Escape on the GR20 North from Corte
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationHaute-Corse / Corsica
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions46.55 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a wild and sporty immersion on one of Europe's most beautiful trails: the GR20 North , winding between rugged mountains, Corsican pine forests, and traditional sheepfolds. From Ascu Stagnu, you'll trek through the heart of unspoiled nature to the Pointe des Éboulis (2,604 m), offering breathtaking views of Monte Cinto, the island's highest peak. The route then takes you through the Niolu , one of Corsica's most pristine regions, with its mineral ravines, glacial lakes, and high-altitude meadows .
Along the way, you'll stop at iconic GR20 mountain huts, discover the pozzines (small pools) of Lake Nino , and hike on ancient transhumance trails in the heart of the Corsican Regional Natural Park . Each stage reveals breathtaking panoramas and a unique diversity of landscapes, from rocky ridges and crystal-clear rivers to deep forests. This challenging yet accessible multi-day trek, suitable for experienced hikers, is a true invitation to escape and discover the soul of Corsica . The journey concludes at the Scala di Santa Regina, a spectacular granite gorge leading to Corte, a charming town nestled in the heart of the island.
The highlights
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3 of the most beautiful stages of the GR20
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Spectacular views of Monte Cinto and the Corsican peaks
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Nights spent in mountain huts in the heart of the Corsican Regional Natural Park
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 7h30
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 962 m
- Average daily descent: 982 m
Management
The roadbook includes: a day-by-day itinerary, copies of maps, and a list of accommodations. Upon arrival at your accommodation, you will receive: transfer vouchers, a luggage route sheet, luggage tags, and the IGN map(s).
Program
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From Corte - Installation in Asco
- Transportation Car - 01h - 59km
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at Corte train station. You will be met by your driver and transferred to the Haut-Asco ski resort, followed by check-in to your accommodation.
Day 1 -
From Haut Asco to Vallone
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 1230 m
- Negative elevation 1260 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The stage begins at the Ascu Stagnu ski resort and quickly crosses a dense forest of Corsican pine. The landscape then becomes more rocky as you approach the Tribulacciu cirque. This section requires constant vigilance, with steep sections equipped with chains and ladders to aid progress. The trail then leads to Lake Argentu before reaching Pointe des Éboulis, which rises to 2,604 meters and is one of the highest points on the GR20. From this summit, hikers are treated to a spectacular panorama, with breathtaking views of iconic peaks, including Monte Cinto. The descent continues through a field of unstable stones to Bocca Crucetta, where Lake Cinto and its snowfield persist even in summer. The day ends with a long descent to the Tighjettu refuge, and then on to the tranquil sheepfolds of Vallone. This section of the GR20 is renowned for its technical difficulty, confirming the reputation of this trail as one of the most demanding in Europe.
Day 2 -
From Vallone to Vergio
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 780 m
- Negative elevation 810 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The route begins with a gradual climb along the Stranciacone ravine, in a wild and rocky landscape. After winding through a forest dotted with imposing granite boulders, you reach the Foggiale pass, offering exceptional views over the Niolu and Melarie valleys. The trail continues to the Ciottulu di i Mori refuge, perched at 2,000 meters altitude in an alpine setting dominated by the impressive Paglia Orba (2,525 m), nicknamed the "Corsican Matterhorn" for its distinctive silhouette.
As you descend, the trail follows the Golo River, dotted with small waterfalls and crystal-clear pools, perfect for a refreshing break. You then arrive at the Radule sheepfolds, where vast meadows and majestic Corsican pines evoke the era of pastoral transhumance. The path crosses a footbridge before plunging into the dense Valdu Niellu forest, a biological reserve rich in biodiversity. The stage ends at the Col de Vergio, surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Corsican Regional Natural Park.
