The villages of the Prunelli valley
The Prunelli valley is made up of five villages:
A welcoming land steeped in history, a veritable haven of peace, it also abounds in natural riches that make its heritage unique.
The valley stretches from the gates of Ajaccio to the foot of Monte Renoso, the result of a perfect marriage between coastal landscapes and mountainous regions. From the Val d'Ese ski resort for winter sports enthusiasts, to the freshness of magnificent shady paths, and the Tolla lake and its nautical base, there's plenty to do in a dream setting.
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The Tolla lake
To be honest, the first time you arrive at Lac de Tolla, you're surprised by the beauty of the place.
The largest lake in Corsica
Just 30 km from Ajaccio, you'll discover a long stretch of water surrounded by deep gorges and lush green vegetation. Lac de Tolla lies at an altitude of 500m. It is an artificial lake formed in the 1960s following the construction of a hydraulic dam on the Prunelli river. Lac de Tolla has since become Corsica's largest lake.
A nautical center
Lac de Tolla is not just a place to enjoy the scenery. It's also a place where you can enjoy a wide range of activities with family and friends. First of all, the presence of a leisure center is a godsend. From May to September, it offers a wide range ofwater sports: pedalos, canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddles? the choice is yours!
If you prefer fishing, you can rent a fishing boat (3 seats), as the lake is home to many species of freshwater fish (pike, pike-perch, perch, carp, roach, catfish, etc.). And don't worry about being disturbed by motorised vehicles. They are prohibited on the lake site.
Landscaped riverbanks
For those who prefer walking, the banks of the lake have been developed to better discover the site and its surroundings. It is also possible from the village of Bastelica to discover the Prunelli region and the Tolla lake by electric mountain bike.
For thrill-seekers, the via ferrata at Tolla is a must!
A place to relax
And for those who don't want to get in the water or go for a walk, there's always a deckchair for sunbathing or a bench next to the two straw huts offering food and drink.
As you can see, Lac de Tolla is well worth a visit, and offers a real alternative for those who want to enjoy freshwater bathing while taking part in water sports and outdoor activities.
How to get there?
From Ajaccio, the shortest way to get to the Tolla lake is to take the departmental road 3 from Bastelicaccia. You will be there in 30 minutes.
The Prunelli loop
A trip to the Lac de Tolla offers a much broader view of the beautiful Prunelli micro region: the Prunelli loop.
From Ajaccio, take the territoriale 40 to Cauro. As you leave the village, turn left towards Bastelica (D27). The maquis-like vegetation (holm oak, etc.) soon gives way to a forest of majestic pines. You're now entering the Pineta forest, where you can enjoy a variety of walks. Here you'll find a little treasure for those who want to discover it: the Genoese bridge of Zipitoli. Just 300 m from the road, it spans a small river amidst pines and ferns.
The aim is then to continue to the village of Bastelica, one of the largest villages in the region. Historically, it is known as the birthplace of Sampiero Corso. Today Bastelica is much more famous for the production of local products such as cured meats. A stop in one of the many restaurants in the village will give you the opportunity to taste them.
For the return journey, leave Bastelica on the D3 and head for the Prunelli gorges, where the road passes steeply over the Prunelli river, taking you to the village of Tolla and its lake below. On a hot summer's day, this is the perfect place to cool off with a refreshing dip in the lake.
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Sampiero Corso
Sampiero Corso is one of the best-known figures in Corsican history. Born in 1498 in Bastelica, a plaque in his native village (hamlet of Dominicacci) indicates what would have been his birthplace. Having chosen the profession of arms, he had a dazzling career, joining the armies of the great king of France, François 1er .
Wanting to play a role in his island, he tried by all means to chase the Genoese away. He was finally killed in an ambush near the village of Eccica-Suarella, a few kilometres from Bastelica.
His native village paid tribute to him by erecting a monument to his glory in the main square, the statue of which is the work of the great sculptor Vital-Dubray.
