The GR20 Integral
Finally try the GR20 Integral experience in 14 days!
Reception at Calvi station at 9 a.m.
End of course on Saturday, shuttle service between Conca and Porto Vecchio, dispersal in Porto Vecchio.
Attempting the GR20 Integral is the promise of a mythical crossing through the heart of the Corsican massif. It is indeed the most difficult hiking trail in Europe. Famous for its stunning elevation changes but also for its breathtaking landscapes.
The most daring hikers can climb dizzying peaks such as Monte Cintu at 2,706m, the highest point in Corsica, and relax on the banks of the beautiful pools of Manganellu and Agnone, where a deep tranquility reigns. The granite barrier shelters many natural treasures, from the famous larici pines to the charming pozzines at altitude, one can thus never stop marveling.
Between the different stages on the GR20 Integral course, hikers can also enjoy a well-deserved rest in the refuges and sheepfolds. In fact, these then become high places of human exchange where one comes to restock but above all to recharge.
Program – GR20 Integral
SATURDAY: CALVI – CALENZANA – ORTU DI U PIOBBU 1520m
Pick-up at Calvi train station at 9am. Inspection of your hiking gear (excess luggage is transferred to Ajaccio by train), then 30-minute transfer to Calenzana.
The journey begins on an old mule track, which soon gives way to more rugged terrain to reach the Ortu di u Piobbu refuge.
6h30 of walking +1360m -50m
SUNDAY: ORTU DI U PIOBBU – CARROZZU 1270m
The ascent to Bocca Pisciaghia will allow us to reach 2000m altitude for the first time.
The itinerary takes on a more mineral dimension, with a succession of scree and rocky outcrops to reach the Carrozzu mountain hut.
7h walking +750m – 950m
MONDAY: CARROZZU – ASCU 1456m
There are no springs on today’s itinerary, so water bottles should be filled as full as possible when you live the hut.
On the other hand, a quick swim in the Spasimata or in the Muvrella lake will allow you to cool down before starting the ascent of a steepy mountain gap to reach Bocca di Stagnu, the highest point of the day.
A sloping descent takes us to the Haut Ascu ski resort and its refuge.
5h30 walking +800m – 750m
TUESDAY: ASCU – VALLONE 1422m
Definitely the longest and most technical day of the trip. It begins with the ascent of the famous Pointe des Éboulis which is at 2607 meters high, meaning we do reach this highest point of our hike. We reach now a breathtaking viewing point on the Cap Corse, Calvi andthe entire mountain chain of the South of Corsica. Here the choice is yours, indeed you have the opportunity to climb the Monte Cinto, the highest summit of Corsica at 2,706 meters.
During our afternoon hike, we will overlook the emerald Lake of the Monte Cintu. We follow a long slope that brings us into the Tighiettu valley. We reach the Vallone Sheepfolds in the evening. 8 hours of walking.
Farmhouse meal and overnight in tents.
Elevation gain: +/-1200 m; -1200 m (+/-1350 m with the Monte Cinto option).
WEDNESDAY: VALLONE – VERGHIO 1403m
A pretty forest path takes us into the Foggiale valle. Then we clim the where we climb the summit named Bocca di Foggiale before reaching Corsica’s highest refuge, Ciutullu Di I Mori at 1,991 metres.
We now reach the Golo valley, where we can swim in one of the magnificent crystal-clear pools. We will pass near the well known sheepfolds of Radule to reach our mountain hut named Castel di Vergio.
Dinner and night in the mountain hut
5h30 of walking. Total ascent: +627 m; -612 m.
THURSDAY: VERGHIO – MANGANU 1601m
The day begins with a balcony trail through a thick forest of larici pines to reach the San Petru summit, then takes us along an former transhumance path to Bocca A Reta 1,883m. This peak offers us a panorama above the the magnificent Lac de Ninu and its vast expanses of grass made up of waterholes named “pozzines”. There live magnificent wild horses and you might have the chance to observe them in their natural habitat. After skirting the banks of the Tavignano, we reach and cross the Camputile plateau to reach Manganu’s mountain hut.
Meal and night in the mountain hut or under a tent.
6h30 of walking. Elevation gain: +590 m; -790 m.
FRIDAY: MANGANU – PETRA PIANA 1842m
In order to see the unique sight of high altitude blue-green pools, you have to cross vertiginous ridges such as the Capitellu breach, from which you can observe a beautiful lake that bears the same name. You can now admire a breathtaking view of Lake Melo, an absolute sapphire laid into the granite barrier. At the end of this succession of alpine springs lays the Pietra Piana mountain hut.
