Venture on this 6-day challenging hike in Corsica with a certified local guide. Conquer the mythical GR20 (south route) from the Bavella Pass to Vizzavona.
Group
6 Days
Jun - Oct
Very high
Advanced
Join me on the most difficult hike in Europe. I will take you through terrains that seem out of a gladiator’s arena. Together, we’ll defeat some of nature’s most demanding paths. We’ll scrape across boulder fields. And we will slide down thrilling inclined slopes. We’ll also face rocky passages worth of any experienced rock climber.
Easy, straightforward, flat roads will be something we won’t even miss. Instead, every section we’ll conquer, will leave you wanting more! And as a reward, we will get to see dazzling sceneries and mesmerizing views all throughout the trek. We’ll also get a real taste of the traditional life of those that inhabit these mountains.
So be prepared to roughen it up. As we will be staying in some charming but basic huts along the way. Thus, we’ll have to bring our own sleeping bags. But meals and snacks will be available.
How long is it? 6 days through the south route. But if you can’t stay more than a week we can change the itinerary removing the first stage. In this case we’ll start in Bavella and end in Vizzavona
Who can participate in the GR20?
Participants that are in good physical condition and be used to rocky and uneven terrain.
Also folks who regularly practice endurance sports such as cross country ski, trail, running
This isn’t a trip for those who “want” to accomplish it. It is for those who are able to do so. If you are up for the challenge, don’t hesitate! Send me a request and let me guide you through this adventure.
Reception in Ajaccio. Then we’ll transfer to the Bavella pass. We’ll take the Alpine variant to cross Bavella. And we will spend the night in Asinau. Duration: 4 hours / Positive vertical drop: 810 m / Negative vertical drop: -410 m / Distance: 6.7 km
First we’ll climb to the Includine (2134 m). Then, we’ll cross the plateau grasslands in Cuscione, where the terrain softens. And at night we’ll stay at Bassetta or Crocci sheepfold. Duration: 5.30 hours / Positive vertical drop: 710 m / Negative vertical drop: -900 m / Distance: 12.3 km
We’ll begin by walking on the crest of the ridge statues. After that we’ll cross between the granite boulders eroded by the wind, with the backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Finally we’ll sleep at the Usciolu refuge. Duration: 4.30 hours / Positive vertical drop: 630 m / Negative vertical drop: -210 m / Distance: 8.4 km
The day will begin trekking towards the North. We’ll hike by an air route of ridges, on the watershed line between Taravu Valley and the eastern plain. Also, we’ll climb the Punta Capella (2041m). And we will stay at the Prati refuge or Col de Verde lodge for that night. If we stay at Verde, there will be assistance with your bag available. Duration: 7 hours / Positive vertical drop: 790 m / Negative vertical drop: -1240 m / Distance: 14.5 km
We will cross the Marmano forest. Then we’ll join the Pozzi du Renoso plateau with its lawns dotted with water holes. After that, we’ll find a former walkway that makes the easiest step of the GR20. At night we’ll stay in the Capanelle lodge. Duration: 6 hours / Positive vertical drop: 850 m / Negative vertical drop: -520 m / Distance: 18.6 km
First we’ll reach the Palmente pass (1640m) crossing an ancient mule track. There the eastern coast emerges, offering a wide panorama of the Diana and Urbinu ponds. Finally we’ll descend to the Vizzavona forest and return to Ajaccio. Duration: 5 hours / Positive vertical drop: 220 m / Negative vertical drop: -890 m / Distance: 15.3 km
More info
Dates and departures: Every Sunday from May 19th to September 22nd On Sunday. It possible to do the whole GR20 (linking it with the North route) with an intermediate night at Vizzavona gite. I recommend you have the following items: trekking boots, full bottle, full backpack, closed assistance bag. There will be bag transfers available when the paths are accessible by road. When it is not possible, you should have a sleeping bag, and personal belongings needed for nights in refuges or sheepfolds. There are no ATM machines on the trek, and only in Vizzavona, Vergio and Ascu credit cards are accepted. Thus, you should bring enough cash for your personal expenses.
Meeting point
When should I book my guided tour on the south section of GR20?
As soon as the season ends, we start receiving requests for bookings on the GR20. To be sure to go on the dates of your choice, we advise you to book as soon as you can.
I am a vegetarian. Is it possible to book vegetarian meals for this hiking tour?
We take vegetarian diets into account by passing on this information, if requested, to all the accommodation providers concerned. As this request is becoming more and more frequent, our service providers are able to offer formulas adapted to vegetarians. However, if you have allergies or a more specific diet (lactose-free, gluten-free, etc.), we recommend that you provide the necessary supplements for the duration of your stay.
