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From the Alzo Plateau, the trail continues northwest towards the Maison Forestiere of the PNRC (Parc Naturel Régional de la Corse). With two water sources and plenty of shade, this is a perfect spot for lunch. (A highly visible trail and a sign lead to the Maison so it is impossible to miss it).

Leaving the Maison Forestiere, the trail zig zags down into the heart of the Tavignano valley under the shade of tall pine trees. Before arriving at the Refuge A Sega, on the left hand side there is a cascade that empties into a natural pool surrounded by huge boulders and pine trees. This is truly a sight and a fine place to refresh and unwind at the end of the day. The refuge is just a few steps away from this pool.

After camping out for several days, nothing beats a hearty dinner that begins with hot bowls of Suppa Corsa, a traditional thick Corsican soup made with ham, sausage, kidney beans, noodles and vegetables and it is a meal by itself.

Hikers can either spend the night at the refuge and in the morning head for Corte on the Tavignano trail or turn around and return to the Restonica valley via the Alzo Plateau.

There are bunk beds in the rooms and bathroom facilities but no hot water. Hikers must bring sleeping bags since they don’t provide blankets at the refuge. The diner at the refuge serves good meals (demi-pension or breakfast & dinner) and the staff is friendly.

Hiking time from Alzo to the refuge is 90 minutes.

The Tavignano Valley
Departing from the refuge towards Corte, the trail (marked with orange stripes) gently climbs along a ravine that overlooks the Tavignano river below. Like the Restonica river, the Tavignano resembles a necklace of crystal clear pools cascading down from the mountains towards Corte. In the summer, the bushes along the Tavignano trail are bursting with blackberries.

During the final approach to Corte (about 45 minutes long) the trail changes to a rough track built with cobblestones and there’s not much shade. This trail is part of the “Mare a Mare Nord” hike that traverses Corsica from the village of Moriani on the East coast to Cargese on the West coast. The trail ends near the citadel of Corte.

Unlike the trail along the Restonica valley, there are no facilities or vehicle access along this trail so hikers must carry enough food and water to last for at least 4 hours. Also, it is easier to hike the Tavignano starting from the Refuge A Sega since the trail descends into Corte.

Practical Information
The refuge opens from May 1st through October 31st and can accomodate up to 36 people.

Hiking time from Refuge A Sega to Corte is 4.5 hours.

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Filed under: Hiking in Corsica