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Simply Savoie

Guided walking – snowshoeing – via ferrata in the French Alps with Mark Tennent

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Corsica – GR20

  • “The Isle of Beauty” – Wild and rugged mountains juxtaposed with the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The complete GR 20 or the northern highlights
  • Possible ascents of Paglia Orba and Monte Cinto
  • Probably the hardest trekking in the Alps.

Take your next step now …

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  • Description
  • Itinerary
  • Details
  • Fees

The northern section of the GR20 is considered to contain the most challenging parts of the trek. Starting at Vizzavona and ending in Calenzana.

This 7 day trek following the spine of Corsica from South to North. It is a trek of contrasts from wild pine woods, grassy meadows and gentle undulating terrain to stark mountain terrain. An unforgettable traverse of the mountains of Corsica; the isle of beauty with magical coves and gorges. The GR20 roughly follows the spine of Corsica starting in Conca in the south and with it’s finale, Calenzana in the north. The northern section starts at Vizzavona.

Corsica is a wonderful island and although part of France, it has a strong identity of its own. The refuges along the route are guardianed by Corsicans, full of character.

The Cirque de Solitude is a magnificent and awe inspiring place. As you stand on the lip of the cirque you can see the exit the far side but cannot see the bottom. Chains and a short ladder protect the difficult sections and other rocky sections will require frequent use of the hands for balance and progress. See more photographs of the GR20 in the photo gallery.

Below is a typical itinerary for the northern section of the GR 20. The itinerary can be adapted to the group.

D1 – Arrive at Calvi airport and group transfer via Corte to Vizzavona.

D2 – Vizzavona to Grotelle. Camping at the bergerie.

D3 – Grotelle, lac de Capitellu and climb to the breche and descend past the Manganu refuge to the Bergeries de Vaccaghja. Camping.

D4 – Bergeries de Vaccaghja, lac de Nino, Refuge Ciutullu di Mori. Night in refuge.

D5 – Refuge Ciutullu di Mori to Bergeries de Vallone. Dinner at the refuge.

D6 – Cirque de la Solitude, bocca Tumaginesca, and descent to Haut Asco. Transfer to Calvi – overnight in hotel.

D7 – Ascent of Monte Cinto the highest peak on Corsica.

D8 – The tour finishes after breakfast.

Group size

Individual 1:1 guiding
Maximum group size 8

Duration

Adapted for the group.

Accommodation

The GR20 is not renowned for luxury accommodation. You should be prepared for rustic refuges!

Meals

Dinner in the refuges is a set menu. It is typically soup, a main course and dessert.
Packed lunches: these can be reserved in advance. There are no shops or other refuges where you can buy food.

Fees

The price indicated is for the group.

1 – 2 people: Euro 1500
3 – 5 people: Euro 1800
6 – 8 people: Euro 2400

What’s included:

  • Guiding by Mark
  • Concierge service – booking accommodation, etc.

What’s NOT included:

  • Mark’s accommodation: including half-board and picnic at huts.
  • Mark’s flight from France to Corsica.
  • Personal equipment inc. boots, etc.
  • Insurance – please see my links page.
  • All accommodation including hotels and hut fees
  • All meals
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Transfers and / or taxis

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