Corsica-GR20

The first stage of the GR20 will whet our appetites, it is relatively tough, due to its elevation and the few visible landmarks. There is little water on this stage, so it will be necessary especially in summer.

Second stage of the GR 20 with technical passages but also incredible viewpoints! You will arrive at the Carozzu refuge, with its panoramic terrace! the second stage is short in terms of kilometers but it is one of the 4 most difficult with the first, the third and the seventh. Don’t underestimate this step.

Third stage of the GR20 to Ascu Stagnu, known in winter for its ski resort. You will cross one of the rare GR20 roads. Here you can choose the tent or the hotel. If there are places left, we recommend the hotel to recover from the first three stages.

C’est l’ancienne étape au départ de asco qui passait par le cirque de la solitude, et qui est aujourd’hui déviée par le Monte Cinto. Tout aussi belle, elle vous fera passer plus haut avant de vous permettre d’arriver tout en bas, au refuge de Tighjettu. Anticipez l’étape en terme de dénivelé positif ! Nous continuerons jusqu’à l’auberge suivante afin de gagner quelques kilomètres sur la double étape du lendemain qui est très longue.

STAGE 5 of the GR20 / From Tighettu to Ciottulu di i Mori

This stage is the shortest, and is less strenuous. It will allow us to enjoy an incredible view in the Refuge de Ciottulu but also to take advantage of it to move on to the next stage which is long but much more rolling !

STAGE 6 of the GR20 / From Tighettu to Ciottulu di i Mori to Manganu

The 6th stage is, on the contrary, the longest of the GR20 in terms of distance: a section of more than 20 kilometers, with a very rolling profile, especially the part between the Col de Vergio and the Lac de Nico ! If we have space, we will stop at the Vaccaghja sheepfold, in order to shorten the total route, otherwise we will have to push a little further to the Manganu refuge.

This stage is one of the most technical and it begins very steeply in elevation gain, with an ascent to the Brêche de Capitellu, but also an incredible view of the two high mountain lakes! You will see Petra Piana in the distance, on the mountainside. This stage includes a passage where you have to abseil down a metal chain.

STAGE 8 of the GR20 / From Petra Piana to Onda

There are two options to reach the Onda refuge: by the rather rolling and easy traditional GR20, or by a variant via the ridges, very technical and much less rolling. We will study the question on site but recommend the traditional GR20 for a question of time and fatigue. However, the variant allows you to contemplate magnificent landscapes and the sea in the distance.

STAGE 9 of the GR20 / From Onda to Vizzavone

This is one of the two longest descents of the whole Gr20, you will think you will never end it but when the first signs of civilizations appear, you will want to speed up the pace in order to find civilization or not… here too you You will have the choice between hotel and campsite depending on the places available.

For participants coming from the North, you will officially pass on the GR20 South: the stage to Capanelle is relatively long, but although the difference in altitude is significant, it is both rolling and pleasant under the trees, so relaxing for those who come from the North and a good introduction to the subject for those who come from the South !

The second stage does not represent an extreme challenge for those accustomed to hiking either, you can start to take your time to really observe the surroundings.

A little return to the condition of the North, with a few technical passages that will give Southerners an idea of ​​what Northerners have experienced, what to laugh about and discuss in the evening at the Refuge. This high mountain stage will offer you beautiful passages at 2000 meters up to Usciolu.

STAGE 13 of the GR20 / From Usciolu to Matalza

Long considered “the new stage of the GR20”, this is a section that will take you out of the mountains to visit the Cusciunu plateau and reach Matalza (or the nearby sheepfolds). Without much difficulty and rather relaxing.

STAGE 14 of the GR20 / From Matalza to Asinau

10 km to reach the Asinau refuge. In crest almost all along, rather rolling with some technical passages. Pretty quick step.

This step corresponds to two old steps combined into one. a variant is possible through the valley. The landscapes are flatter at the beginning and therefore more relaxing and rolling through ferns and varied forests, quite monotonous at the end of the course with a steep ascent before the descent to the fairly difficult refuge. The variant remains a pleasant stage but just as honorable. (depending on the majority decision of the group, we will follow one or the other variant).

The small track of the GR20 will take you to the mountains of Bavella, with a passage to the pass of the same name but two options to get there: the classic GR or the alpine variant of Bavella, sublime! Possibility to eat at the Bavella pass before resuming the walk to I Paliri.

The Bavella variant is as technical as the North stages but magnificent. The classic GR although longer does not take much longer, it crosses the forest and allows you to bypass the needles, you are covered almost all the way. (depending on the majority decision of the group, we will follow one or the other variant).

I Paliri is a very lively refuge, it’s the last one, and we often party there. This will be an opportunity to celebrate your long journey with all the people you have met during this journey. However, do not spend the night there or you will have trouble for the last stage…

Last stage of the GR20, there is still a long way to go and bumps in the descent: the profile is downhill, quite easy after what you have endured, and your body will have taken all the stamina it will take to complete the route brilliantly, while remaining vigilant of course.