Tour of the Aiguilles de Bavella

Date of your route : Jun 01, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Tougher than expected based on the theory of distance versus elevation gain (though the ‘very difficult’ rating is a bit of an exaggeration...) … mainly because there are lots of alternating ascents and descents from halfway through right to the end, and some proper climbs too!
You reach the summit quite quickly; there are loads of rocks and it’s a fairly steep climb over a short distance...
Almost 600 m of elevation gain just to reach the highest pass...
The rest of the elevation gain is for the return journey, which involves alternating ascents and descents (7 km gone...).
Stunning views of the Aiguilles from the car park 🙃 Free parking if you arrive early, otherwise you have to pay
I thought I’d done the hardest bit, but no. It’s the second half of the hike that really takes it out of you
The descent is then sometimes tricky over loose earth and rocks
It’s then quite a long stretch of alternating ascents, descents and false flats
The final climb before reaching La Sainte Vierge is particularly difficult over the rocks 🤡
12 km, 1,040 m elevation gain/loss
I wouldn’t do that every day 🤤🤤

🥾 Part of my 10,000 km of different hikes #allofFrance & over 300 lakes discovered 💯 @JeuxVoyages
The full series of hiking videos coming soon...
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Aiguilles de Bavella. Alpine Corsica Quenza section #mountains #travel #lakes #trekking
👉 Full hiking video:
https://youtu.be/aOwBA3TAnS8

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Hello, following Franck’s message regarding my review of the ‘Tour des Aiguilles de Bavella’ hike (alpine route) that I recently completed, I would like to clarify that the stated distance of 12 kilometres is only a very rough estimate. In hiking terms, kilometres are calculated based on effort. This method is based on a simple rule used by several official bodies. This calculation takes into account several important parameters such as (elevation gain, elevation loss, technical difficulty of the terrain, etc.). The formula for calculating the ‘effort kilometre’ is as follows:
effort-kilometres = estimated distance in km + (cumulative positive elevation gain in m/100) + (negative elevation loss in m/400).
Practical example: a hike advertised as 11 km = 11 + (866/100) + (870/400)
= 11 + 8.66 km + 2.175 km
= 21.83 km in terms of effort.
The figures above are provided by Franck.
I would also like to point out that even this calculation does not take into account the type of terrain, altitude, weather,
the weight of the rucksack, the technical difficulty of the route, or the hiker’s fitness level. It is therefore advisable to use the
effort kilometre as a general indicator rather than an absolute value. In conclusion, if the correct calculation methods were provided, it would be possible to avoid certain problems—some more serious than others—during hikes.

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Hello, I’m the author of this walking route; thank you for your comment. However, I cannot let incorrect information stand.
Firstly, the distance is approximately 12 km, not 26 km as you claim.
Secondly, the difficulty is relative; whilst there is indeed a section with a chain, it is manageable for the average walker.
Thirdly, this walk is very well signposted in yellow from the start at the Col de Bavella, then in red and white (GR) once you’ve come down the other side. Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring a map or a GPS, but you won’t need to check them every five minutes.
Enjoy your hike in Corsica.
Franck.

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Date of your route : Sep 28, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello, We are keen hikers and have been living in Corsica for six years. We completed the Tour des Aiguilles de Bavella (alpine route) starting from the Bavella car park. This hike is magnificent, but be warned: it is only suitable for experienced hikers who are used to technical and steep terrain. Make sure you have very good walking boots, and if possible an IGN map, a compass and even a reliable GPS. Take around 5 litres of water with you.
We completed it on 28 September 2026 in excellent weather conditions. We set off at 7 am and finished at 4 pm.
This hike should not be underestimated as it is very challenging in terms of technical terrain and distance (26.67 km), with a rather perilous section along a mountain ridge. Once you reach the junction with the GR 20, you’ll be on the return route via the GR 20, passing through the Bavella car park, which is the starting point. Do not underestimate the return journey, given its length and the fact that it involves some scrambling over rocks. I can confirm that this hike is only suitable for experienced walkers.

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Date of your route : Sep 27, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A splendid walk.
Lots of climbs and descents one after the other, which are quite tiring on the way back.
But the effort is rewarded by the beauty of the scenery.

