Lac de Melu

Lac de Melo (also spelled Lac de Melu) is a glacial lake tucked into the Restonica gorges above Corte, in the Haute-Corse mountains of Corsica. Formed in a rock basin carved by a glacier, it sits at roughly 1,710 metres above sea level, covers close to 6.5 hectares, and reaches a depth of around 20 metres. The Restonica river, which later flows through Corte itself, begins here.

Where exactly is the lake?

Melo lies along the approach toward Monte Rotondo, at roughly 42.213° N, 9.022° E. It is the lower of two well-known lakes in this valley: a smaller lake, Capitello, sits in a higher rock cirque and is usually reached after a stop at Melo.

How do you get there?

The starting point used to be the Grotelle sheepfolds, reached by a mountain road running up the Restonica valley from Corte. Since storm damage in November 2023, the bridge near Tragone has been impassable, so the drivable section now ends earlier, at Frassetta, and the rest of the approach is on foot. Between May and September, a shuttle bus runs from Corte to Frassetta, which helps given how limited parking is in the narrow valley.

How long does the hike take?

Walking from Frassetta up to the former Grotelle car park and back takes about 5 hours. Reaching Lac de Melo itself, with the longer approach on foot, typically takes 6 to 7 hours round trip. The path is well marked, but the final stretch climbs over rock and includes a few short sections fitted with chains, so sturdy footwear and a bit of scrambling confidence help.

Is it worth continuing to Lac de Capitello?

Many hikers combine both lakes in a single outing. Capitello sits higher up and requires an additional, steeper climb above Melo. The two-lake route is one of the best-known hikes in this part of Corsica, but it takes noticeably longer and more effort than a visit to Melo alone.

When is the best time to go?

May through October is the safest window, once snow has cleared from the higher ground. Summer days can get crowded — Melo is one of the most visited mountain lakes on the island — so an early start helps avoid the busiest hours on the trail.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lac de Melo? The water is glacially cold, fed by snowmelt in a glacier-carved basin, but on warm summer days some hikers do take a quick dip.

Is the trail difficult? The path itself is well signposted and doesn't require climbing skills, but the 2023 access change means the walk is now considerably longer than it used to be, and the final chained section demands some care.

Can you still drive close to the lake? Not since 2023 — the damaged bridge at Tragone blocks access to the old Grotelle car park, so hikers now park at Frassetta or use the seasonal shuttle bus.

How big is the lake? Lac de Melo covers about 6.5 hectares and reaches nearly 20 metres in depth, making it one of the larger natural freshwater lakes on Corsica.