Dinner and night in the hut or under a tent.
6h30 of walking. Total ascent: +895 m; -730 m.
SATURDAY: PETRA PIANA – ONDA 1385m
A long descent allows us to reach the banks of the Manganellu river, which we follow through a peaceful pine forest. After having crossed the footbridge of Tolla, we will improvise a lovely picnic by one of the river’s magnificent pools.
A short climb through the forest takes us to the Onda sheepfolds and its famous Brocciu lasagne.
Dinner at the refuge and night under a tent.
5h30 of walking. Elevation gain: + 400 m; – 800 m.
SUNDAY: ONDA – VIZZAVONA 1136m
First, a tough climb will allow us to reacho Bocca Muratello where the view over the Punta de l’Oriente is breathtaking. Then we begin a long descent over granite slabs to reach the famous Cascades des Anglais hidden at the heart of the dense Vizzavona forest.
Dinner and night in the mountain hut.
6h00 of walking. Elevation gain: + 700 m; – 900 m.
MONDAY: VIZZAVONA – COL DE VERDE 1289m
A beautiful woodland path takes you through Bocca Palmente, the Alzeta sheepfolds and the Sambuccu forest, with breathtaking views above the Monte d’Oro and the Monte Renoso, all the way to the E Capanelle refuge for a well-deserved break. The route continues towards the Traggette sheepfolds, along a beautiful forest path. If weather permitting, this path will take us to the magnificent pozzines, a dense lawn holed by whaterholes.
9h30 of walking
Evening by the fire, dinner and night in a mountain hut at Col de Verde.
Elevation gain: +1210m; -850m.
TUESDAY: COL DE VERDE – USCIOLU 1750m
Early departure for the ascent of Bocca Dell Oro, from where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the eastern plain. Then on to Punta Cappella, from where you’ll follow the ridge line down the ridge crest, climbing several small passes. We carry on to the Bocca di Laparo, reaching Monte Furmicula and the Usciolu mountain hut.
Meals and overnight in tents.
7h00 of walking. Elevation gain: + 1117m; – 667m.
WEDNESDAY: USCIOLU – CROCI 1542m
We leave Usciolu via the “crest of the statues” to reach the Col de l’Agnone, where we take follow the new route of the GR20. We will go down to the banks of the beautiful Padulelli river for a picnic. Then soothing pathes will allow us to cross the Cuscionu Plateau to reach the Croci sheepfolds.
Dinner and night in the mountain hut or under tent.
5h00 of walking. Elevation gain: + 388m; – 597m.
THURSDAY: CROCI – BAVELLA 1536m
We will carry on by climbing Bocca Stazzunara at 2020m and Monte Incudine, which is the highest peak of South Corsica as it reaches 2134m (optional). During this stage, you will enjoy an breathtaking view of the magnificent Aiguilles de Bavella, the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, and perhaps even Sardinia… Mineral descent to the Asinau mountain hut before climbing up to the famous Aiguilles de Bavella. The path climbs the alpine variant to Col Di U Pargulu reaching 1611m, from where we enter the heart of the massif of Bavella and its magical pink granite towers.
Dinner and night in a mountain hut on the Col de Bavella.
7h00 of walking. Elevation gain: +800m, -1000m.
FRIDAY: BAVELLA – CONCA 1055m
On the last day of the trip, we reach the Finosa pass, which will take us to the Paliri hut, the last hut on the GR.
There’s a change of atmosphere as we head for the sea. Here the scree gives way to a path with the smell of maquis. This stage takes you past the ruins of Capeddu and the Bocca d’Usciolu gap, from where you can catch sight of the bay of Porto Vecchio.
Shuttle service between Conca and Porto Vecchio, dispersal in Porto Vecchio in the late afternoon.
End of the stay.
Important: This program is provided for information purposes only and may be subject to changes or adjustments depending on the weather conditions.
1975€
per person
or call-us at:
04 95 25 91 19
The price includes:
Local transfers, accommodation, meals, supervision, technical equipment required for the activity (see list of personal equipment and equipment loaned by UCPA) from the time of meeting on the first day at the train station of Calvi.
The price does not include:
Drinks and personal expenses, toiletries, personal insurance, and any other supplement not included in the program.
Equipment to be provided for the GR20 Integral
In addition, some items can be left at the starting point and collected on the last day. Therefore, plan a bag for this purpose.
