Adventure Awaits at L'ORIENTE CAMPING, Coti-chiavari

The Coti penitentiary is a picturesque site with an undeniably harsh past. The penitentiary was founded in 1855, and its ruins are located halfway between Verghia and Coti Chiavari on a plateau with a breathtaking view over the Gulf of Ajaccio. In 1870, the prisoners built a small dam holding back 24,000 m3 of water. Up to 800 prisoners were held here, and there was also a women's penitentiary, of which only a few ruins remain today. You'll walk along a number of shady paths with superb avenues of hundred-year-old eucalyptus trees, planted by the prison administration as part of the reclamation of the state-owned estate. There are also well-tended cork oaks. The various buildings of the former penitentiary, commissioned by Napoleon, serve as landmarks, with the main path leading from the "men's penitentiary" (a vast renovated building) to the "women's penitentiary", also known as Laticapso (reference IGN ruin). As you stroll along, you'll come across a vast cistern, small cemeteries and beautiful large rubble stone walls embedded in the undergrowth, poor remnants of the prisoners' forced labour.

Semi-shaded, this is a very pleasant walk, ideal for the whole family. Itinerary: At the Isolella roundabout, head down towards the peninsula. The road is well signposted and makes a one-way loop. To reach the tower, the path is quite steep at the start, but is still easy, with a gradient of 35m. There is another path around the hill, with a fitness trail featuring 10 workshops for all ages. History: The Tour de l'Isolella was built in 1608 and has a longer silhouette than its sister towers on the Gulf of Ajaccio. Renovated in 1970, it is in perfect condition, with its machicolations and, halfway up, a red brick stringcourse.

Discover this 3.5 km hiking trail near Grosseto-Prugna. Allow around 50 minutes to complete the route. The Genoese Tower of Capitello stands on the coast at the northern entrance to Porticcio at the mouth of the Gravona. It was one of the first defensive works erected by the Office of St George in the 16th century. In 1793, it played host to a prestigious guest: Napoleon, still Bonaparte, was besieged by the Paolists before fleeing to Toulon with his mother Letizia.

Semi-shaded at the start, then sunny all the way to the summit at 1345 m altitude, for experienced walkers and hikers. hiking. Itinerary: Head towards Sainte-Marie-Sicché and continue towards Quasquara as far as "Sarra Topu", at the top of the village. You can park at the signs for the Communauté des Communes. Then follow the orange markings. Description: Right from the start, you start to feel the change in altitude, which continues for a good hour's walk! After a few minutes, you cross two small streams, before emerging from the undergrowth and climbing up to a complete change of scenery: a marvellous panorama of the peaks opposite and the valley. At a crossroads with an arrow and orange markings, turn left slightly downhill. The junction for the loop to the summit of Punta Urghjavari is barely visible, indicated by a cairn. From here, it's about twenty minutes uphill, unmarked, to the summit with its statue of the Virgin Mary, its two crosses... and a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Ajaccio, the bay of Coti Chiavari and the surrounding villages (Campo, Frassetto, Quasquara...). The descent (which is rather sporty!) follows the same route.

This easy, well-marked trail passes through landscapes typical of Corsican rural life and highlights elements of the past that bear witness to the local agro-pastoral culture. The trail begins in the heart of the village, with a typical cobbled descent (calade) towards the Vangonu district, where the chestnut groves once flourished, a vital resource for the inhabitants of this mountain region. Along the way, you'll discover - the "U Siccatoghju" chestnut dryer, a small traditional building used in the past to dry chestnuts after harvesting, an essential stage before processing them into flour or eating them - U Fragnu" water mill, fed by an aqueduct and set beside a stream. This mill is a fine example of traditional Corsican hydraulic architecture and a reminder of the importance of water for domestic and agricultural use - old vegetable gardens, bordered by dry stone walls, which bear witness to the self-sufficiency of the villagers in the past - fountains and wash-houses, essential community places in the daily lives of the villagers, where people came to draw water and wash their clothes. Along the way, the path winds its way between dry-stone walls typical of Corsican rural architecture, leading you to a neighbourhood dominated by beautiful light-coloured granite houses with their sober, massive architecture. Why is this walk interesting? This trail is more than just a walk: it's designed as an interpretation trail of the local heritage. It's an ideal walk for everyone: families, heritage enthusiasts, curious walkers or visitors wanting to understand how Corsican communities lived in harmony with their environment.

