GR20 Corsica Offseason Questions

We have done a number of GR walks over the years. Very enjoyable.
Yes, the Refuges do close at the end of the season. Some of them have open winter rooms – some.

In general the open rooms were bare, although they may have left the mattresses in place. I don’t think there would be any pillows of blankets left. So bag and pad will be needed. Tarp is up to you. There will be no cooking facilities as such, although there will likely be some table space.

While the dedicated Refuges may be shut, many of the small hotels in the towns might still be open. They cater to more than just walkers. At first we were doubtful they would accept us (wet, muddy), but it turned out that walkers often made up half their traffic. We were welcome.

Almost any small village will have a sort of general store. The locals have to eat after all, and historically they did not have transport. But the store is likely to be closed from 12 am to 3 pm (or 4 pm) for the traditional siesta. In a few cases we were able to get the owner to open up during this time -and they did a roaring business with several groups of hungry walkers all crowding in!

Basic food stuffs will likely be available, but not things like freeze-dry or energy bars. Bread, cheese, sausage, rice, pasta, soup packets should be possible. You can live on that quite nicely. Some of the packet soups are very ‘solid’.

Fuel supplies – depends on what sort of fuel. Metho – maybe, sometimes. Canisters used to be hard to find, but they have become more available over the years. But in many cases they will be Campingaz, which is NOT screw-thread. Matching Campingaz stoves are available, but they are a bit big and clumsy. That is why I developed my own winter stoves with ‘universal’ canister connectors. We did the Pyrenees a few times with the large 450 g Campingaz canisters: one of those lasted the two of us a fortnight.

Public transport is far more widely available in Europe than in USA – but maybe not everywhere.

I recommend that you get the GR20 guide book from Cicerone (UK). It has all the info you will need, including strip maps.

Cheers

Manfred wrote up his (and his daughter’s) GR20 trip on Corsica in June 2019.

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/traversing-corsica-on-the-gr-20-another-father-daughter-adventure/

Roger,

Thanks for the detailed reply. This info is very helpful. The foodstuffs you mentioned in the local stores would be perfect.

I do plan on getting the Cicerone for Corsica if I decide to hike the GR20. At this point I’m trying to narrow down which particular area I want to hike/trek in. I’m considering Morocco as well.

Cheers,

What the heck. Buy both Cicerone guide books! There is always another year.
Cheers

Hi Reese,
As you wrote several months ago and I assume you know more now, I was wondering if you know what the water situation is like currently.
It has been very hot, and dry. Last year at this time the island was rationing water, and therefore I assume the springs may be impacted.
I’m planning to go in late September.
Also, have you heard when they are planning to start closing the refuges this year? Cicerone says mid to late September but my research seems to indicate that there are possible slight adjustments according to demand.
Cheers.

Hello Viv,

I decided to head to the Pyrenees insted of Corsica. So, unfortunately I can’t provide you any up to date information.

Best regards,

Brand

Hi Brand,

Thank you for your reply.

I assume you decided to walk the PHR, or part of it.  We are eyeing that if we decide water is too sketchy to obtain on the GR20.  Although the Pyrenees have had no rain in a year.

Have a great hike.

Viv.

Hi Viv,

I found a nice 10-11 day loop route in the Pyrenees that incorporates the GR10 GR11, andHRP. Its called the Tour de Vignemalle and La Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos. The water issue is not too much of a concern fro me because I will hiking hut to hut.

Good luck finding a suitable hike,

Brand