3 jewels of the Corsican Regional Natural Park to discover

The Corsican Regional Natural Park covers nearly 350,000 hectares spread across the entire island. A listed territory, it contains wonders that will delight nature lovers. But where to start? If you are staying in Northern Corsica or Haute-Corse, here is a selection of 3 jewels of the Park to discover.

Regional Natural Park of Corsica: the Fango Valley

The Fango Valley , often called the " garden of Corsica ", is located in the heart of northwestern Corsica. Rising at an altitude of 2,000 metres at the summit of Capu Tafunatu , the Fango Valley stretches for nearly 30 kilometres, marked by breathtaking wild landscapes . Among the most charismatic:

  • The Fango Delta: habitat of many animal species and departure of a path leading to the Galéria tower which offers you an exceptional viewpoint over the Fango valley.
  • Ponte Vecchiu : panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. You can also discover the red stone Ponte dei Cinque Arcades, which is 120 metres long.
  • Fango Canyon : from Ponte Vecchio to Manso, you can admire an impressive canyon with red and white hues, which nevertheless lets crystal clear water flow through it. Many natural pools have also been dug out in this majestic setting.
  • Perticatu Bridge : a little further on your path, you will find a new natural pool to swim in. This one has the particularity of being fed by a pretty little waterfall.

As you will have understood: the Fango Valley is a little corner of paradise 1 hour 50 minutes from Saint-Florent . Accessible by car, it allows you to discover part of the Corsican Regional Natural Park with your family , without having to put on hiking boots.

Scandola Nature Reserve: a jewel of the Corsican natural park

The north-west of the Corsican Regional Natural Park is home to an exceptional panorama called the " Scandola Nature Reserve ". Covering nearly 900 hectares of land and 1,000 hectares of sea, this UNESCO- listed site dedicated to the preservation of France's natural heritage hides an exceptional biodiversity that combines volcanic rocks , sublime beaches , isolated villages , as well as remarkable flora and fauna .

This true treasure of nature has been preserved almost intact thanks to a large-scale protection program. In fact, even today, it is impossible to reach the Scandola nature reserve by road , because there simply is none. It is also forbidden to cross these lands on foot, by bike or by any other land means.

This exceptional site in the Corsican Regional Natural Park can only be discovered by sea , on a very regulated boat trip . Departing from Calvi (1 hour 30 minutes from Saint-Florent), allow 4 hours of cruising to explore the nature reserve and 6 hours with a stop at the village of Girolata.

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The Asco Gorges: family walk and natural pools

The Asco Valley is one of the wonders of Corsica that can be easily explored with your own vehicle, an advantage if you are renting an apartment in Northern Corsica . Located 1 hour 20 minutes from Saint-Florent , these magnificent gorges have been carved out over the course of history by rivers and streams that still flow down its mountains and plains today. Over nearly 9 kilometers, discover the Corsican regional natural park through its rich and varied landscapes , its scattered rocks and thick forests that seem impenetrable.

At an altitude of 600 metres , you will have the opportunity to take a break in the village of Asco and discover a well-preserved architecture containing many stone houses hidden one behind the other. Nearby, admire the famous Genoese bridge and its large natural swimming pool . Although swimming is permitted , you still need to be brave enough to face the water temperature which does not exceed 15° in summer .

After a bit more driving, you will eventually reach the highest plateau in the Asco Valley , called " Stagno ". This is located at an altitude of 1,450 metres and in winter is home to a ski resort ideal for beginners. In summer, you can walk along part of the GR20, one of the most beautiful trails in Europe.

Want to continue exploring the island? One of these 5 original Corsican activities to discover the island should please you!