Évisa combines hiking trails through chestnut groves and Laricio pine forests with tangible traces of Genoese architecture and art history. When planning your trip, you can explore a range of themes: stops about the chestnut tree, a historic mule path through the Gorges de la Spelunca, a circular trail in the pine forest and a poetry trail about the village’s history. This lets you take into account whether you would like to focus more on nature, trail construction or local culture when choosing your destinations.

Hiking Trails and Their Themes

The Sentier du châtaignier runs for 3.5 kilometres from the village of Évisa through centuries-old chestnut groves and Laricio pine forests. Informative stops with panels explain the chestnut tree from various perspectives. The walk along the Chemin des châtaigniers from Évisa takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, with an ascent of 150 metres. This time estimate gives you a specific reference point for planning a day of hiking.

The path through the Gorges de la Spelunca connects Évisa with the Genoese Pont de Zaglia. This old mule path runs through the Spelunca woodlands and includes paved sections and stone walls. Starting from Évisa at an altitude of 850 metres, the mule path has panels about local fauna and flora, the construction of a mule path and the making of a Genoese bridge. Unlike the stops about the chestnut tree, the focus here is on nature and trail construction.

The Sentier de la Sitelle is a circular trail through a Laricio pine forest, following the route known as the “route des condamnés.” Together, these trails offer several clearly defined themes: knowledge about chestnut trees, historic routes and a circular trail in the pine forest. Trail conditions and facilities may change; check both before setting out.

Bridge, Church and Local Poetry

The Pont de Zaglia connects the history of the mule path with a precisely dated building commission: in 1797, the municipality of Évisa commissioned the bridge based on the architectural model of the former Genoese administration. It has been classified as a French “Monument historique” since 1990. These two dates mark different stages in its history—the municipality’s commission and its later classification as a historic monument.

The Église Saint-Martin also offers a way to explore the village’s history. The Église Saint-Martin was built in the first half of the 16th century. Two repoussé silver chalices from the 17th century are attributed to Genoese goldsmithing. The construction date and the chalices represent different periods: the history of the church is complemented by a specific artisanal tradition.

The Sentier de la poésie begins in the heart of Évisa. Texts by local poets convey the village’s history and an aspect of its local culture. This literary approach differs from the panels along the hiking trails: here, the focus is on the village’s history and the voices of local poets rather than chestnut trees or trail construction.

Watering Spots and Overnight Stays for Hikers

Piscine a madre consists of a series of pools and watering spots among boulders, fed by small cascades and cool water. The Cascade de la Scarpa lies downstream of the natural pools. Access to the Fleuve de la Spelunca is possible from the Évisa cemetery or from the bridge at Ota; check local trail conditions before your visit.

The hike through the Gorges de la Spelunca can be complemented by a picnic break and a swim in the river. The water is clear and cool, but river conditions and swimming conditions vary seasonally. A swim is therefore a possible addition to the hike, though not equally suitable in every season.

For hikers, the Bergeries de Puscaghia offer another overnight option: the Bergeries are part of Évisa’s heritage and were converted into a refuge by the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse. Hikers can now spend one or more nights there. Availability and operating conditions may vary; check them before planning an overnight stay.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bastelica, Eccica-Suarella, Conca, Torre von Foce, Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano, Cargese, Fozzano, Bastelicaccia.

Return to the main travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.