Grand lac de Rinoso

Grand lac de Rinoso is a glacial mountain lake sitting at roughly 2065 metres above sea level, in the upper reaches of the Restonica valley, within the Corsica Regional Natural Park (Parc naturel régional de Corse), a dozen or so kilometres from Corte. It pairs with the smaller, higher-lying Petit lac de Rinoso (around 2082 m) — together the two sit in the bare, rocky surroundings of the Monte Rotondo massif and rank among the quieter lakes of this part of Corsica.

Where exactly is the lake?

The lake occupies a stony high-altitude basin in the upper Restonica, along the route linking the Bergeries de Grotelle area with the Bocca a Soglia pass. It is classic Corsican interior scenery — granite ridges, sparse vegetation, and small, cold lakes fed by melting snow, reachable only on foot.

How do you get there?

The traditional starting point is the Bergeries de Grotelle, at the end of the road running up the Restonica valley. Severe storms in November 2023 damaged the road beyond the Tragone bridge, making it impassable, so the current trailhead is the Frassetta car park. A shuttle bus runs there from Corte between 2 May and 30 September. The path to the Rinoso lakes is waymarked only as far as the junction with the Lac de Melo trail; beyond that, hikers follow cairns. The climb is steady and steep in places but not technically demanding. On reaching the lakes, you pass the smaller, higher Petit lac de Rinoso first, then the Grand lac de Rinoso about 200 metres further on. The return can be varied by looping back over the Bocca a Soglia pass.

How does it compare with Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello?

The Restonica valley is best known for Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello, both easier to reach and correspondingly far busier in summer. The Rinoso lakes sit up a side branch of the valley and require a longer, more demanding approach, which keeps visitor numbers much lower. It is the kind of spot suited to travellers after quiet high-altitude Corsica rather than crowds — in exchange for a longer walk and less obvious waymarking.

When is the best time to go?

Summer is the most practical season, once the snow has cleared and the Corte–Frassetta shuttle is running (early May through the end of September). Earlier in the season, snow can still linger around the lakes and the cairn-marked stretch becomes harder to follow. Plan for a full day out, check the weather forecast beforehand, and wear proper hiking boots — the terrain is rocky and offers little shade.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high up is the Grand lac de Rinoso? About 2065 metres above sea level; the neighbouring, smaller Petit lac de Rinoso sits a little higher, around 2082 metres.

Where does the trail to the Rinoso lakes start? Currently at the Frassetta car park, served by a shuttle bus from Corte from 2 May to 30 September — the traditional Bergeries de Grotelle starting point has been unreachable since the road was damaged by the November 2023 storms.

Is the hike difficult? The climb is steady and steep in parts but mostly non-technical; the main challenge is navigation, since waymarking gives way to cairns past the Lac de Melo junction.

Are the Rinoso lakes as busy as Melo and Capitello? No — they lie along a longer, less clearly marked side route, which makes them considerably quieter than the heavily visited Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello in summer.