North to South Corsica in 16 Stages
Armed with your topoguide and IGN map, your crampons and backpack, you the trail runner throw yourself into the adventure, traversing the GR 20, at once the most spectacular and most athletic of them all. The 16 stages that compose it offer views of the heart of Corsica and not just its coastal facade. You enter beech forests, follow streams, climb passes, and descend slopes to the plains. You sleep in high-altitude refuges and above all, you gaze upon magnificent landscapes.
The first stage starts at Calenzana and leads to Ortu di Piobbu. By taking an old shepherd's path, you cross the state forest of the village of Sambucu. On this occasion, be on the lookout as you might well spot some birds of prey and mouflons. Your efforts will be well rewarded since the refuge offers a plunging view of Calvi!
The second stage takes you from Ortu di Piobbu to Carrozzu. After climbing the Bocca di Pisciaghja, you picnic facing the Mediterranean Sea. Then continue to the refuge where Pierrot will prepare a mint omelette and a soft chocolate cake. Once again, you embrace a panoramic view
Your third stage will take you from Ortu to Ascu Stagnu. This time, the elevations are both positive and negative! The diversity of the terrain is incredible and you will finish at the Asco ski station which provides a point of resupply. This place also serves as an entrance and exit for those who do not wish to complete the entire GR20.
During the fourth stage, probably the most strenuous but also the most grandiose, you will reach the roof of Corsica, the summit of Monte Cinto. From this highest point, you enjoy an impressive panorama. Its ascent is accordingly strongly discouraged in winter.
The fifth stage from Tighjettu to Ciottulu di i Mori is shorter, count on about 4 hours of hiking. At the same time, the trail is pleasant and the scenery bucolic and you are surrounded by the Paglia Orba and the Capu Tafunatu which is no less impressive.
Here comes the sixth stage from Ciottulu di i Mori to Manganu. If you are worried about making this trip, it is so fabulous that you will devour the kilometers. GR hikers usually stop at the Col de Vergio between Corte and Vico to resupply.
Between Manganu and Petra Piana (seventh stage), you will follow the ridges. Before your amazed eyes will stretch the glacial lakes of Capitello and Melo. Then you cross the green plain of Bocca d’Acqua Ciarnente, a route I highly recommend.
For the eighth stage spanning between Petra Piana and l’Onda, the walk is easier as you hike through an alpine relief in a mysterious ambiance.
From Onda to Vizzavona, during the ninth stage, you benefit from an enchanting landscape with the English waterfall. Once you reach the end of your stage, you will find yourself at a small tourist resort which also serves as an entry and exit point of the GR.
End of the Northern part, congratulations to you!
You are now attacking your 10th stage while you didn't think you were capable of it! Between Vizzavona and E Capanelle, you will soon pass by the ruins of the Grand Hotel de la Forêt following the forest trail.
Starting from E Capanelle, you will reach the Col de Verde and Bocca d’Oru at an altitude of 1800 meters! This eleventh stage allows you to overlook the Monte d’Oro and the Monte Renoso.
By reaching Usciolu from Prati (stage 12), you will become the king of the world as you climb the mountain to the highest point in Corsica: Punta Capella.
During the thirteenth stage between Usciolu and Matalza, you benefit from a new path and cross the Cuscionu plateau.
It is with joy that you race down the slopes, follow the streams, you encounter beech forests between Matalza and Asinau (stage 14).
You are now walking among the forests of pine and birch trees, you prefer the alpine version over the ridge one. Make a stop in the village of Bavella and head to Paliri.
For the sixteenth and final stage of your GR20, between Paliri and Conca, I'll let you guess… some choose to start there on the GR20 to get warmed up!