GR20 Corsica North Section Inspired Hiking Tour

GR20 (Grande Randonnée 20) is the abbreviation of "French Long-distance Trail Line 20", which is widely recognized by the hiking community as one of the most challenging hiking routes in Europe. It is about 180 kilometers long, extending from Calenzana, a mountain town in the north of Corsica, all the way to Conca in the south, and runs through the central ridge of the island.

Unlike the glacier scenery of the Alps, GR20 shows the primitive and ruggedness of the Mediterranean mountains. Hikers will experience a variety of landforms here, such as rugged ridges, rocky slopes, birch valleys, and glacier relics. The area through which the route is not high in altitude, but the terrain is steep and the drop is large. The trail often requires both hands and feet, which is a double challenge to the body and the will. Therefore, it has become the "ultimate route" in the hearts of many senior mountain friends.

This trip specially selects the northern section of GR20, which has the most magnificent scenery. We have carefully arranged comfortable hotel accommodation and daily alpine Mediterranean-style dining. There is no need to be heavy camping, so that you can focus on the hiking experience and enjoy this legendary route that integrates the soul of wilderness, rocks and Corsica.

The essence of Corsica, the "Holy Mountain Road" in the hearts of hiking enthusiasts

Selected GR20 northern section, the essential road section, gathers a variety of landforms such as steep rocks, glacier valleys, alpine lakes and sparse pine forests, with a reasonable hiking rhythm, both challenge and appreciation.

Walk on the wildest road in Europe, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps

Unlike the neat snowy mountains of the Alps, the northern section of GR20 is famous for its primitive and rugged ridge lines, with a sea of rising clouds and sunset granite in full view. On a sunny day, you can overlook the Mediterranean blue d'Azur and experience the unique Mediterranean alpine landscape of Corsica.

The high mountain guide will accompany you throughout the whole process and explain nature and culture in an authentic way.

Guided by a licensed alpine guide throughout the whole process, we will ensure the safety of the trip, and give an in-depth explanation of the glacier remains, pastoral culture and Corsican traditional humanities along the GR20.

Full hotel check-in, light walking, comfortable upgrade

Unlike the traditional GR20 mountain house camping method, this trip arranges a comfortable hotel throughout the whole trip. The logistics car transfers luggage every day. Hikers only need to carry their belongings and easily enjoy the scenery along the way.

Taste the original alpine cuisine and experience the "Little Alps on the Mediterranean"

For daily dinner, choose a hotel or a special restaurant in a mountain town, taste local cheese, sausages, wild mutton, chestnut desserts and other authentic Corsican mountain dishes. After hiking, feel the unique cultural charm of this "lonely island".

June: The snow is not over, and flowers and plants are just beginning to grow

GR20 in June is still in the transition stage from the end of early spring to early summer. High-altitude areas (especially the northern section) are often covered with residual snow, and some areas may need to be walked in the snow.

July: The route is smooth and the flowers are in full bloom

Most of the snow lines have subsided, and the overall route is smooth. There are many kinds of wild flowers in medium and high altitude areas. It is one of the most concentrated flowering periods of the year in the northern part of GR20. Common ones are alpine astragalus, rock roses and lavender shrubs.

August: The climate is stable and the vegetation is lush

The temperature is the highest in the year, and the path is dry and smooth, which is suitable for light travel. The vegetation in the mountains has entered the mature period, and some shrubs have begun to bear fruit, such as wild strawberries, rhododendrons, etc. The sunshine is strong in low-altitude areas, and it is still cool at high altitudes.

September: Autumn is gradually starting, and the climate is pleasant.

The temperature began to drop in the morning and evening, and it was still suitable for hiking during the day. The mountains and forests in high places began to change color, with yellow and orange-red leaves appearing, and the visual layer of the woodland was rich.

October: The smell of late autumn, close to the lockdown period

The temperature continues to decline, and the weather instability increases. It is necessary to pay attention to the sudden weather (such as snowfall, storms) in alpine areas. Some mountain trails are slippery or frosty, which is suitable for experienced people. The number of fallen leaves in the forest is increasing, and the ground is wet and colorful.

The northern section of GR20 is widely regarded as one of the most difficult hiking routes in Europe. Unlike the repaired trails in the Alps, this route is closer to the original ecology, with great changes in terrain and steep paths, often including rocky lots, gravel slopes, and ridge sections with strong exposure. Although some road sections have marks (red and white marks), due to the complex terrain, they need to have strong route identification ability.

Although this trip adopts the form of hotel accommodation and light walking (luggage is transported daily by logistics vehicles), the average walking is 5 to 6 hours a day, or the daily climbing/descent height is between 500 and 800 meters.

This route is equipped with a local licensed alpine guide, and the guide will flexibly adjust the rhythm and route according to the team's physical fitness and weather conditions. If you feel unwell or have an emergency, you can be transported to the next walking point by the logistics support vehicle.

In order to improve your experience in Corsica, it is recommended to do physical training three months before the trip; jog 5-10 kilometers, three times a week or cycling, increase cardiopulmonary function, and better enjoy the beautiful scenery of nature in outdoor sports.

This GR20 northern section itinerary adopts the mode of light hiking + comfortable hotel accommodation, which is different from the traditional GR20, which requires the form of carrying equipment for the whole process, staying in a mountain house or camping, and the overall comfort is greatly improved.

