GR 20 Etape 9: Vizzavona to E’Capannelle [stepping into the South]

Elevation for Stage 9 of the GR 20 (Vizzavona to E’Capannelle): +890m, -230m over 15km

And the Southern part of the GR 20 does start like a dream! After making progress slowly on a very technical terrain along the Northern stretch, we are walking fast in the South on an easy, despite uphill, trail through the shady pine and beech forest.

The halfway-mark between the North and the South of the GR 20 in Vizzavona, Corsica, France

Chapel in the forest of Vizzavona on Stage 9 of the GR 20, Corsica, France

Last cup of coffee at the hotel in Vizzavona before continuing the GR 20, Corsica, France

Having to walk on flat parts feels almost awkward because we are so used to 4-digit elevation gain and loss per day. We hardly feel the 890 meters of positive elevation of today thanks to the longer distance (15 kilometres) and less technical terrain. The elevation loss of 230 metres is not even to be mentioned!

Streams in the enchanted forest of Vizzavona on Stage 9 of the GR 20, Corsica, France

Looking back at Monte d’Oro where we came from, Stage 9 of the GR 20, Corsica, France

Where the trail leads us above the tree-line a splendid view opens up before a long gradual and easy downhill. A few well-maintained private bergeries (sheepfolds) are scattered along the trail before a nasty uphill takes us all the way to the so-called ski area of E’Capannelle. The lack of charm of the refuge and its location may be compensated for some by the possibility of ordering ice-creams or draft beers thanks to the road access.

Agile lizard in the sun, GR 20, Corsica, France

Dry-stone bergeries on Stage 9 of the GR 20, Corsica, France

Our first day in the South part of the GR 20 is clearly not the nicest stage. Between the atmosphere that is lot different than in the North where solidarity can be felt amongst hikers we came across and the landscapes that do not leave us overly impressed we are looking forward to making more progress and discovering the charm of the South.

[Click here for the next stage]

Marcella & Claire

Travel tips:

Check out our gear tip section before venturing out!
For a bird’s eye view and to get access to all the GR 20 articles, please refer to this prologue article.
Check out this interactive map for the specific details to help you plan your trip and more articles and photos (zoom out) about the area! To download the GPS track, refer to this short tutorial.