In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationFrance / Corsica
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions78.29 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
The GR20 is often considered the most beautiful trek and long-distance hiking trail in the world . This legendary route particularly attracts long-distance hiking enthusiasts, drawn by its unique character and demanding nature. The GR20 in Corsica is a true mountain hike , requiring excellent physical condition and the ability to navigate rugged terrain .
Traditionally, this route is completed in sixteen stages , divided into two distinct sections. The southern section is considered more accessible , while the northern section is known for its steep terrain and technical challenges . To allow you to discover this legendary route, we have redesigned the itinerary to adapt it to those who cannot undertake hikes of more than six hours . To this end, we have revised the stages and implemented transfers to bypass the most difficult sections. This new route covers the section from Corte to Haut Asco , a distance of 80 kilometers . The GR20 North traverses spectacular landscapes , passing through the Rotondo and Cintu massifs , winding across the high plateau and the pozzines (small pools) of Lake Nino , while skirting iconic sites such as Lakes Nino , Capitello , and Muvrella . Thanks to these adjustments, this legendary trek becomes accessible while retaining the essence of this exceptional route, to offer you an unforgettable experience.
The highlights
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Access to your bag every evening
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Nights in guesthouses
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The most beautiful stages of the GR20 north
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The GR20 is much more than just a hike: it's a real physical and mental challenge!
It is considered the toughest hiking trail in Europe. However, this northern version of the GR20 is more accessible thanks to the stage layout and the provision of transfers . The route is technical (numerous sections through boulder fields and scree slopes, with some easy scrambling ), so expect to hike for an average of 5 to 6 hours per day, and sometimes more. There is an average of 600 to 800 meters of elevation gain and the same amount of descent. This route is reserved for people who regularly engage in physical activity. If your physical or technical level is deemed insufficient, for your safety, as well as for the well-being and cohesion of the group, our guides would be forced to ask you to stop your GR20 hike. Furthermore, if your personal equipment is not suitable for high-altitude trekking (see our equipment list), and for obvious safety reasons, we would not be able to accept you at the start of the trip.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 816 m
- Average daily descent: 810 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
English
Throughout this demanding journey, you will be accompanied by state-certified mountaineering professionals, holders of the Mountain Leader qualification . Their perfect knowledge of the terrain, the weather, and local conditions guarantees a safe, enriching, and friendly experience.
These enthusiasts are not only there to ensure your safety : they share with you their love of the Corsican mountains, their secrets, their fauna, their flora and their history, transforming each step into a moment of exchange and discovery.
Program
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Corte
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 5:00 PM at Corte train station. The station is easily accessible by train from the cities of Ajaccio, Bastia, and Calvi-Île-Rousse, all of which have a port and an airport. Meet your mountain guide. Check into your hotel (double room) and receive a briefing on your itinerary. Dinner at a typical local restaurant.
Day 1 -
La Restonica - Objective of Melu Lake
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 55km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From your hotel, we'll meet our driver who will take us along a small mountain road that winds up the magnificent Restonica Valley. Our route follows this mountain stream, which originates in the heart of the Monte Ritondu massif nature reserve (2622m). This is one of the largest massifs on the island and the second highest. It encompasses most of Corsica's high-altitude lakes, including Lake Melu, which sits at an altitude of 1717m. At the end of this extraordinary exploration of the upper Restonica Valley, the driver will take us to the Vergio ski resort, where we will stay for two nights.
Day 2 -
Lake Ninu
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We have a meeting with the transport company for a short transfer to the starting point of the hike. We walk beneath the canopy of Corsican pines and ascend the Colga Valley along a pleasant path. After passing the sheepfolds of the same name, the trail becomes more rocky: we sometimes have to use our hands to scramble over the rocks to cross "Bocca Stazzona," at nearly 1,800 meters altitude. There, an incredible view unfolds before us! To the south rises the immense Ritondu massif, with Lake Ninu and its pools in the foreground, while to the north stretches the gigantic Cintu massif. Surrounded by these high peaks, we then continue along the ridge to reach our accommodation, also enjoying views of the nearby sea.
Day 3 -
From Vergio to Calasima
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 80km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 1120 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin the day by ascending a vast glacial valley, passing sheepfolds and majestic Corsican pines. The vegetation then thins out as high mountains raise their peaks towards the sky. We will reach the Ciuttulu refuge, the highest in Corsica, before crossing the Foggiale pass at nearly 2000m. From there, the descent begins towards the village of Calasima, where a bus awaits to take us to the Haut-Asco ski resort, where we will stay for two nights.
Day 4 -
The Ascu Valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The glacial valley of the Ascu is surrounded by high peaks exceeding 2,000 meters. You are immersed in a stark, high-mountain landscape where majestic Laricio pines still stand. We ascend the ski slopes, following the old GR20 markings. We climb the slopes leading to Lake Altore to reach Bocca Tumaginesca, which offers a spectacular view and marks the entrance to a legendary part of the GR20.
Day 5 -
Summit Quest
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 730 m
- Negative elevation 730 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We suggest you end this GR20 North crossing in style with the ascent of A Muvrella, a peak reaching 2148m. It offers a fantastic view of the Gulf of Calvi, the highest peaks, and the final stages leading to Calenzana. Return via the same route to Haut-Asco, where the bus awaits to take us to Ponte Leccia train station (connecting trains to Ajaccio, Bastia, or Calvi).Day 6
Note
The weather conditions are typical of the mountains : the weather can change rapidly, with temperatures potentially dropping sharply, even in the middle of summer. As for accommodations , they are often simple, sometimes basic, but always welcoming, offering the bare essentials for resting before setting off again.
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
The first night in Corte is spent in a hotel.
Accommodation throughout the route is provided in hostel-style structures with hot showers. These consist of dormitories for 6 to 12 people.
Please note: bed bugs can still be present on these structures despite frequent treatments. We recommend using insect repellent on your sleeping bag and inside your sleeping bag.
Access
On the last day, from Haut-Asco, a bus takes us to the Ponte-Leccia train station around 4pm. From there you can take a connecting train to Ajaccio, Bastia, Corte, Calvi.
Go to the starting point
🚂 Trains from Bastia or Ajaccio: https://cf-corse.corsica/heures/
Price details
The price includes
- Dormitory accommodation
- Full board
- Picnics and race food
- Local transfers
- Luggage transport
- The support
The price does not include
- Drinks
- Site visits
- Transfers not included in the program
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
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
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.
They traveled with us