The whole process of staying in a small town hotel or mountain hotel near the starting and ending point of the hike is mainly for two people. In some areas, special homestays or simple hotels in mountainous areas may be arranged, depending on the geographical location and available accommodation.

In terms of luggage, the whole process is equipped with logistics and transshipment services. During the hiking process, you only need to carry the necessary equipment (such as water, food, windproof clothing, etc.), which significantly reduces the pressure of carrying weight and makes it convenient to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The team is also equipped with simple medical packages and communication equipment to ensure basic safety and security. In case of bad weather or emergencies, it can be transferred to the designated landing point through logistics vehicles.

This trip is a full meal arrangement, and three meals a day are provided by each accommodation, focusing on the combination of calorie replenishment and local flavor.

Breakfast

Most of them are typical continental breakfasts, including baguette bread, butter, jam, coffee, tea, milk, cereal, orange juice, etc. Some hotels offer yogurt, ham or cheese. Breakfast in the mountains is relatively simple, but the overall energy is sufficient.

Lunch

It is a portable picnic at noon every day, which is prepared in advance by the accommodation, and generally packed with cold food. Common contents include:

Local bacon or wild ham (charcuterie corse)

Mountain cheese (such as Brocciu or Tommes)

Bread, nuts, fruit or cold vegetable salad

Depending on the region and supply conditions, the content will change; for the convenience of Chinese hikers, we will also replenish food, such as hot sauce, pickled vegetables, instant noodles, energy bars, etc.

Dinner

Daily dinner is enjoyed in a hotel or in a mountain hotel, and it is generally a three-course hot meal. The dishes vary according to regional differences, but they are generally based on local Corsican agricultural products and traditional practices. Common dishes include:

Lamb, wild boar stew (daube)

High-calorie staple foods such as chestnut powder pancakes and millet porridge

Local cheese platter and sausage

Noodles with vegetables, potato stew or Italian risotto

The dessert part may be chestnut cake, yogurt, pudding, fruit, etc. Some mountain hotel dishes are relatively simple, but the overall energy is sufficient, which is suitable for recovery after high-intensity hiking.

Special explanation

If you have special dietary needs (such as vegetarianism, allergies), please explain them in advance when signing up.

The cost includes:

1. French alpine guide leads the team throughout the whole process: equipped with a licensed mountain hiking guide, responsible for route guidance, safety judgment, rhythm management and basic mountain and field explanation

2. The baggage transportation fee from point to point during the whole hike is limited to 15KG.

3. Hotel accommodation for 6 nights: stay in a comfortable hotel along the way or a local hotel

4. Meal arrangement for the whole process (D1 dinner to D6 lunch): including hotel breakfast, hiking picnic bento and hot dinner

5. The necessary transportation (public transportation or private car) expenses mentioned in the itinerary

6. Emergency support service: provide local emergency contact and logistics support in French and English 24/7 to assist in dealing with emergencies on the way

7. Airport bus pick-up service, please pay attention to the arrival time period, non-airport bus service time period, additional charge

The fee does not include:

1. International round-trip transportation: air tickets and personal transportation expenses to meeting points (such as Bastia and Ajaccio)

2. Drinks and alcohol personal consumption

3. Visa and insurance fees

4. Tickets or expenses for scenic spots during free activities

5. Hiking insurance

6. Guide and driver tip (generally prepare 70-100 euros (the whole process) if the service is satisfied). At the end of the hiking trip, thank the guide. If you use the luggage cart due to physical discomfort during the hiking, please prepare a tip of 30 euros for the driver (each time)

7. Personal hiking equipment (hiking poles, raincoats, etc.)

8. Items that are not marked as included and other personal consumption

9. Transportation expenses for withdrawal due to objective reasons of force majeure (war, strike, airline flight delay) and personal reasons

The environmental ecosystem in the mountainous areas of Corsica is very fragile. With the increase in the number of hikers, the environmental vegetation and animals and plants are threatened. During the hiking process, try to follow the guide's footsteps to avoid shortcuts and trampling on vegetation. At the same time, it should be noted that the fruit peel paper, etc. brought are all brought into the high mountain wooden house; discard according to the garbage classification; although the fruit peel is degradable, it is basically impossible to degrade in the mountainous environment. The awareness of environmental protection is very important.

More and more Chinese hikers are on this route, representing the world influence of the Chinese people. Try to avoid loud noise in public places, be friendly to hikers from all over the world, protect the environment, abide by the precautions of alpine wooden houses, etc., and avoid wasting food.

Sun hat or cap; sunglasses; turban;

Suncream

T-shirt (Quick-Drying); Fine Wool Sweater;

Light and thin down jacket;

Windbreaker (Gore-Tex) or raincoat;

Windproof trousers and quick-drying trousers (the temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is large); socks (wool material, heat-absorbing and moisture-proof, excellent material);

Hiking shoes (portable, high-top, non-slip, strong grip);

Knee pads; gloves; trousers (adjustable length, bring a few more for changing and washing);

Slippers, sneakers; personal daily necessities (recommended earplugs, light sheets must-have);

Lightweight toiletries; headlamp (with spare battery);

Hiking pole; 1.5L water bottle or 2L water bag;

Sunscreen; camera (optional)

Carry your ID and valuables with you, a small bag, a mountaineering bag

Small denomination euros

Mobile phone power bank

European power conversion plug

Luggage transportation camel bag

Be sure to purchase all the insurance required to cover the trip at your place of residence to avoid unexpected situations or force majeure.

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