France's Island of Beauty

Introduction
Corsica France
Discover Corsica, part of France for over 200 years. This is Europe’s best kept secret island!

Experience the best of both sea and mountains, staying 3 nights in Calvi (sea) and 3 nights in Corte (mountain). From its jagged coastline and sandy beaches to the serrated rocky summits that soar into and above the clouds, and everything in between, the landscapes are as sumptuous as they are contrasting. Immerse yourself in the remote and wild landscapes.

We have handpicked some of the most beautiful coastal and mountain walks with moderate difficulty level.

HIGHLIGHTS
▪ Experience best of both sea & mountain walks
▪ Swimming opportunities on sandy secluded beaches
▪ Walk along the green natural pools and winding river
▪ Strolling through Corte, the historic capital surrounded by mountain peaks
▪ Enjoy picnic at Lac Mélo Corsica’s most emblematic glacial lake at 1700m altitude

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive trip, so you will be staying in different establishments along the way. 

Description
We favour small local establishments, often family-run hotels or B&Bs, that employ local people. Selected by our track finders, our accommodations are chosen based on the friendliness of the owners, the quality of the service, the charm of the establishment and, quite often, the quirkyness (of both accommodation and owners!) that makes where you sleep an integral part of your adventure. 

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1-3: Hotel in Calvi
Night 4-6: Hotel in Corte

Hotel in Calvi
This 3-star hotel offers 47 refurbished rooms and a panoramic rooftop offering beautiful views of the surrounding bay. Each room is equipped with private facilities, a TV, a phone, a balcony, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
There is a small heated outdoor pool and a Jacuzzi where guests can relax in the evening.

Hotel in Corte
The hotel is housed in a beautiful building built in 1861. The rooms all feature satellite TV, a phone, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom.


Meals
All breakfasts are included in your package.

Breakfasts will be provided by the accommodations.

Lunches and dinners need to be paid extra locally.

Riding

Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
This tour is of Moderate + level, due to rocky terrain. Some trails can be more rocky than others, and therefore may take more time to walk if you are not used to this type of terrain. We do our best to calculate a fair estimation of the walk. The indicated walking time is based on no rest, no stop, no picnic, this time can vary according to walking abilities.

You enjoy regular exercise, are keen to set off on all-day walks and can handle walking uphill (slowly) for up to two hours at a time. Walks are generally under 5 hours, on various types of terrain -- though nothing technically difficult -- with up to 600m/2000ft of climbing per day.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival on your own in Calvi. There is an airport and a ferry terminal in Calvi.
Explore the beautiful citadel perched on a rocky spur and the pretty cobbled streets. You will enjoy the great views of the coast and the beaches nearby.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Calvi

Day 2: Revellata Lighthouse
Today’s scenic walk takes you along the Sentier du Littoral. The path is set along the bar rock and follows the jagged costline. You’ll discover the peninsula and its secluded little beaches perfect for a swim. You will return to this same spot after completing the loop around the Point de la Revellata.
From the Revellata Lighthouse, you will be able to admire the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains. Return to Calvi along a path on the top of the peninsular.
Hiking about 15 km (4.5 hours) / +220m/-220m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Calvi

Day 3: Notre Dame de Serra & Capu di Veta
Option 1: Moderate loop walk to Notre Dame de Serra (9 km – 3 h, +/-250m)
Today you will leave the coast and head up to the Notre Dame de Serra, a beautiful hilltop chapel from which you will have some magnificent vistas of the bay of Calvi, its citadel and the Reginu valley. The path is mostly easy underfoot with some rocky sections, passing through Corsican scrub (or maquis) until you reach the chapel of the Notre Dame de la Serra. The original religious sanctuary was destroyed during a siege in 1740, but a new chapel was built in the first half of the 19th century. Admire the 19th-century chapel’s simple architectural design features and Baroque bell tower and the large statue of Notre Dame de la Serra atop a rock, before returning back to Calvi.

