Current as of: December 22, 2024 - 11:52
Mountains & Villages of Corsica Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: France
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TEB
- Carbon Footprint: 25kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Hike scenic trails on the ‘Island of Beauty’ and immerse yourself in one of the most intriguing cultures in Europe
Between France and Italy, yet with its own cuisine, culture and language, Corsica is a unique island of dramatic beauty. Hike its most picturesque trails on this expertly led small-group adventure. Basing ourselves in Corte, we hike through gorges and pine forests, pass swimmable rock pools, and venture across the island on the quaint mountain railway. Our days end at the family-run Hotel de la Paix, enjoying Corsican hospitality.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel de la Paix)
- Five days of walking; one free day
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader
- Well-marked trails, often rocky and uneven
Highlights
- Discover the impressive mountain scenery and diverse landscapes of Corsica on foot
- Get a taste of the celebrated GR20, a long-distance hiking trail that crosses the whole island
- Spend a free day at the beach in Napoleon’s hometown of Ajaccio or in Bastia
- Enjoy a warm Corsican welcome at Hotel de la Paix in Corte
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Hikes: This is a mountainous area, so all trails have plenty of ascents and descents. There are very few level paths and the maximum height gain and loss is 2,990ft (911m). We usually walk between 3hr 45min and six hours per day.
Terrain: Corsica has a network of long-established trails and walking paths, most well maintained and way marked. Even so, paths are rocky and walking boots with good ankle support and tread are essential.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Corte
- End City: Corte
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Ajaccio; transfer to Corte
Fly to Ajaccio and transfer to Corte. If there is time after the group transfer arrival, we take an orientation walk of Corte, exploring this picturesque village as well as some of the surrounding forest.
Start Corte
We start at Hotel de la Paix in Corte. If you have time before the welcome meeting this evening, wander around the picturesque town, the one-time capital of the island.
Walk up to Punta di u Corbu in the Restonica Gorges, back down through pine forests
Start the week with an exploration of the Restonica Gorges. From downtown Corte, we hike towards the Chapel of Saint-Antoine. The trail gradually climbs up to Punta di u Corbu, offering superb panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
At the top of a small pass, we can enjoy superb views, before descending through a pine forest towards the Restonica River. The descent continues along the road, bordered by the crystal-clear waters of the river, back to the hotel.
Train to Vivario; walk to Tattone and the Vecchio River; ascend to Vizzavona; train to Corte
After a 35-minute train journey to Vivario, we begin our walk across a ridge to the ruins of a French fort with fine views of Monte d’Oro to the west and the Tavignano Valley to the east. We then descend through a forest to Camping Savaggio, and to the village of Tattone. From there, a short, steep descent takes us to the Vecchio River, where it may be possible to swim in one of the many beautiful rock pools. Our hike then takes us along a rocky path up the river valley to Abri Southwell – site of one of the earliest known settlements in Corsica. We cross the river and make the short ascent through the forest to Vizzavona, returning by train (50 minutes) to Corte.
Walk along the Tavignano Gorge; return to Corte
From our hotel, we walk up the Tavignano Gorge along part of the Mare a Mare (Sea to Sea), a long-distance hiking trail traversing the island from east to west. We stop for lunch next to beautiful rock pools where, weather permitting, we can swim. Return along the valley to Corte, with a little time to explore. Options include visiting the citadel, a fortified château founded on a rocky peak in 1419. To go inside, you need to purchase a ticket to the Musée de la Corse, an anthropological museum in the barracks below. Alternatively, explore the historic centre, stopping at one of the many cafes, gelaterias and restaurants, or swim in the Tavignano River.
Free day for an optional trip to Napoleon’s Ajaccio or to explore Bastia
There are various options for your free day. Relax around the hotel and Corte, travel across the island, or visit the coast. Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace, has beaches, shops and restaurants. Explore the Musée Fesch (home to an outstanding collection of Italian paintings) or take a bus ride along the coast. You can also visit the coastal town of Bastia to explore the citadel and emblematic old port.
Train to Vizzavona from where we walk along the GR20 to Bocca Palmente
From Corte, a 50-minute train journey takes us to Vizzavona, where we begin our walk along the GR20 to Bocca Palmente. This route includes sections through pine and beech forest and spectacular views out to Monte d’Oro and the east coast. There may be the opportunity for an optional extension to the clear water of the Cascades des Anglais rock pools.
