Country trails
The Sentiers de Pays take you to the heart of the Alta Rocca to discover unspoilt landscapes, forgotten hamlets and spectacular viewpoints. These signposted walking routes offer you an authentic immersion in the forests, mountains and rural heritage. Explore the soul of the region on foot, step by step.
Cumpuleddu - "The hole in the bomb
A pleasant walk through a forest of laricio pine leads to the Trou de la Bombe, a 'tafonu' named Cumpuleddu, a natural curiosity created by erosion. The approach to the 'tafonu' is a little perilous and requires great caution. Once at the foot of the Cumpuleddu, please do not climb the hole.
Beaconing
Red and wooden signs
IGN map
Aerial photos / IGN
Map of slopes (IGN map)
Map 1950 / IGN
Staff map (1820-1866)
Open Street Map
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Start of the trail
Start the route by climbing up between the pine trees, behind the Information Point, and following the red markings.
Bavella Pass
The Col de Bavella, perched at an altitude of 1,218 metres, is one of South Corsica's most famous landmarks. This imposing site alone sums up the island's distinctive relief, with astonishing shapes and colours ranging from the lightest red to the darkest grey, all sprinkled with immense forests.
As the starting point for a number of hiking trails and a stage on the legendary GR20, it makes an interesting stopover for walkers and lovers of wide open spaces.
Notre Dame des Neiges
The patron saint of Bavella was received in 1953 and placed on her pedestal where she was blessed. The local people named her Notre Dame des Neiges.
Every summer since the 1950s, pilgrims and tourists have climbed to the very top of the pass to leave offerings, a candle or a memento to honour the patron saint and loved ones who have passed away.
Hundreds of people come to celebrate Our Lady of the Snows. Early in the morning, some of them walk from Zonza to the esplanade on the Col de Bavella. The immaculate statue is carried by religious to the chapel of Sainte-Marie, for a moment of meditation, song and prayer.
Chapel of the Blessed Virgin
On the Cumpuleddu path, close to the hamlet of Bavella, this chapel is one of the stages in the Notre Dame des Neiges procession, held every year on 5 August to celebrate the Virgin Mary.
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Cross
Turn left to continue the route.
You can continue straight ahead along an alternative route.
Viewpoint over the Aiguilles de Bavella mountains
On the Cumpuleddu route, this natural belvedere offers breathtaking views of the Aiguilles de Bavella and the surrounding peaks.
Cumpuleddu
The "Hole of the Bomb", or Cumpuleddu, is a geological curiosity not uncommon on the island, known as 'tofonu'. It's a rock sculpture naturally carved out by erosion, which has given it the superb shape of a natural arch. In many cases, the hollows are just little cups, one next to the other. Sometimes, the rock is pierced through to create holes, arches or other conches.
Aiguilles de Bavella
The Aiguilles de Bavella form an impressive massif of pinnacles carved out of red granite. The Col de Bavella, protected by Notre Dame des Neiges, is considered to be the most beautiful in Corsica for the extent and richness of its panorama.
Ideally situated in the heart of Corsica's Regional Nature Park, the Bavella site is a great place to discover unspoilt nature. Here you'll find a variety of endemic species inhabiting the laricio pine forests. Along the way, you're sure to come across some rare, protected species, so don't pick them or disturb them, just observe and photograph.
Bavella Tourist Information Office
Alta Rocca Tourist Office information point
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Bifurcation
Turn right to reach the belvedere with its view of the Aiguilles de Bavella.
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Cross
Continue straight on to return to the starting point.
Turn right to reach the bottom of the Hameau de Bavella.