The trip begins in Calvi with gear prep, then tackles the northern half of Corsica’s GR20: long, technical ascents and scree scrambles, chain-assisted clambers, big views above 1,000–2,400 meters, and ever-present dust and livestock around lakes and passes. Highlights include replacing the closed Cirque de la Solitude with a spectacular Mont Cintu traverse and a relaxed riverside forest segment. Storms prompt an exit in Vizavona. We replaced the southern part of the trail with a few days in Florence (not a bad trade) with its artisan workshops, gelato, and bistecca. The final leg moves to Bruges—chocolate, canals, bell towers, and quiet nights—then to Paris for a Musée d’Orsay capstone before returning home.
👉 Find all of the places we’ve visited on this trip on Google Maps trip list
Trip Summary
✈️ Day 1: getting to Calvi: Arrive via CDG, solve terminal transfers, buy trail essentials, stock protein-friendly groceries, and dine in Calvi.
🥾 Day 2: Calenzana to Ortu Di u Piobbu: Start GR20 north; steady 1,200m climb, dry dusty trail, tent rental quirks, simple refuge fare.
🥾 Day 3: Ortu Di u Piobbu to Carozzu: Contour trail of constant ups/downs, needle-to-pass traverses, refuge closure and insect surprises.
🥾 Day 4: Carozzu to Ascu Stagnu: Chain-assisted scrambling, endless pass-to-pass ridge, long descent to visible-but-distant Asco hotel.
🥾 Day 5: Ascu Stagnu to Tighettu: Climb Bocca Crucetta, traverse Mont Cintu’s steep rock/scree with sweeping views.
🥾 Day 6: Tighettu to Castel de Vergio: Extend stage to cover extra descent along the Golu; dusty gear, improved hotel, but no internet.
🥾 Day 7: Castel de Vergio to Manganu: Easiest stage; gentle pass, flat walking, lake meadows dotted with cows, horses, and donkeys.
🥾 Day 8: Manganu to Petra Piana: Cirque rim traverse at altitude; more livestock and lakes; still hunting non-sausage lunch protein.
🥾 Day 9: Petra Piana to Onda: “New” forested route via sheepfold; riverside walking, campsite fenced from roaming animals, trail sneaker kudos.
🥾 Day 10: Onda to Vizzavona: Pleasant climb, long river descent with swim spots; check forecast, decide to leave the trail before storms.
🚆 Day 11: Off the trail: Train to Bastia, ship excess gear, dodge umbrella rain; lighten packs and reset.
⛵ Day 12: Italy calls: Walk–ferry–taxi–train chain to Florence; celebrate with bistecca at Cipolla Rossa.
📷 Day 13: nothing but delights in Florence: Settle in, fix room “wifi chair,” revisit favorites, explore artisans around Santo Spirito.
📷 Day 14: Settling into our vacation routine: Ease into a gelato–aperitivo–dinner rhythm; finally visit the jewelry workshop for a necklace.
📷 Day 15: Leather working ↗: Tour the leather working school and curated shops; find a winter handbag guided by local recommendations.
📷 Day 16: Last day in Florence ↗: Best-of gelato and bistecca lineup; aperitivo note at La Ménagère; savour Santo Spirito vibes.
✈️ Day 17: Going to Bruges ↗: Fly to Brussels, untangle train transfers with the SNCB app, arrive late to a quiet Bruges.
📷 Day 18: Exploring Bruges ↗: Gray day suits brick canals; chocolate spree; speak English to smooth Flemish interactions.
📷 Day 19: Sunny Bruges ↗: Sunshine reveals inviting squares, musical bell towers, and a skyline still recognizable from above.
🚆 Day 20: Heading to Paris ↗: Transit day via Brussels; detour to Maison Antoine for twice-cooked Belgian fries before Paris.
📷 Day 21: Obligatory stop at the Musée d’Orsay ↗: Immerse in Impressionists and Van Gogh; verdict: best macarons still from Padua; home next.