Short public shuttle transfer; walk to the Cappellaccia Shepherd’s Huts and Plateau d’Alzu
After a short transfer by public shuttle to the start of the trail, we start our final hike of the trip, one still used by shepherds. The path climbs up through pine forest on regular switchbacks to reach the source of the Funtana Bianca at the bottom of the path. The path then leaves the forest and climbs to the Cappellaccia Shepherd’s Huts. After a 20-minute slightly downhill traverse, we reach the scenic Plateau d’Alzu and the Maison Forestière (Forester’s Lodge), where we might have a chance to try Corsican cheese. We then take the shuttle back to Corte and walk back to our hotel.
Transfer to Ajaccio; fly to London
Transfer to Ajaccio; fly to London.
End Corte
The adventure ends after breakfast. Speak to your sales representative if you’d like to extend your stay or begin your return journey home.
Accommodation
Hotel de la Paix in Corte
Stay at Hotel de la Paix, a family-run hotel with 62 rooms, a bar and TV lounge. It occupies a large stone building constructed by the Casanova family in 1932, though it’s now the Lanoir family who provide the warm welcome. We eat dinner at the nearby Café de France, an authentic restaurant with good pizzas and Corsican dishes.
Single supplement from £ 350
Food & Drink
The trip includes all breakfasts, five picnic lunches and six evening meals.
Evening meals are taken at a restaurant near the hotel, Café de France, and are arranged as a menu for the whole group. The evening meal on your free day is not included, allowing you to try the local restaurants.
Typical meals are:
- Breakfast: Orange juice, croissant, fresh French bread, coffee/tea, cereals, eggs, cheese and cold cuts.
- Lunch: Picnics made of a mixed salad (eg pasta and tuna, potato and meat, lentils and sausage), bread and cheese, and fruit. We encourage you to bring your own recyclable container.
- Evening meals: A first course of soup or a starter (often salad or charcuterie); a main course usually with meat, sometimes fish; and a dessert.
Corsica is famous for charcuteries and brocciu cheese, fresh local herbs, gamey meats and fish, which can feature in the evening meals. The evening meal does not include drinks. Vegetarians can be catered for, but the options are more limited, with the evening meal normally pasta or omelette-based.
Transport
Transfers are in a private vehicle, plus we take the mountain train on some days.
Weather & Seasonality
The best weather for walking in Corsica comes in late spring/early summer, late summer and early autumn. Average daily temperatures in May and June range from 21C to 28C (70F to 82F) and in September from 20C to 26C (68F to 79F). The days are usually clear and fresh, avoiding the sultry humidity of midsummer. The average summer temperature at sea level is 26C (79F) and slightly lower in Corte and in the interior mountains. Sunshine can substantially change the heat perception.
As with all mountainous regions, there is always the possibility of rain, and it can be very heavy when it comes. Therefore, it is necessary to have a fleece and good quality waterproofs at the ready.
Please note, mountains can always make their own weather and, as a result, we may occasionally be forced to amend sections of the itinerary. For this reason, you need everything from swimwear and sunscreen to a warm layer and good quality waterproofs.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel de la Paix, 15 Av. de Gaulle, 20250 Corte
Phone: +33 4 95 46 06 72
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There is a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bastia Airport (BIA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport.
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Corte
Location end: Corte
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Walking boots with good ankle support and tread
- Good quality waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers (pants)
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Backpack for daily essentials ie water bottle, sunscreen etc
- Large water bottle
- Swimwear
Optional Equipment
- Trekking poles
Reading List
Maps
The best maps for an overview of the island are the 1:50000 Les Tracks Grand Air, Didier Richard, sheet 23 Corse du Sud and sheet 20 Corse du Nord. More detailed maps are available in the I:25000 IGN TOP25 series. Sheets 4252 OT and 4251 OT include most of the area covered during our programme of organised walks.
Practical Information
Visa
France
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html
Vaccinations and Health
France
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
France's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
France's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
Cash machines are available in Bastia, Ajaccio and Corte; however, we advise taking some euros in cash with you.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Allow about €50 for meals not included. In addition, you need about €5-€8 per day for drinks and snacks. About €100 to €150 should be sufficient to cover the above, plus souvenirs, optional excursions/entry fees during your free day, depending on what you buy or do.
Local taxes: French hotels must apply a taxe de sejour to all overnight guests. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €0.50 and €1.50 per person per night. For this trip, we recommend allowing €1 per night. This is payable directly to the hotel.
Optional excursions
Corte
- Corse Museum in Corte entrance: €5.50
Bastia
- Bastia Museum: €5
Ajaccio
- Musée Fesch: €10
Musée National de la Maison Bonaparte: €7
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the tour leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a reasonable starting point, we suggest a contribution from €15 to €20 per person for the tour leader.
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
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Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
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Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
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Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.