The Antia circular loop

de fr

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.

Details

n°69259123
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.58 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 295 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 292 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 671 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 451 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Corte (20250)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 42.308584° / E 9.146615°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 4250OT, 4250OTR, 4251OT, 4251OTR
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Photos

Swimming area
La Madunina, a small statue of the Virgin Mary located near the stream and the Ficaghjola fountain.
La Casetta d'Antia
Sign for "A Sega"

Description of the walk

The starting point is not far from the Citadel of Corte in the cul-de-sac that extends Rue Saint-Joseph.
Parking is available at the Tavignano car park a few dozen metres from the start, or at the Citadel car park on Rue du Donjon, about 300 metres away.
At the bend at the end of the car park, you will see a terrace offering a beautiful view of the Tavignanu valley. To the right of this terrace, the path begins near the sign indicating "Refuge A Sega".

(S/E) A few metres after the sign, push open the makeshift gate to continue along the path. The path is marked in orange. After about 100 metres, keep to the right and continue along the path for about 3 km to reach the Madunina, a small statue of the Virgin Mary located near the stream and the Ficaghjola fountain.

(1) After this break, continue for about 150 metres to reach a fork in the road.

(2) Leave the return path on your left. The trail passes by the Tribbiatoghia stream and reaches the Antia cottage and its eponymous stream.

(3) Cross the stream to reach the Antia cottage. Continue along the path, which climbs for about 10 minutes, to reach a rocky slab.

(4) This flat area offers a beautiful view. Be careful not to get too close to the edge! Then leave the marked trail and head left to take the path that descends towards the river.

(5) At the crossroads, continue to the right and descend towards Le Tavignano. The path heads north and the slope becomes gentler as you reach the Antia stream.

(6) Cross the stream and head towards a fork in the path about 150 metres further on.

(7) There are two options:
1) Turn right and head towards Tavignano to discover the unmissable and wonderful Lake Antia.
2) Continue left on the trail (option chosen on the map). Other lovely swimming spots are accessible nearby.
The path then moves away from the water's edge and climbs back up to the crossroads you encountered on the way there.

(2) Take the path in the opposite direction to the outward journey and head towards Madunina and then the Ficaghjola stream (A Madunina). Continue to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 454 m - Sign for "Refuge A Sega" - Tavignano (fleuve)
  2. 1 : km 1.65 - alt. 549 m - Oratory - Fontaine de Ficaghjola
  3. 2 : km 1.8 - alt. 543 m - Crossroads of the circular loop
  4. 3 : km 3.32 - alt. 614 m - Maisonnette de Antia
  5. 4 : km 3.93 - alt. 667 m - Viewpoint
  6. 5 : km 3.97 - alt. 656 m - Crossroads - Tavignano (fleuve)
  7. 6 : km 4.46 - alt. 553 m - Crossing the Antia stream
  8. 7 : km 4.65 - alt. 533 m - Lac de Antia junction/continuation of the hike - Tavignano (fleuve)
  9. S/E : km 7.58 - alt. 454 m - Sign for "Refuge A Sega" - Tavignano (fleuve)

Notes

The yellow sign indicates A Sega (Refuge). This is the starting point for hikes in the Tavignanu Valley. "A Sega" is one of the stages of the Mare A Mare Nord (a 5½-hour walk). 

During the summer season, don't forget to bring your swimsuit, a snack, a large bottle of water, and walking sticks, which will be useful for the descent to the river.

Worth a visit

Lake Antia, Tavignanu

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 17598353

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk.
Please note that when you reach the viewpoint (point 4), you need to follow the route shown on the app to find the path, as it’s quite hidden. The scenery is magnificent; it’s definitely worth the effort. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended, and walking poles are a bonus.

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mathea
mathea

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 11, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk with beautiful views of the Tavignano and the mountains. The climb from point 3 to point 5 is a bit steeper, as is the descent to point 6. Overall, it’s a moderate walk; best avoided in summer or set off early.

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Marinaa
Marinaa

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in 3 hours, no particular difficulty, the path is very pleasant and the landscape magnificent with a view of the mountain and a small stream below.

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Nano57
Nano57

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful hike. Some slightly steep sections.

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Sam_
Sam_

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike. Much of it is unshaded, so be careful on hot days. There are no technical difficulties, but it's quite a climb to the summit, where there is a beautiful view. The descent to the stream is quite steep. Don't miss the access to the Antia basin at No. 7, which is the highlight of the walk.

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User 18057771

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, especially in the sunshine during the first (and last) part.
We really enjoyed a short break under the trees as we crossed the Antia stream (2), which finally provided some welcome shade.
Then the climb quickly leads to the rock slab (3). Just before you get there, once you see it, you will find the path that descends towards Tavignanu on your left before the viewpoint. It winds through the vegetation and is quite steep and narrow. The swimming spot at the bottom is superb!

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User 11972910

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The hike is very pleasant, and the view of the valley and the scrubland is magnificent. Apart from the intense sun on that day, it wasn't too difficult for our 8- and 11-year-old daughters.
Be careful when planning your route, as we spoke to several people along the way who had confused this hike with the end of the Mare à Mare Nord hike (which also has swimming areas, particularly near the bridge), which shares a section of the trail. Many people turned back because they thought the swimming area – and therefore the bridge – was too far away. Some even thought there was a mistake with the Visorando app.
In fact, there is no error. After point 4, towards point 5, the route is no longer marked and is very steep, sometimes difficult to find among the overgrown vegetation. On arrival, swimming and diving are all the more enjoyable!

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Moune57
Moune57

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike. Stunning landscapes. Lake Antia and its waterfall are definitely worth stopping to see and take a dip in the cool water.

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User 2525318

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Be careful, the path down to the river once you reach the slab is not easy to find. You need to go back a little from this viewpoint.
This part of the loop is rarely used and the small path tends to become overgrown with vegetation.
There is a very steep slope down to the river until you reach the Antia stream.

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