin de Mercurio. Continue left along a small olive grove and, after 500 m of gentle climbing, you will return to the starting point of the circular route.
(2) Turn right and follow the same route you took on the way out to return to the car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Difficult 
Association / Club / Walk leader
Local authority
Moderate 
