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.

Image courtesy of the Image Science & Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center. http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov, ID=ISS013-E-7695.

Plateau d’Alzo – © Lionel Studio

The photo on the left was taken by NASA on April 13, 2006. Comparing this image with those of nearby islands confirms the fact that Corsica is truly the greenest, most mountaineous island on the Mediterranean. 

The photo on the right, taken from Plateau d’Alzo, shows some of the tallest peaks in Corsica, which appear on the upper left corner of the NASA image. You may also notice one of the three still functioning bergeries in this area.

I would like to thank Jean-François, our tour guide, for showing us this majestic place of beauty and serenity.