France > Natural Pools

At breakfast, in a mix of half French and half English, we are asked what we want for breakfast. It helps that the choice is the same as yesterday, which makes the conversation easier. After breakfast, we drive a bit north from Lecci. Near Santa Lucia di Porto-Vecchio, we turn off into the Cafu valley. This is part of the Alta Rocca Mountains. At the very end of the road, a hiking trail starts toward the Piscines Naturelles (Natural Pools). At the parking lot, there is also a Tourist Info center. Two helpful ladies explain how we can follow a nice hiking route to the pools. First, we follow the path along this side of the little river, then return along the other side. The route takes about two to three hours. On Google, we briefly look up the correct translation for “stenen dammetje door de rivier” (“a small stone dam across the river”) because we need to pass those along the way. With their explanation and a map in hand, we set off. The route is marked with yellow signs on the rocks. Sometimes the trail goes through trees, sometimes over rocks along the stream. The view is beautiful. When we arrive at the Piscines Naturelles, we see beautiful clear pools of water among the rocks. We take off our shoes and walk through the fresh water.

France - The beautiful reflection of the Piscines Naturelles

Other people are diving into the pools. I put on my swimming trunks and splash into the water as well. The water is cold, but once you’re in, it’s quite bearable. The seawater two days ago seemed colder. On the rocks, I dry off again. Near the pools, there is also a restaurant. On the terrace, we order something to drink. From the restaurant, the trail continues a bit further over the rocks. At the bridge, it’s the turning point. We cross the bridge and return along the other side. The route on this side goes more through the forest, making the path flatter. We don’t have to climb from rock to rock as much here. Around half past one, we are back at the starting point. There is also a restaurant here. The snack menu with paninis is only available from three o’clock. As an alternative, we share a pizza. Originally, we planned to hike at the Col de Bavella, one of the highest mountain passes in the Alta Rocca. Since we already did quite a hike this morning, it doesn’t make sense to do another walk now.

France - The water is quite fresh

We still head toward the col. Due to the mountainous terrain, it turns out to be over an hour’s drive. Because we have to drive back the same way, we decide not to drive all the way to the top. We stop on the mountainside and take a break by unfolding our chairs. From here, we drive to our final stop at the beach of Pinarello. This beach is near Santa Lucia di Porto-Vecchio. At a beach bar, we order a beer and a glass of wine. We’re a bit surprised by the high price of nine euros for a glass of wine. The beautiful view over the bay and the sea doesn’t let this spoil the moment. In the evening, we eat again at the restaurant near our accommodation. The couple asks several times if the food tastes good. Afterward, they tell us they moved to Corsica five years ago. They found the atmosphere on the island friendlier than in mainland France and better for their children. They did have to get used to the fact that in a small community like Lecci, everyone knows everything about everyone else. Maybe this wasn’t the best location of our trip, but the hospitality was impeccable.