About Corsica's GR20 trail

Corsica’s GR20 is the most sought-after trail among hiking enthusiasts, even outside of France. It’s said to be the toughest hike in Europe and therefore entices many to rise to the challenge. The route takes you across the island, through the high mountain chain and former shepherds’ pastures, over a total of almost 200 kilometers. The GR20 demands very good physical condition and experience of walking on rugged terrain.

History
The history of the GR20 is closely linked to the 1970s, the significant period for regional, environmental and cultural action in Corsica. On 15th May 1972, the Natural Park of Corsica (Parc Naturel Régional de Corse) was established. The creation of the park was intended to overcome the problem of population drain in the villages and centre of the island. The aim was to develop the early transhumance trails between the villages, to revive mountain pastures and generate ‘tourisme vert’ (“Green Tourism”). It was Michel Fabrickant, a passionate mountaineer who had fallen for Corsica’s charms, who first had the idea of a trail that crossed Corsica from north to south, through the island’s main mountains. Thanks to him, the first plan of the GR20 was made, closely followed by the opening of the National Park, leading to the progressive construction of mountain refuges. The GR20 was originally intended for mountain experts and provided few home-comforts. For a long time it only attracted enthusiasts who were able to carry 25 kilo rucksacks. They were only able to replenish supplies in villages which meant re-descending to the valleys, as the refuges were managed by the National Park and selling food was not allowed.

In which direction should it be done?
The GR20 can be completed in two directions: south - north or north - south. The Topo-guides provide a detailed description of the trail from north to south, however it is almost always sold in the opposite direction. For us, mountain professionals, the south - north version is more logical for two good reasons. Firstly, the mountains in the south are less technical than those in the north. Tackling the GR20 in this direction lets you get used to the rough terrain in the easier section and gradually increase in difficulty. It enables you to gain confidence and reach the foot of the more ‘alpine-style’ mountains after 6 days walking (for beginners). Starting in the south also means you have the sun on your back, and therefore better sight of where you are heading.

The nature of the terrain
According to hikers, the GR20 covers high-mountain terrain. It is impossible to try to imagine what it’s like by considering the conditions of other mountains (i.e. Alpine or Pyrenean). Corsica is granitic and its paths and tracks are marked by rocks, uneven stones, crags etc. There are very few forest paths or straightforward, accessible tracks on the GR20. Almost the entire route covers genuine mountain terrain with scree, huge blocks of rocks, narrow passages and snow covered areas, often even later on in the year. Certain sections at ‘le Massif de Bavella’ and the ‘Cirque de la Soltitude’ have handrails fixed into the rock for assistance. The maximum altitude difference is ±11000 m and the duration of each stage varies between 5 – 7 hours of walking.

Time period
The GR20 is a summer hiking route, suitable from June until the end of September. However the southern section can be completed from around 15th May as there tends to be less snow than in the North. The wardens (gardiens) are now available from then, meaning you can stock up on supplies or even take advantage of a hot meal. The northern section however remains less accessible during this period; it is advisable to wait until the first week of June for covering the northern trail.

Discover our variations of the GR20