© Lionel Studio

Scenes from the first two days in Bocognano.

				© Lionel Studio

Lunch at Chez Cesar next to the Restonica river followed by a gentle hike through the forest to the Bergeries de Grotelle.

Chez Cesar	La Restonica	Chez Cesar	Flan de Chataigne	Restonica Pool

In the distance, straight ahead are the tallest peaks in Corsica. To the left, shaped like a beak, is the Paglia Orba (2525 m.) and towards the center is the summit of Monte Cinto (2706 m.), Corsica’s highest mountain. This plateau is a bridge between the Restonica and Tavignano valleys, a place where shepherds bring their flocks of sheep every summer to shelter them from the heat.

Morning at Chez Cesar	Climbing to Plateau d’Alzo
One last look at the Restonica Valley	A natural pool in the Tavignano

The Maison Forestiere is a few minutes away from Alzo. From there the hike descends to the Tavignano Valley, next to the Refuge A Sega, where a crystal clear pool awaits, just in time for dinner.

Blackberries are abundant all along the Tavignano Valley in the summer time. Right, a stone track bordering the Tavignano leads to Corte.

Chaos in the morning. (I’m not even sure who took this photo). Right, the Refuge A Sega. Finally, Real Coffee!

© Cecile Villarreal

The Tavignano is a necklace of pools cascading down to Corte, the heart of Corsica. Right, Estelle relaxing after lunch. View of the Tavignano below.

Lac de Nino is located south west of Calacuccia at an altitude of 1743 m. and it is on the path of the GR20 trail. Free running horses and cows can be seen grazing on its surrounding meadows. This lake drains into the Tavignano river.

This emerald lake is the source of the Restonica River.