Lac du Cinto

Lac du Cinto is a high-altitude glacial lake sitting on the south-western flank of Monte Cinto, Corsica's highest peak at 2,706 metres. It lies within the commune of Lozzi, in the Haute-Corse department, at an elevation of roughly 2,289 metres. The setting is stark and rocky — scree slopes and bare granite give the basin an almost lunar look — and the lake sits under the shadow of the Capu Falu summit, inside the Regional Natural Park of Corsica (Parc naturel régional de Corse).

Where exactly is the lake?

Lac du Cinto lies deep in the mountainous interior of Haute-Corse, within the ridge system surrounding Monte Cinto, the island's highest massif. Its coordinates are approximately 42.3708 N, 8.9339 E. The nearest trailhead village is Lozzi, a small mountain settlement on the southern side of the massif.

How do you get to Lac du Cinto?

The standard approach starts in the village of Lozzi and follows the southern side of Monte Cinto. The trail passes a mountain refuge partway up the slope, then continues on steep, rocky paths toward the lake — roughly two hours from the refuge, with the full round trip from Lozzi taking about 7 to 8 hours. The path is uneven and demanding, so it suits hikers with some mountain experience, reasonable fitness, and proper footwear. A second route, from Haut-Asco on the northern side, climbs all the way to the summit of Monte Cinto itself; it is longer, more technical, and involves greater elevation gain, but does not pass directly by the lake.

When is the best time to visit?

The hiking season around Monte Cinto runs from June to October. Outside this window, the high trails are often snow-covered or icy, and weather at this altitude can shift quickly. Hikers should carry enough water, sturdy gear, and a map or GPS device, since the terrain above the tree line is open and only loosely marked in places.

What is there to see along the way?

The route crosses a cross-section of Corsican mountain landscape: dense maquis scrub at lower elevations, pine forest higher up, and finally a bare alpine zone above the tree line. The lake itself is small, ringed by loose rock, and set against the backdrop of Capu Falu and the wider Monte Cinto massif. For hikers pushing on to the summit, it serves as a natural rest point; for others, it is a worthwhile destination in its own right — a chance to see a high-altitude glacial lake without tackling the summit push.

FAQ

How high up is Lac du Cinto? The lake sits at roughly 2,289 metres, on the south-western slope of Monte Cinto.

How long does it take to reach the lake? From Lozzi via the mountain refuge, the round trip typically takes 7 to 8 hours; from the refuge itself, it's about a 2-hour walk to the lake.

Is the trail difficult? Yes — it's steep and uneven, crossing genuine high-mountain terrain, so it's best suited to hikers with some experience and good fitness.

When should I plan a visit? Between June and October, when the trail is generally free of snow and ice and weather conditions are more stable.

Can I continue from the lake to the summit of Monte Cinto? Yes, the route from Lozzi connects to the summit approach (2,706 m), though reaching the top requires an additional, more demanding stretch beyond the lake.