The GR20 North original route in a group
In summary
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Sports
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Duration9 days
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LevelExpert
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DestinationCorsica / Haute-Corse
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AgeFrom 16 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions73.83 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Discover wild Corsica by hiking the northern section of the legendary GR20 , one of Europe's most iconic treks. This 9-day route connects Vizzavona to Calenzana , traversing some of the most spectacular landscapes on the Isle of Beauty.
The atmosphere is decidedly alpine , with a trail often perched at high altitude , winding between mineral ridges, glacial lakes and vast high plateaus . Each stage reveals remarkable natural sites with evocative names: Lake Melu , the Capitellu breach , Lake Ninu , dominated by its famous pozzines , or the majestic Paglia Orba .
The route also crosses the Pointe des Éboulis , the highest point of the GR20, and offers, when conditions permit, the ascent of Monte Cintu (2710 m) , the summit of Corsica .
For greater peace of mind during this sporting adventure, access to the support bag is provided when possible.
This demanding trek is for experienced hikers , accustomed to technical, steep and rocky trails , wishing to experience an intense immersion in the heart of the Corsican mountains .
The highlights
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From Vizzavona to Calenzana
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Following the original route and the extras in the Guide
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In a small group of up to 12 participants
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 744 m
- Average daily descent: 833 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
English
French
The guide takes care of all the organization during the hike. They ensure safety in difficult sections and, in case of bad weather, set the pace for hikers who experience a temporary dip in energy.
He brings his knowledge of the terrain, the environment, history and Corsican culture to satisfy your curiosity.
We know the guides who will be leading you very well. We have worked with them for several years and have complete confidence in them.
Program
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Vizzavona - L'Onda
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 01h15 - 40km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h40
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 1220 m
- Negative elevation 710 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The group was welcomed in Ajaccio very early in the morning.
Transfer to the hamlet of Vizzavona.
Ascent along the English waterfalls to cross Punta Muratellu (2141 m). Then the descent is steep but the view of the highest peaks of the island rewards the effort.
Night in a tent at the Onda sheepfolds.
Day 1 -
L'Onda - Petra Piana
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h15
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 490 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Depending on the weather conditions, you can choose between the ridge crossing via the Pinzi Corbini (2021m) or the ascent of the Manganellu and its natural pools.
Night in a tent at the Petra Piana refuge.
Day 2 -
Petra Piana - Vaccaghja
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 630 m
- Negative elevation 890 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Short morning climb to the Col de la Haute Route at 2206 m. Aerial route on the ridges overlooking the lakes of Melu and Capitellu to reach the breach of Bocca ae Porte at 2225 m.
Night spent in a tent at the Vaccaghja sheepfolds.
Day 3 -
Vaccaghja - Vergio
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We continue our journey and cross a vast high-altitude beech forest along a contour line. We stop at Lake Ninu, one of the "pearls" of the Corsican mountains, a paradise for wild horses.
Night at the Castel di Vergio guesthouse.
Access to assistance baggage.
Day 4 -
Vergio - Balloon
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 730 m
- Negative elevation 720 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A change of scenery; we enter the volcanic massif of the Grande Barrière and we go up the upper Golo valley to the Foggiale Pass.
Night spent in a tent at the Ballone sheepfolds.
Day 5 -
Ballone - Ascu Stagnu
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h30
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 1240 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The most challenging day of the trip features the ascent of Pointe des Eboulis on the ridge of Monte Cintu, the highest peak in Corsica (2710 m). Depending on weather conditions and the participants' abilities, a summit climb may be possible (1 hour 40 minutes round trip). A long and steep descent through a maze of scree leads to the Ascu ski resort.
Night at the Ascu Stagnu guesthouse.
Access to assistance baggage.
Day 6 -
Ascu - Carozzu
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 640 m
- Negative elevation 790 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A short, steep climb leads us to the Muvrella pass. We leave the world of the peaks and plunge into the canyon to the Spasimata footbridge; the Mediterranean atmosphere gradually takes hold.
The guide now leaves the GR20 with part of the group to reach Bonifatu, the road access point. You will spend the night in Carozzu and continue independently for the remaining two days. You will be self-sufficient and will retrieve your luggage in Calenzana.
Night spent in a tent at the Carozzu refuge.
Day 7 -
Carozzu - Ortu di Piobbu - in freedom
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 920 m
- Negative elevation 780 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Climb to the Col de l'Innominata before reaching the ridges and enjoying the magnificent views they offer. You cross one last pass before descending to the refuge.
