What to do around Corte? the most beautiful activities to discover

Corte, "historical capital" of Corsica, is located at 400m altitude. Because of its geographical location, it offers spectacular landscapes, surrounded by the island's highest mountains. Rich in its heritage, the visit of the city is unavoidable. You will walk through the historic center on foot.
Set out to discover the surroundings. Corte and its region abound in treasures.

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Visit its historic center

Former historical capital of Corsica, Corte is rich in its historical and cultural heritage. Beyond the charm of its many paved alleys, the visit of the university city presents some unmissable, to discover below:

  • the citadel, listed as a Historic Monument. It was built around a castle called "Eagle's Nest" in the 18th century.
  • It mainly houses the Corsican Museum of Anthropology and the Corte tourist office, useful for documenting and guiding you. The OT organizes guided tours of the old town; you can obtain detailed hiking itineraries around Corte.
  • You can also take Corte's little train for a commented visit of the old town. Consult the heritage trail: it is marked and will allow you to discover the main historic buildings. Very fun to do if you are looking for family activities. Before the citadel, go to the Belvedere. It offers an excellent viewpoint on the Eagle's Nest. Dominating the city, it will offer you an exceptional 360° panorama over the valleys of Restonica and Tavignano.
  • Gaffory Square, named after a general of Pascal Paoli's army whose statue stands on the square. Gaffory House bears the stigmata of ancient battles, witness to the city's history.
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Discover Tavignano Valley

It is below the Corte citadel that the Tavignano Valley extends, one of the most beautiful mountain valleys on the island, where winds one of Corsica's main rivers, the Tavignanu, which originates at Nino Lake.
This valley is very wild and preserved especially as it is prohibited to cars. True paradise for hikers but not only ... with its many natural pools, you can swim there and do a superb water hike, with a state-certified instructor, you will spend an unforgettable day in a "postcard" setting.
The valley and gorges of Tavignano offer many hiking spots, among them, the hike to Nino Lake, a hike that has to be earned, it is intended for the "courageous"; Nino Lake is the 2nd largest lake on the island, the panorama is stunning, with its pozzines, typical of Corsican mountains. You can also take the Mare a Mare Nord trail, which offers a magnificent view of the gorges, the natural pools found below are a true call to swimming.

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Travel through Restonica Valley

Restonica, an 18 km river originating near Monte Rotondo, has created one of the most beautiful valleys on the island. It is classified as a Grand Site of France and Natura 2000 site.
During your stay in Corte in Upper Corsica, the gorges of Restonica are truly to be explored. True paradise for the family, hikers, sportsmen and climbing enthusiasts.
In a verdant forest, enjoy wonderful valley landscapes with its waterfalls and natural pools suitable for swimming.
Restonica Valley is also a high place for climbing. You can climb along the vertical granite walls. Consult a high mountain professional such as Mountains of Corsica who will introduce you to different types of itineraries.

In the heart of Corsican maquis, it is also a high place for hiking. The hiking prospects are numerous and varied. Among them, you can take a marked trail that will lead you to Melo Lake and a little higher to Capitello Lake. Magnificent views from the top of these high lakes. The valley has 7 in total. Why not attempt the ascent of Monte Rotondo as well (2nd highest point in Corsica) ....
Beyond enjoying the magnificent views that the valley offers with its forests of Laricio pines, junipers and rowans, you will be able to observe rare and protected animal species such as: foxes, golden eagles, Corsican nuthatches ... and many others still. The fauna and flora are truly exceptional.
Between sport and relaxation, you will find in the valley the activities that suit you best.

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Discover Verghellu Valley

Verghellu Valley located 15 minutes south of Corte, on the municipality of St Pierre de Venaco, is a true haven of peace and greenery. This preserved natural site, in the heart of Rotondo reserve, will offer you magnificent walks, either by the riverside, or discovering many remnants of pastoral activities. Everything happens under the viaduct of Vecchio Bridge, also called Eiffel Bridge. And why not descend the river in canyoning? Verghellu Canyon is one of the most beautiful routes in Central Corsica, very aquatic and very wild.
Always have yourself accompanied by a professional: this will allow you to enjoy the activity safely with optimal equipment.

Verghellu Valley located 15 minutes south of Corte, on the municipality of St Pierre de Venaco, is a true haven of peace and greenery. This preserved natural site, in the heart of Rotondo reserve, will offer you magnificent walks, either by the riverside, or discovering many remnants of pastoral activities. Everything happens under the viaduct of Vecchio Bridge, also called Eiffel Bridge. And why not descend the river in canyoning? Verghellu Canyon is one of the most beautiful routes in Central Corsica, very aquatic and very wild.
Always have yourself accompanied by a professional: this will allow you to enjoy the activity safely with optimal equipment.

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Enjoy Vizzavona Forest

Corsica is the most forested island in the entire Mediterranean.
Vizzavona Forest, located on the municipality of Vivario about 30 minutes from Corte, is a territorial forest of 1,634 hectares. It is exceptional and essentially populated by Laricio pines and beeches. Its fauna and flora are remarkable. Its location is privileged: Vizzavona is easily accessible from Ajaccio or Corte and served by train. The forest, a true haven of freshness, is very frequented during the summer period. It offers walks for promenaders, trails for quad, horse, a river for swimming...
Many hikes can be offered, such as the English Waterfall or hiking to Vizzavona Pass where you will have a splendid view of Gravona Valley. For the most experienced hikers, why not climb Monte d'Oro? But the climb is long.
Corsica Natura, specialist in hiking in Corsica, will be able to advise and accompany you.

You wish to allow yourself a moment of relaxation and please the whole family? Go to the adventure park in the heart of the forest for a tree-climbing activity.
15 minutes away, in the village of Bocognano, the Bride's Veil waterfall is a must. True natural treasure, you can visit it with your children on a trail bordered by flowering strawberry trees, preferably in spring during snowmelt to see the water cascade over 70 m in height.

In Bocognano, you can also practice canyoning. Richiusa Canyon is one of the most famous in Corsica. Both fun and complete, the descent in limpid and turquoise waters will provide you with unforgettable sensations. All ingredients are gathered: jumps (non-mandatory), rappel descents, natural slides, zip-line. A discovery course is offered for children from 9 years old and, from 12 years old, a sport course.
As you understand, this region offers incomparable activity spots; in Corsica, one wonder can always hide another...

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