Restonica Valley, Valley and tourist attraction in Corsica, France

Restonica Valley is a gorge where the Restonica river, rising at Lac de Melo (1,711 m), flows 18 km to join the Tavignano at Corte. The D623 road climbs almost 1,000 m over 15 km to the Bergerie de Grotelle at 1,370 m. The valley has clear pools and cascades, and trails continue to Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello.

Since ancient times, shepherds used this valley as a crucial route to move their herds between seasonal pastures. This long history shaped it as an important passage and economic lifeline for the mountain region.

The stone bergeries at Grotelle, at 1,370–1,375 m, are the trailhead for the two-hour walk to Lac de Capitello and the one-hour walk to Lac de Melo. The Restonica rises from Lac de Melo at 1,711 m and runs 18 km to join the Tavignano at Corte. The valley road climbs almost 1,000 m over 15 km.

You can reach the valley via the D623 road from Corte, with parking areas located at different points along the route. Bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes if you plan to hike to the higher lakes.

The Tragone bridge was swept away by the storms Ciarán and Domingos in November 2023, and no reconstruction is planned so far. The road into the upper valley therefore ends before the Grotelle sheepfolds, and the town of Corte, the Corsican regional park and the Centru di Corsica tourist office are reopening old paths in the lower, middle and upper valley.