Night in tents at the Ortu di Piobbu refuge.
Day 8 -
Ortu di Piobbu - Calenzana - free
- Transportation 15h - 7km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 60 m
- Negative elevation 1360 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The terrain remains rugged at the start of this descent towards the sea. You leave the mountains behind and the Gulf of Calvi comes into view more and more clearly. You finish your journey on an old mule track.
Arrival in Calenzana then transfer to Calvi and end of the stay.
Day 9
Note
Most hikers choose the essential version of the GR20 North, in 6 or 7 days. We organize a hybrid version for purists, offering you the opportunity to hike the GR20 North in its original form, that is, from Vizzavona to Calenzana in 9 days.
The last two stages are self-guided (without a guide). We provide you with a roadbook with descriptions and a GPS application.
Accommodation
Access
Meet on Saturday at 7am in front of the SNCF train station in Ajaccio for the transfer Ajaccio - Vizzavona (1h15 min).
Dispersion on Sunday (day 9) in the afternoon at the SNCF train station in Calvi.
Our team will take care of your support bag upon arrival. You must therefore arrive ready to hike: hiking boots on your feet, full water bottle, complete backpack, and closed support bag.
Please note: The end of the stay is scheduled for the afternoon (between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm in Calvi / 3 hours by road from Ajaccio and 5 hours by train), please take this into account when organizing your trip if you have to leave Corsica on the same day.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified Mountain Guide (except for the last 2 stages)
- A detailed roadbook with IGN maps and stage descriptions for the free sections (last 2 stages)
- Accommodation in mountain huts, guesthouses, sheepfolds or tents
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 9
- Transfer at the start of your stay from Ajaccio to Vizzavona
- Transfer at the end of your stay from Calenzana to Calvi
- Luggage transport for support to accommodations with road access (Days 4 and 6)
The price does not include
- Carozzu's supervision in Calenzana (last 2 stages)
- Transportation to and from the meeting point.
- Personal expenses, drinks and cereal bars
- Transfers not included in the program (withdrawal, injury, fatigue...)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
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 to bring
The backpack : Your backpack should be able to hold your sleeping bag and personal belongings for two days (three days for the Original), which is approximately 40-50 liters. Choose a backpack with a hip belt (allowing the weight of the pack to rest on your hips), padded shoulder straps, and a chest strap. You should always carry a warm layer, rain gear, a water bottle, a first-aid kit, and your personal items, as well as part of your picnic lunch. In addition to a rain cover (sometimes integrated into the backpack), a 70-liter garbage bag and two freezer bags are essential to effectively protect your belongings from the rain.
CARRYING : Carrying is limited to personal belongings and your midday picnic (approximately 1 kg), for a total weight of about 7 to 8 kg per person. Assistance is provided for other meals, and you will have access to your "full" bag twice a week.
Sleeping : A good quality sleeping bag (comfort temperature: +5°) that is compact and lightweight is essential for this trip involving nights in a guesthouse, mountain refuge or tent.
The picnic : 1 individual airtight container of approximately 0.5 liters, such as a "Tupperware" type container, to hold a mixed salad, cutlery (knife, fork) and a cup.
Small equipment :
- Water bottle or hydration pack (approximately two liters): we strongly advise you to bring a filter bottle, a filter straw or a filter adapter for your hydration pack (such as LifeStraw or Camelbak)
- A pair of telescopic poles (recommended)
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- Toilet paper
- A small toiletry bag, with a microfiber towel
- A headlamp with spare batteries
- A pair of sneakers or sandals for the evening
Pharmacy : You must bring a personal kit containing your own medical prescriptions as well as a supplementary pharmacy containing: large elastoplast, double skin for blister prevention, disinfectant, aspirin/paracetamol, sterile dressings and compresses.
Clothing to bring
The clothes
- A windproof, waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX type jacket
- Protection against rain (rain cape or waterproof and breathable jacket)
- A fleece jacket or light down jacket
- Trousers, shorts, t-shirt(s) (avoid cotton and favour breathable materials).
- Change of clothes
- A swimsuit and a microfiber towel (lighter)
- Thin gloves and a light hat.
Footwear : Choose hiking boots with good ankle support and lug soles that are flexible. Footwear is one of the most important pieces of equipment for your hike. Above all, it must be comfortable, lightweight, waterproof, and breathable. Good ankle support is essential. Don't set off in brand-new boots. Wear them at least two or three times beforehand on hikes. Similarly, make sure your "old boots" won't fall apart on the first climb.
