
How long is the road through Gorges de la Restonica?
France, europe
14.9 km
1,990 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Corsica, cruising the D623 into the heart of the Haute-Corse region. This is the Gorges de la Restonica, one of the island's absolute must-sees!
The road itself? It's about 15 km (around 9 miles) of pure driving bliss (and a little bit of a challenge!). Starting in Corte, it winds its way up to a parking spot nestled at the top of the Restonica Valley.
Now, fair warning: the road gets pretty tight in spots, barely wider than your car. So, you'll need some decent driving skills and a whole lot of patience, especially when the gorge walls close in. Keep your eyes on the road, and maybe leave the RV at home – vehicles over 4.5 meters long or 1.9 meters wide aren't allowed. But the views? Totally worth it, even with the steep drops. Just make sure you're comfortable with mountain roads before you go!
Heads up: this road is popular, so expect some traffic, especially in the summer. But hey, there are restaurants and rest areas along the way where you can grab a bite or even take a dip in the river.
And for the adventurous souls? Hike for about two hours, and you'll reach the stunning Lac de Mélo, a mountain lake sitting pretty at 6,528 feet. Keep going, and you'll find Lac de Capitello, often with snow still clinging to its edges, even outside of summer. Trust me, this drive is an experience you won't forget!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,990 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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