Sports in Corsica: what to do from trekking to mountain biking

Sports in Corsica: granite cliffs overlooking canyons, via ferratas with zip lines suspended in the air, mountain bike routes on steep terrain, panoramic routes overlooking the sea. And around, promontories, valleys, lakes and peaks enveloped in the green of wild vegetation and surrounded by the deep blue of the landscapes. Mediterranean. There Corsica it never betrays the expectations of those who travel for sport outdoor.

Not even its most anthropized region: the crescent of Gulf of Ajaccio which stretches like an embrace over the western shores and offers the most spectacular sunsets in this piece of France island. A territory which offers a network of routes and activities suitable for everyone, beginners and experienced. Leaving directly from the capital, which the French pronounce “Agiaxió”.

Here, Italians immediately feel at home. Road signs display familiar-sounding names: Porticcio, Isolella, Coti-Chiavari, Grosseto-Prugna… They evoke ancient links with the Tuscany, Pisa in particular, and with the Liguria.

Many Corsicans, heirs of generations having lived at the center of trade Mediterraneanthey prefer to speak in a language that resembles an invented Italian dialect, a sort of grammelot that makes it easy to understand each other.

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Sport in Corsica: the Sentier des Crêtes

Antonu Secondiin French Anthony53-year-old hiking guide speaks this curious language while recounting fragments of local history while walking at a set pace along the Crest Trail which starts from English Woodsthe English Forest (there is also a local bus stop to access it from the town centre). We are just above Ajacciojust outside of town.

Little by little, we emerge from the dense vegetation of mastic trees, arbutus trees, holm oaks and olive trees and spectacular views open up: to the east, the districts of the city which gave birth to Napoleon; in front of the large gulf overlooked by beaches and small villages; to the west the archipelago of Sanguinaires Islands (different versions on the origin of their name, the simplest: the color they take at sunset), with the promontory, the Point of Paratathe Genoese tower from the mid-16th century (one of 90 along the Corsican coast).

There are numerous possible junctions, with routes lasting two to five hours, such as the path that winds along the northern promontory of the gulf, or the dirt road that leads to the islands, a resting place for migratory species. .

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Sports in Corsica: flying over the canyon

For those looking for more challenging and demanding excursions to do on foot, by bike, via ferratas or on climbing walls, a good starting point is Tolla Lakean artificial basin created by a dam near the village of the same name.

Here we stop at the edge of the water to enjoy a sandwich, a salad, a pancake or a plate of local charcuterie. Tolla Beacha sort of Corsican chiringuito. Hospitality is insular: simple, essential, rustic, but welcoming.

The small shed which also offers a shaded terrace for dog days, it's the base for local adventures. A quarter of an hour's drive takes you to the starting point of the Via Ferrata of Tolla. The guides of Dreams of Peaks await visitors with the via ferrata kit (harness, mountaineering helmet, carabiners and various safety devices).

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The descent begins immediately with a spectacular view of the dam and the deep canyon of the valley at the foot of the barrier: steel ropes, steps, steep paths are the prelude to the surprise that awaits the climber: a zip line suspended in the air that overcomes a depression and connects a sheer rocky ridge, also equipped with steps and handholds.

A few seconds holding your breath, the vertical climb of the spur then again the path with fixed steel ropes which, following a ring circuit, brings you back to the starting point, passing through a natural balcony exposed to the west, towards the sea Gulf of Ajaccio.

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Sports in Corsica: mountain biking in fords

East of Tolla Lakein the parking lot Crichéto Pass you can leave the car to venture by mountain bike on the difficult dirt roads that follow the route of the Ese Rivertributary of the lake further downstream. It may also happen that you have to ford it since a flood wave has brought down the bridge that connected the two banks.

It's part of the experience, here in nature Corsica. The route alternates climbs and descents on stony terrain, and even if you drive a pedal-assisted vehicle, it requires a certain skill to tame and overcome the roughness of the terrain. Alternatively, in the area there are routes on dirt roads that are easier to travel on two wheels.

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Auroras and beaches

There is also something for those who do not want to give up the sea. Saint-Francoisat the foot of the Citadel, the fortification built by the Genoese, is the “house” beach Ajaccio; Barbicaja has extraordinarily crystal clear waters; THE Porticcio Beach is the goal of ferry boarding which cross the entire gulf and lead to the capital.

Without forgetting the Agosta beachwide and wild, or the Isolella beachwith its pink sand, ideal for snorkeling.

But if you really can't do without your daily dose of adrenaline, you can embark on kayak explorations along the coasts. To then wait for one of the magnificent sunsets that illuminate the Western Corsica.

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The alternative? Set the alarm in the middle of the night, reach the barren landscape of Val d'Ese when it is still dark and walk northeast with your headlamp aiming for the summit Scaldasole Pass. As the sun rises in the distance, the entire island appears as it is: an endless green garden. Always ready to welcome new adventures.

For more information, visit the website ofCorsica tourist office and ofPays d'Ajaccio tourist office.

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