Option 2: Challenging hike to Capu di Veta (15,5 km - 5h30, +/- 720m)
The challenging option continues from Notre Dame de Serra onto a sun-exposed and rocky trail taking you to the highest point above Calvi, the Austrian cross “Capu di a Veta”. It is an exhilarating walk with incredible panoramic views. Though not dangerous and no drop-offs, some of the terrain is very rocky in nature with steep steps, and one short passage on a traverse with a short chain to help passage (though not necessary to use). Good balance and fitness are required.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Calvi

Day 4: Relax in Calvi & Corte
Today, you have a free day to discover Calvi, relax by the beach or go for a boat tour (we can advise you on activities). However, you need to plan your transfer to Corte in the afternoon (not included).
For the transfer, you have two options:
▪ the famous Micheline train (2h30 ride) sneaking from the sandy beaches up to the mountains. Costs around 20-25€ (tickets can be bought directly at the train station)
▪ a private taxi (1h30 transfer). Fare from 220€ on weekdays and 300€ Sunday’s & Bank Holidays (subject to availability).
When you arrive in Corte it’s a 20 minutes walk to your hotel situated in the center. The town of Corte is nestled at the base of several valleys, crowned by its citadel. It is the historic capital of the island and has always been at the heart of the movement trying to maintain the Corsican language and culture.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Corte

Day 5: Gorges de Tavignano
This hike should be done very early in July & August as there is not much shade.
Option 1: Moderate (13 km – 4.5 h, +/-350m)
This is an out-and-back walk. You leave Corte on foot and head out on your hike. You’re in the heart of the wilderness as soon as you leave the centre of Corte. The path is always easy underfoot, easy to follow and cobbled most of the way. There are no steep climbs or descents and the route follows the "Mare a Mare" path above the left bank of the Tavignano river before entering the high mountains the further you penetrate into the gorge and the scenery becomes more dramatic. At the end of the hike the path descends to a footbridge that crosses the river. There is a natural pool for a refreshing swim. Return back on the same path.

Option 2: Challenging 
Clients can continue on the Mare a Mare path beyond the bridge if they want to extend the walk.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Corte

Day 6: Mountain Lakes
Difficulties for both hikes: set in an Alpine environment; steep paths including “easy” scrambling passages with chains and ladders. It is worthwhile to begin the hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and enjoy the stillness of the lakes. If starting early enough, you can enjoy lunch in one of the two “bergeries”, 30 minutes before the end, or at the end itself. Both options start and finish with a taxi transfer (drop off and pick up Bergerie de la Grotelle).
Option 1: Moderate hike to Lake Melo (4 km – 2.5 h, +/-350m)
A short taxi ride (30mins) from your hotel up the Restonica brings you to the Bergerie de la Grotelle (at 1370m in altitude). From there, the walk climbs steadily up the valley on a rocky path to Melo Lake. Peaceful, with lots of places to enjoy a break or picnic lunch. The moderate option turns back down the valley, though now on the opposite side of the river (right bank). Though there are no chains and ladders to contend with on this side, the path is extremely steep and rocky. The challenging option also descends this route after having visited the Lac di Capitello.

Option 2: Challenging hike to Lakes Melo & Capitello (6.5 km – 4.5 h, +/-550m)
Fom Melo Lake, the challenging option continues up toCapitello Lake on a steep and rocky path. There is another chain segment to negotiate, this one a bit longer and steeper than the one below Melo Lake. 45 minutes to 1 hour above Melo you reach Capitello Lake, perfectly still, frozen 8 months of the year. The lake is situated at the very top of the Restonica valley.
This is the perfect lunch spot if you have a picnic. The route turns back down the same path to Melo Lake. However, you can continue climbing above the 2nd lake, to the very crest, where you intersect with the GR20 at its highest point, with views of both lakes from above. The route is extremely steep, rocky and difficult.
Taxi transfer back to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Corte

Day 7: End of trip
End of the program after breakfast.

Rates and Dates for France's Island of Beauty

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Calvi
Airport: Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport
Transfer:

Climate:
                                            Corte area