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The Cascades des Anglais

If we spontaneously think of the sea or the mountains to reconnect with nature during the vacations, there's another option that combines the pleasure of swimming with beautiful shady walks: natural waterfalls. Corsica is home to the Cascades des Anglais, one of the wonders of the Isle of Beauty.
 

A preserved historical site

Located in the Agnone valley (named after the torrent that flows into it), the Cascades des Anglais are more precisely situated in the Vizzavona forest in Haute-Corse, between the villages of Vivario and Bocognano.

The name comes from the 18th-century occupation of the island by English troops, who even then enjoyed bathing in these natural pools of crystal-clear water. Or was it - as it is today for visitors and hikers - the shady environment bordering these interconnected waterfalls that attracted them in the first place?

The lush vegetation and paths lined with beech and pine trees provide an ideal setting for enjoying the spectacle of these small waterfalls and basins carved out of the granite. 

A little corner of paradise where you can both relax and bathe, the fresh water of these natural waterfalls acting as a nice reward after the walk to reach them (even if the tasting of wild strawberries along the 1.30-hour route is rewarding enough).

Practical information

Are you ready to discover the Cascades des Anglais? A few tips before you go:

  • Depending on the season, the water may be more or less abundant: to get the most out of it, it's best to visit in the off-season (April/May or September/October) rather than during the summer, when the site will be less crowded and therefore even more enjoyable.
     
  • The terrain is relatively steep (ascents and descents sometimes on the edge of ravines, paths more or less clear) and quite stony (knee-high rocks, numerous roots...): the circuit is therefore recommended for those who are rather sporty and - above all - have good walking shoes.
     
  • Be careful, too, if you're prone to vertigo, as the trail crosses 2 suspended footbridges (on the Fiuminatu and Agnone rivers).

A succession of waterfalls and small pools. Turquoise water, pink, grey, white and black rocks, twisted old pines... it's a real treat!

Tanguy L de Nantes (visiteur Septembre 2021)

Once on site:

  • There are two possible departure points: from the Vizzavona train station, or from the Corsica Natura accrobranching. Both have parking facilities.
     
  • As part of the GR20, the itinery is very well signposted.
     
  • It can be done in a single round trip, with the loop covering a total of 3.7 km and a cumulative climb of 150 meters.
     
  • To eat, it's best to bring your own picnic (without leaving your garbage behind, of course!).

Walking shoes, swimsuit, hat and sun cream: if you've got your rucksack ready for this natural wonder, check out the website of Air Corsica, the leading air carrier on the island of beauty for over 34 years. 

Departing from Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Nice or Toulouse, the French airline will take you directly to Bastia or Calvi, the 2 major towns in Haute-Corse where these historic waterfalls await you.

Enjoy your trip!


Valérie from Comme des Français
 

 

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