Equipment included
Technical equipment on loan: tent and karimat-type ground sheet. Everything is already on site in the sheepfolds, gîtes and refuges, so there’s no need to carry anything.
Equipment not included
The route passes through high altitude, and it can be cold and wet even in August on the GR20!
In all cases, business may be stored on our database. Provide a bag for this purpose. Please label it with your name and the name of the stay.
Personal equipment REQUIRED :
- Backpack
- A pair of notched high-top hiking boots (that you’ve already worn)
- Sleeping bag
- 2 or three outfits (pants, shorts and T-shirts)
- Long-sleeved underwear*
- High-top hiking socks
- Waterproof jacket type goretex
- Cap or hat
- Gloves, hat and choker (buff)
For evening events :
- Lightweight evening sandals
- Pants
- Warm socks
- Fleece
- down jacket
- thermal underlay
Small equipment :
- Towel (small, light, quick-drying microfibre)
- Toilet paper
- Swimsuit
- Headlamp with new batteries
- Telescopic poles
- 2 water bottles (minimum 1.5L) or “Camelback” type water pouch, for a total of 3L of water
- Waterproof plastic bags to compartmentalize your belongings
- Kitchen kit (0.8L Tupperware-type airtight box, cutlery, tumbler)
- Small tube of strong neck (glue type)
- 2 x 50L garbage bags
- Thin clothesline + clothespins
- Multiprise light 3 outputs (classic or usb)
- Dried fruit, cereal bars…
First aid kit, recommended contents :
- Sun protection for skin and lips.
- To relieve intestinal problems following dietary changes (micropure capsules, ergyphilus – probiotics – smecta or Imodium/Tiorfan).
- Soothe headaches and aches (mineral salts, salt tablets, electrolytes).
- Personal medications if you are subject to particular disorders (allergies, etc.).
- Soothes insect bites.
- Blister prevention and treatment (Compeed bandage, Nok cream)
- To relieve ankle and knee problems: “Elasto” type bands.
- For cleaning small wounds: soaked compresses.
- Survival blanket
Ask your doctor and pharmacist for advice, and bear in mind that you’ll need to carry your own first-aid kit, so don’t take more than you need.
Technical equipment that can also be loaned:
- Shoes
- Backpack
- Down
- Ground mat type karimat
Accommodation
In tents in gîtes, bergeries and refuges. If you use one of our comforters, you’ll need to bring a sack sheet (meat bag).
Catering
Breakfasts and dinners at refuges, gîtes and bergeries or at base camp, cold lunches prepared by the wardens.
The price does not include race food such as cereal bars, nuts, etc.
Guidance
Each hiking trip is led by a state-certified hiking guide and specialist in walking travel. With knowledge of the terrain and the environment, but also mastery of safety and logistics, he will do everything in his power to make you fully enjoy your stay.
Carry
Between 8 and 12 kg. On average 11 kg for the GR20 Integral. Carrying personal belongings for 14 days and 13 nights, as well as for the lunch picnic.
The technical level of the GR20 Integral is Level 3.
The route may have technical or airy passages, including scree passages or snowfields The nature of the terrain, the level of intensity and the altitude make it necessary to have experience of mountain hiking in order to fully enjoy this circuit.
Attention: you are not about to forget the magnificent and magical landscapes of the Corsican mountains, but they do not make it any less difficult, or even disconcerting for hikers used to the Alps and the Pyrenees. This raid is indeed difficult. The intensity of the program is strong and a good physical condition is therefore necessary.
Evaluation: you practice a sport twice a week and you will be able to maintain a good endurance at a regular pace, such as running 5km in less than 30 minutes while talking.
From 7am to 9am of walking per day. Long technical stages and possible aerial passages. Several stages with more than 1200m of positive or negative elevation gain. Good walking pace. . It is therefore necessary to have a mountaineering foot, that is to say not only a certain agility and ease off-trail, on ridge passages, but also on rock blocks chaos, maquis and scree.
For the success of the stay, so that everyone can fully enjoy it as well as for safety reasons, it is necessary that you have the required levels. If this is not the case, our instructor may refuse you to follow the program. It may not be possible to offer you a replacement program and we will not be able to refund your stay.
This raid is aimed at a mountain audience, so do not overestimate your risks of ruining your holidays.
Access
Meet at 9am at Calvi station.
→ By boat:
- From Marseille: Corsica Linea www.corsicalinea.com
- From Toulon, Nice, Savona and Livorno: www.corsicaferries.com
→ By plane:
Air lines from the main cities of the continent to Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Figari.
Practical information:
Calvi’s train station is at the marina.