Day 3 -
From the Vergio pass to Lake Nino
- Transportation Car - 01h - 39km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 875 m
- Negative elevation 875 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
From Castel di Vergio, the route follows a forest track which winds through the heart of the woods to the foot of Capu a Rughja. The path then passes by the San Petru oratory, crosses the San Tomaghju ridge and goes around the Capu a Tozzu before joining the GR20 towards the sumptuous Lake Nino. Perched at an altitude of 1,748 meters, this second largest lake in Corsica offers an enchanting landscape, with its vast green lawns, its pozzines and the surrounding mountains.
Continuing along the path, you reach Bocca a Stazzona before beginning the descent towards the Colga sheepfolds. The hike continues through the valley to the Valdu-Niellu forest, eventually arriving at the Poppaghja forest house, nestled in the heart of this wooded massif. A transfer then takes you back to Corte, crossing the Niolu valley and the spectacular Scala di Santa Regina, thus concluding this memorable stage.
Day 4
Note
The programs were established based on the latest information available at the time of writing: unforeseen circumstances are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter their course.
Accommodation
Nights are planned in dormitories in mountain huts/sheepfolds and in guesthouses or in tents equipped with mattresses.
Access
Round-trip transfers to/from Corte train station are included in the stay.
Go to the starting point
Access/return possible by train from and to Ajaccio, Bastia or Calvi.
Check train schedules on the Corsican railway website: https://cf-corse.corsica/
Price details
The price includes
Half-board accommodation, picnics, and luggage drop-off at the end of the route are included.
transfers on days 1 and 4, travel file with IGN maps and road book.
The price does not include
Drinks, the picnic lunch on day 1, the transport of your luggage at each stage, the processing fees,
Insurance, site visits and transfers not included in the program,
support.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
For overnight stays in a tent: Quechua 2-second type tent with groundsheet
Equipment to bring
For sleeping
- 1 sleeping bag that can go down to 0°/ 5° C in so-called "comfort" temperature (essential and mandatory: no blanket in Corsican refuges) – take a compact and lightweight sleeping bag.
- A meat bag (sewn bag)
- Earplugs if you are a light sleeper because on the GR20 recovery during the night is a crucial element.
For the picnic
- A plastic airtight container (0.8 L) for transporting vegetable salads.
- Cutlery (fork, spoon, folding knife)
- A water bottle of at least one and a half liters, or a CamelBak (hydration pack) which is much more practical...
The basic kit: this is the minimum necessary item that you must have with you at all times during a day of hiking.
- Trekking socks
- Lightweight trousers
- Technical T-shirt
- Fleece jacket, down jacket or softshell
- Waterproof and breathable jacket (be careful, the weather changes very quickly in the mountains!).
- Hat/cap for sun protection.
- Hiking poles
- Swimsuit and microfiber towel (for swimming)
- Lunch essentials (airtight plastic container 05 – 0.8 l, cup, fork, spoon) + Swiss Army knife.
- Sunscreen, lip balm,
- Sunglasses
- Tissues and toilet paper
- First aid kit (adhesive tape, bandages, blister plasters, Micropur tablets, your personal medications…)
- Camera + spare batteries (if applicable)
- Identity papers + health insurance card + money
- Whistle (to signal your presence in case of trouble)
- Mobile phone
The shoes
Feet are a part of the body that should not be neglected when going hiking.
We recommend a pair of shoes that are high enough to properly support the ankle, with a sole that isn't too rigid and offers good grip, such as Vibram soles, and preferably waterproof and breathable (with a Gore-Tex type coating). Choose one or two sizes larger than your usual shoe size.
Clothing to bring
Lightweight and technical clothing is preferable as it is the best way to regulate body temperature and optimize the weight of your backpack.
You should also pack warm, quick-drying clothes.
In general.
- A waterproof and breathable jacket of the "Gore-Tex" type to protect against wind or rain,
- A fleece jacket, down jacket or softshell jacket,
- Breathable T-shirts made of technical fibers such as "Polartec" (more flexible and quick-drying),
- Comfortable trekking trousers for walking,
- Shorts,
- A swimsuit,
- Spare clothes, thermal underwear (technical underwear), and personal linens.
- A hat or a cap,
- A hat,
- A pair of warm gloves,
- Optional: waterproof and breathable trousers.
