Gorges de la Restonica | Corsica Journeys

La Restonica – Outdoor Paradise in the Heart Corsica

The city of Corte, Corsica’s historic capital, is a charming old town with cobblestone streets, hotels, a museum, shops, cafes and restaurants.

If you’re looking for a place with plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family in a beautiful setting and conveniently located, I strongly recommend the Restonica Valley, just a short drive from Corte on route D623.

You can enjoy a pleasant drive from Corte and have lunch at “Le Relais des Lacs”, better known as Chez Cesar, or create your own Restonica triathlon by biking from Corte to the Bergeries de Grotelle, hiking to the glacial lakes of Melo and Capitello and then swimming in their cool waters (you may want to bring a wet suit).

But you don’t have to do any of those things to have a great time. There’s plenty to see and do along the Gorges de la Restonica.

BIKE

Europe Active rents bicycles and they’re located less than an hour away in Borgo, near the Poretta airport south of Bastia. They are also an outdoor tour operator.

You can pedal from Corte along the Restonica to the end of the road at Chez Teo and leave your bicycle there, to start the 90 minute walk to lake Melo.

Bike Rental: Borgo – Bycicle Hire – Europe Active.

HIKE

This area is the starting point to several hikes. If you only have a day, then probably the best choice is to hike to lake Melo (about 90 minutes away from the Bergeries de Grotelle). The hike to Capitello (another 200 meters up) requires climbing through rocks for about an hour.

SWIM

The twin lakes of Melo and Capitello provide a refreshing break at the end of each hike. The hike to Melo is moderate but the ascent to Capitello may not be suitable for some.

About Lake Capitello
Altitude: 1930 m.
Maximum Depth: 42 m.

This lake is frozen during 8 months of the year so if you plan to swim in it visit from June to September.

EAT

Chez Cesar, a log cabin in a beautiful outdoor setting is a great place to stop for food and drinks. But they’re only open from midday until 4pm so plan accordingly.

Chez Teo, a little chalet located at the Bergeries de Grotelle parking lot is open from morning until early evening. Their menu is limited but if you order ahead they can prepare a nice Corsican meal for you, specially if you’re traveling with a group.

SLEEP

If you wish to spend the night in the most rustic campsite next to a stream, Camping Tuani, is about 5 km before the Chez Teo parking, and it has a small cafe that serves hot meals. (Telf: 04-95-46-11-62).

If camping is not your style, you can go back to Corte, just 5-8 minutes away by car and enjoy a nice dinner at Place Paoli before returning to your hotel.