It's the end of the road for the GT20, with a spectacular final stage from **Zonza** to **Bunifaziu (Bonifacio)**. Over 71km and almost 1,000 metres of ascent, this final section crosses the luminous landscape of the Far South before a spectacular finish facing the sea. The first few kilometres offer a long descent to **Levie**, a village known for its rich prehistoric past and its departmental archaeology museum. Nearby, the remarkable Cucuruzzu bears witness to the island's ancient occupation and is well worth a cultural stop. The road then climbs towards the Col de Bacinu. The steady climb up the north face gradually opens up views of the south of the island, before a panoramic descent reveals the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio in the distance. The route then crosses Sotta and Chera, alternating short but steady climbs with rolling sections. The landscape softens, the light becomes more Mediterranean and the scents of the maquis herald the approach of the coast. Then comes the deliverance: the final descent to Bunifaziu. Clinging to its white limestone cliffs, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Bouches de Bonifacio, the town offers an unforgettable backdrop to conclude this great island crossing. The last few kilometres on the T10 require vigilance, but the emotion quickly takes over. Welcome to Bunifaziu, a town steeped in art and history, and the culmination of a sporting and sensory adventure across the whole of Corsica.

In the heart of the wide open spaces of the south of the island, stage 11 of the GT20 links **Zicavu** to **Zonza**, at the foot of the majestic Aiguilles de Bavella. Over 44 km and with a climb of around 800 metres, this crossing combines high altitude panoramas, pastoral plateaux and emblematic mountain passes. You're in the heart of the Corsican Regional Nature Park, an unspoilt area where the Taravo and Alta Rocca valleys are revealed in all their glory. From the very first kilometres, the road winds through meadows and forests, in an authentic mountain atmosphere. You'll want to stop off at the Cuscione plateau, a vast high-altitude setting renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. On foot, this site offers a timeless interlude between pozzines, streams and infinite horizons. The main difficulty of the stage is the ascent to **a Bocca di Vacca (Vaccia pass)**, culminating at 1,193 metres. Approximately 14 km long at an average gradient of 3%, the climb is steady, gradual and punctuated by typical encounters: pigs and cows roaming free are a reminder that you are crossing pastoral territory - caution is recommended. At the junction between the Taravo valley and the Alta Rocca, the pass comes into view after a long flat stretch, offering a breathtaking view of the south of the island. The gentle, sometimes winding descent stretches for 13 km to Aullène (Auddè), before the final undulations to Zonza. The final kilometres alternate between gentle climbs and flat stretches, with the spectacular silhouettes of the Aiguilles de Bavella in the background. A grandiose finish for an immersive stage, where nature, altitude and traditions shape the profound identity of Corsica.

Between wooded peaks and secret valleys, stage 10 of the GT20 offers a deep immersion into the island's mountain soul. From **Ghisoni** to **Zicavu**, over a distance of around 45km, the route covers almost 1,000 metres of ascent and links two villages of character in the heart of authentic, unspoilt Corsica. The route starts at an altitude of 650 metres. The road soon climbs towards the Col de Verde, perched at 1,289 metres. The first ten kilometres allow you to find your rhythm under the canopy of the majestic Forêt de Marmanu, a vast state forest where beech and laricio pines provide a welcome coolness. The last seven kilometres of the ascent are steeper, averaging around 6%, before reaching the pass. Stop off at the San Petru di Verde relay station to enjoy the panoramic views and recharge your batteries in an exceptional natural setting. The 17km descent then winds its way down to **Cuzzà (Cozzano)**, offering a refreshing break. The route follows the Taravo valley, shaded by trees in a peaceful, bucolic atmosphere. The last few kilometres lead to **Zicavu**, a village nestling in the heart of the valley, renowned for its craftsmanship and traditional charcuterie. Here, time seems to stand still. It's an ideal opportunity to meet local producers and discover the authentic flavours of the island, particularly through the artisans on the Route des Sens. A well-balanced and immersive stage, between deep forests, panoramic passes and gastronomic heritage, a true ode to the Corsican mountains.

Halfway through the GT20, it's time for one of the island's legendary climbs. From **Portu (Porto)** to **Col de Verghju (Vergio)**, Corsica's highest road pass, this 7ᵉ stage unfurls 34km of continuous climbing for 1,486 metres of positive vertical drop. A veritable vertical journey, from the sea to the wide open spaces of the mountains. From the very first kilometres, the sea fades into the rear-view mirror. The road climbs up the cliff face, offering the prospect of the next twist in the road at every bend, before plunging into the spectacular Spelunca Gorge. The scenery changes dramatically: sheer cliffs, rocky chaos and a river below make for a striking start. After an initial 10km ascent, a short flat area allows you to catch your breath before the climb to **Evisa**, a village clinging to the mountain. The crossing, sometimes at 8%, is a reminder that you are gradually gaining in altitude. The route then enters the majestic Aïtone forest, home to slender laricio pines and crystal-clear natural pools. The shade is welcome and the atmosphere cooler, almost alpine. The last ten kilometres are steeper, at around 6%, until you reach the Niolu region via the summit of the Col de Vergio. At an altitude of 1,477 metres, the panorama opens up onto a mineral and pastoral world, emblematic of the Corsican interior. An immersive, progressive stage, where every pedal stroke brings you closer to the beating heart of the island's mountains.

Discover this 50.8km cycle route, which starts in Albertacce and finishes in Corte. The route is entirely on roads. It has a total ascent of more than 340m.