The Gorges de la Restonica and Lac de Melo trail from Corte ranks among the most rewarding mountain day trips in Corsica, combining a scenic river gorge drive with a high-altitude glacial lake hike in the island's rugged interior. The gorge road (Route des Gorges de la Restonica, D623) leaves Corte and follows the Restonica river for 15 km through a progressively narrowing granite canyon before reaching the Bergerie de Grotelle car park at 1,375 m, which serves as the trailhead for Lac de Melo. From Ajaccio the CFC train to Corte takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (around €12 per person); a taxi or pre-booked hire car then covers the 15 km to the Bergerie in about 20 minutes. Driving direct from Ajaccio takes around 1 hour 15 minutes on the N193. The gorge road is a scenic experience in its own right, passing granite pools and small waterfalls in the Restonica river that invite a cool dip on warm days. From the Bergerie de Grotelle, the trail to Lac de Melo is 2 km each way with 300 m of ascent, typically taking 45 to 60 minutes uphill. The path is rocky, marked with cairns, and includes a short fixed-chain section requiring the use of hands on steep rock. Lac de Melo sits in a glacial cirque at 1,711 m — clear alpine water, surrounding granite peaks, and near-silence in the early morning. Fit walkers can extend the trip to the higher Lac de Capitello (1,930 m) with an additional 30 to 40 minutes of ascent. The Bergerie de Grotelle offers simple refreshments and occasionally sells local charcuterie and brocciu. A morning departure from Corte by 09:00 allows a comfortable ascent and time at the lake before the midday heat builds and the trail becomes crowded. July and August see significant pressure on the gorge road: single-lane sections back up from around 10:00. June and September visit the same scenery with far less congestion. Snowpack may remain on the trail into late May; checking conditions with the Corte tourist office before an early-season visit is advisable.
How to get there
- CFC train to Corte then taxi/hire car
- Hire car direct from Ajaccio
Location
Route des Gorges de la Restonica, 20250 Corte
42.2530, 9.1170 View on map
Highlights
- Lac de Melo glacial lake at 1,711 m in a granite cirque — signature alpine scenery of interior Corsica
- 15 km scenic gorge drive through the Restonica river canyon with natural swimming pools
- Optional extension to Lac de Capitello (1,930 m) for panoramic high-mountain views
- Fixed-chain section on the trail — short technical passage with views deepening with every metre gained
- Village of Corte — Corsica's historic interior capital with a hilltop citadel and mountain restaurants
Tips for visiting
- Start the gorge drive by 08:30–09:00 in July–August before single-lane traffic jams develop around 10:00
- The Bergerie de Grotelle car park charges €7–€9 per vehicle in season; pay on arrival at the barrier
- Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person — there is no reliable drinking water source above the Bergerie
- Trekking poles and sturdy footwear are strongly recommended; the fixed-chain section requires sure-footedness on loose rock
- The CFC train Ajaccio–Corte runs three to four times daily; tickets can be bought at the station on the day
When to visit
June and September offer the best balance of clear weather, snow-free trails, and manageable crowds; July and August are fully operational but the gorge road becomes congested by mid-morning. An early start of 08:30 is advisable in any summer month.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Lac de Melo?
The trail from Bergerie de Grotelle is 2 km one-way with 300 m of ascent, typically 45 to 60 minutes uphill and 40 minutes down. Including time at the lake, allow 3 to 3.5 hours for the round trip.
Can the gorge be visited without completing the hike?
Yes. The gorge road itself is scenic and the Restonica river pools are accessible via short walks from roadside pull-offs. The Bergerie de Grotelle is reachable by car, offering mountain views without the lake ascent.
Is the trail to Lac de Melo suitable for children?
Children aged eight and over who are comfortable on rocky terrain can complete the trail, but the fixed-chain section requires confidence on steep rock. The trail is not suitable for pushchairs or very young children.
What is the best way to get from Ajaccio to Corte?
The CFC train is the most comfortable option (1h 30min, approximately €12). The service runs several times daily from Ajaccio Gare. From Corte station a taxi to the Bergerie de Grotelle costs approximately €20–€25 each way.
Is there parking at the gorge trailhead?
The Bergerie de Grotelle car park holds around 100 vehicles but fills by 10:00 in July and August. A fee of €7–€9 per vehicle applies in season. Arriving before 09:00 is strongly advisable in summer.