How to know if I have the right level to hike the GR20?
We suggest that you ask yourself the right questions: are you used to practising an endurance sport (running, cycling, etc.) or walking at a steady pace? When hiking, are you comfortable on rocky, mountainous terrain with a significant difference in altitude (over 600 m)? Have you ever experienced itinerant hiking, which requires a certain amount of stamina, and carrying a hiking pack? By doing this assessment, you will be able to situate yourself in relation to the difficulty that the GR20 represents, and to plan a training programme adapted to give you every chance of success. This tour is for experienced hikers, capable of walking at a steady pace if necessary (450/500m of positive changes in altitude per hour with a loaded rucksack on your back), accustomed to hikes of several days in a row with a high difference in altitude, and with very basic comfort.
You like big changes in altitude and always keep some "under the sole" to accelerate in case of hard times (storms...).
What should I bring with me? How to pack my backpack for the GR20?
The weight of the bag, its organisation and its contents are essential to the success of your hike.
Here is what you should bring with you. * 45/50 litre rucksack with waist belt and padded shoulder straps * Good quality sleeping bag (comfort temperature: +5°C) compact and light * Rain cover for the bag * A 70L bin bag + 2 zip lock freezer bags * Headlamp * Survival blanket * A pair of hiking poles (adjusted to your size). CLOTHING: Hiking shoes (with good ankle support and notched soles) * Trekking socks (Be careful! The quality and comfort of your socks is just as important as that of your
shoes!) * Lightweight flip-flops or sandals * Trousers and shorts * Underwear * Technical T-shirts * Fleece jacket or light down jacket * Gore tex jacket * Lightweight hat and gloves * A swim suit * Micro fibre towel. MISCELLANEOUS: Sunscreen and sunglasses * Hat / Cap * Tissues and toilet paper * Small toiletry kit. TO EAT / DRINK: Camelback type water pouch, or classic water bottle of 1.5 to 2L * 1 Tupperware-type airtight box (capacity of about 0.6L) * Cutlery + cup * Cereal bars or other snacks. MEDICAL KIT: Personal medical prescriptions (allergies...) * Elastoplast large * Double skin in various sizes (Compeed type) *
Aspirin/paracetamol/Spasfon/Smecta * Disinfectant, bandages and sterile compresses * Disinfectant gel (for hands) * Water purification tablets (such as Micropur purifying tablets). And here are 4 tips to organize well your bag: 1/ DISTRIBUTE THE LOAD WELL. 2/ LE MATERIEL NE DOIT BOUGER. 3/ NOTHING ON THE OUTSIDE. 4/ ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS AT HAND.
Can I join a group?
Yes, that's the only way to do it with us. They are weekly departures every Sunday from 21 May to 24 September inclusive.
Why do you recommend to go with a guide for the GR20?
The guide is in charge of all the organisation during the hike. He ensures safety in the difficult passages and in case of bad weather, he marks the rhythm in front of the hiker who knows a temporary blow of pump. He brings his knowledge of the terrain, the environment, the history and the culture of Corsica to answer your curiosity. In two words, he is the conductor of your stay. We know perfectly well the guides who will guide you. We have been working with them for several years and we trust them completely. The guide has the legitimacy to judge the level of the members of the group. He or she can therefore ask a participant to stop the hike for good* or not to do a planned climb (Monte Cintu on the GR Nord or Monte Renosu on the GR Sud). He is the guide for all the participants and cannot devote his supervision to only 1 or 2 people to the detriment of the group's interest.
Is it possible to hike the north section of the GR20 after this one?
Yes, it's possible.
What is included and not in the price I'm paying here?
Are included in the price: the transfers, full board including food for the hikes, supervision by a state-qualified hiking guide, luggage assistance at road accesses, insurance. Are NOT included: transport to Corsica, cancellation and repatriation insurance, drinks and personal expenses.
How long we will hike per day? What will be the daily altitude difference?
The average daily duration is 6 to 8 hours and the average height difference is 600 to 800 metres.
Where are the participants joining the group coming from?
Most of the participants come from France or french speaking countries. However the guide who is french speaks english!
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
Mountain Guide
We are specialists in hiking holidays in Corsica...and it is not by chance. We are a small team who is passionate about the Corsican landscape and who has been hiking in its mountains for years.
On our tours, you will discover the best spots in Corsica and uncover all its best-kept secrets. You'll be able to avoid the crowds and explore the island's wild and untamed nature. Come join us!
Languages
French | English
Certificates
UIMLA | IVBV | UIAGM | IFMGA
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
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Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
Cami
Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.
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