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Circular hike completed on 11 September with my son (aged 55 and 22). Excellent conditions (a bit nippy at the start at 8 am), lovely and sunny. Completed in 4 hours 15 minutes, including breaks. The start is tough – you have to use your hands – but it’s well worth it: this granite landscape is simply magnificent!!! Highly recommended

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Date of your route : Sep 03, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The directions on Visorando are completely reliable for this walk.
As for the walk itself, the signposting is excellent and the scenery is magnificent.
The route isn’t particularly technical or dangerous, but it does require a good level of fitness as the ascents and descents are quite demanding. Sturdy walking shoes are essential (I did it in running trainers, so I had much less grip, which didn’t make it any easier for me). Took 6 hours 40 minutes, including breaks.
At this time of year, we came across a few other walkers, but it wasn’t at all crowded.
I’d recommend setting off early as the first few kilometres are very exposed to the sun, as are the last ones, so make sure you take plenty of water!

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Date of your route : Sep 03, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We set off very early in the morning (6 am) as it gets very hot from 10 am onwards in early September. Don’t underestimate how strenuous this walk is. We’re used to walking, but this one was particularly difficult (pebbles, rocks). It took us 7 hours 30 minutes. The first two kilometres are very tough, and the last one just as much. It’s 11.5 km long.
The scenery is breathtaking!
Bear in mind that on the way back, the 8 km through the forest feel very, very, veeeery long!
Make sure you take plenty of water with you.

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

A superb hike with breathtaking views over the first 3 km. I’d recommend setting off early (7.30 am for us) to avoid the crowds at the chain crossing and to avoid the worst of the heat.
It took us 6 hours, including breaks.
Although I’m usually prone to vertigo, I didn’t experience any discomfort on this route. The steep gradients at the start and end of the route require a minimum level of fitness.

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Date of your route : Aug 21, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This is a must-do walk – it’s absolutely stunning with breathtaking scenery. The route description is excellent and the signposting is spot on; I didn’t get lost once.
Watch your step – some sections are very slippery! And it’s an uphill climb right up to the very last metre.
It took me 3 hours 45 minutes, as I ran some sections.
The pay-and-display car park is great for avoiding fines, and there’s a bar and restaurant at the end where you can carry on admiring the view!!
10/10

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Date of your route : Jun 29, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The signposting is spot on! We did the walk on 28 June 2026 and, contrary to previous comments, we didn’t have any trouble. We followed the clearly visible yellow markings. Where these are missing, the path remains fairly easy to follow as it’s regularly used by hikers on the GR20 who take this alternative route. I suppose they’ve repainted the markings recently.

In any case, it’s magnificent – you simply must do it! It isn’t “very difficult” but it is technical (stones, branches, roots…) and physically demanding (you need strong thighs and calves). The section with the chain isn’t difficult; it’s mainly there for reassurance.

We did it in temperatures of over 30 or 35 degrees, but there’s a breeze and plenty of shade, so it’s very pleasant. As for water, we took 5 litres for the two of us and were a bit short as it still took us 6½ hours, including breaks. There’s no water along the route, but there are two or three streams still flowing if you’re really running low.

We were a bit hesitant because of the ‘very difficult’ rating, but even without being an experienced hiker – just in good physical shape (aged 30) – it’s doable.

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Date of your route : Jun 08, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Indeed: very difficult. The route is marked with old, faded yellow or green markings. A common sight in Corsica! Disappointing...
A compass is essential at the start. Once you’ve joined the GR, simply follow the trail to the Col de Bavella, taking great care.

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Date of your route : May 29, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A really lovely hike, especially the "alpine variant" section.
We did it in good weather conditions, so it didn’t present any particular difficulties.
As mentioned, you need to be particularly careful to follow the markings. Checking the GPS when the markings were no longer visible proved useful on a few occasions.

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Date of your route : Apr 20, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An absolute must! A hike not to be missed, taking you along the GR20 via the Alpine route. The first section is quite strenuous, with some technical sections. A magical traverse of the Aiguilles with stunning views.
The descent through the woods is very pleasant, though the end of the route requires a burst of energy.

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Date of your route : Oct 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in October, starting in the morning. The trail markings are clearly visible. The hike is classified as very difficult. Being over 50, I found it quite challenging because the return journey is very long, and after trudging along rocky paths, your legs are tired. Otherwise, it's worth the detour as the scenery is breathtaking.

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