Corsica: Piana

From Ajaccio we took the once daily, weekday only, overpriced bus to the village of Piana. I had wondered whether this special visit was worthwhile, as we just have to return to Ajaccio to continue our southward journey.

We quickly realized that much of the bus route is along the very scenic coast, through small coastal towns and villages. I was grateful there was a bus at all, since there were only four of us on the bus, or rather a Sprinter van. By the time we arrived in Piana, we were confident in our decision to visit Piana.

On the first we walked on trails directly from the village in the 1983 UNESCO Calanche of Piana to various view points. I'm not sure if we have been to a more enchanting coastal area.

On the second day, the weather forecast improved, we were lucky to catch a ride to the trailhead for Capu Rossu, had another wonderful day of hiking, except on the way back we didn't get a ride and walked uphill in a light rain for 6 kms. The ladies that gave us the ride think it's the most scenic road in all of Corsica.

We arrived in the town village of Piana late on a Friday afternoon after a scenic bus ride (1st below). Our accommodation was cozy, with a kitchen (2nd below). There was a Utile for groceries (3rd), and the views from town were very good (4th). Now, we just hope for good weather for Saturday and Sunday.










The first day's walk to the Calanques de Piana started on the old trail to Ota with some scenic views of Piana in the first kilometer.






Then to a view point adjacent to a grove of ancient chestnut trees.




Then down, down to the road and the famous rock, "Head of the Dog" (3rd below), that marks the start of the Calanques de Piana Walk.






On the way we saw more than one patch of Friar's Cowl, similar to the Jack-in-the-pulpit we have in our home in North Carolina this time of the year.


And the payoff view for the Calanques de Piana Walk. .




The walk back to Piana on the old mule track. First below is the wild Early Purple Orchid.








Day Two, Torre di Capu Rossu: Our goal is the round tower in the distance. That's a trail runner in the photo.




The trail passed by some mysterious rock circles. Probably constructed for shepherds and their flocks we guessed.




A Pink Butterfly Orchid along the trail.


We're at the base of the massive rocky Capu Rossu.




We were surprised to find neatly placed rock steps that led up, up, up to the tower.




Woohoo! The Torre di Capu Rossu. And we eat our picnic lunch with great views.




The walk back to Piana was a "long march" in the rain. with occasional great views, as our hitch-hiking attempts failed; granted, only 4 cars went by. ;-)

Corsica: Vizzavona GR20

From Corte we took the train to Vizzavona, in 33 kilometers we gained 460 meters in altitude, with many tunnels, and with a viaduct/bridge designed by Eiffel which I couldn't really see; however, in the photo John took below, you can see the shadow of the bridge in the gorge.



The infamous GR20 - Europe's toughest trek - passes right through Vizzavona. To the north it goes through an ancient pine and beach forest to the Cascade des Anglais, a series of waterfalls. It's more or less a road to the start of the falls, then the trail turned into a rock scramble, that is if you can make out the trail. In order to catch the train, we turned around a little past the top of the falls, but fully appreciated how grueling the GR20 could be. Check out the photos below including the beautiful purple crocus.

Corsica: Corte

From Calvi we took the train to Corte, in the center of the island. This time it was actually 100% train. The train maintenance is completed for this section of track. It was a very scenic ride: blue ocean, green valleys (short video first below), and snow covered mountains.









Corte is the home of Corsica's only university. At 400+ meters of altitude, one day it got down to the 40s F, and briefly flurried. View of the University from the Belvedere (below).


The Restonica Gorge and Tavignano Gorge converge right in town. While the Restonica is more developed, we had a hike in the Tavignano Gorge, rather popular with trail runners. We turned around at a water crossing that was in reality, a waterfall.

Tavignano Gorge Walk














La Valle della Restonica




The Cafe Below Our Apartment.


Looking Back to the Citadel from the Gara di Corti.


View of the Citadel from the Belvedere.


We wanted to try Corsican cuisine so we ordered two vegetarian options at La Trattoria: Eggplants Bonifacian Style (top) and Cannelloni Au Brocciu (bottom).


Statue of Jean-Pierre Gaffory - A Leader of the Corsican Resistance in the 18th Century.


Fountain of the Four Canons.


Chapelle Sainte-Croix (Holy Cross Chapel)






A very tasty Huyghe Paranoia Hazy Ipa Hoppy Hippo. Not a Corsican beer. ;-)