Petit Lac d'Oro

Petit Lac d'Oro is a small mountain lake in the commune of Vivario, sitting at roughly 1,563 metres in the Monte d'Oro massif, within the Corsican Regional Natural Park. It is the lower, quieter counterpart to the better-known Grand Lac d'Oro, which lies several hundred metres higher, tucked just beneath the summit of Monte d'Oro (2,389 m). Despite sharing a name and a mountainside, the two lakes are distinct places, differing in size, setting and the effort needed to reach them.

Where exactly is Petit Lac d'Oro?

The lake sits between two secondary peaks of the massif: Punta Marincina (1,770 m) to the west and Punta Renosa (2,008 m) to the east. Together with Monte d'Oro itself, these summits form a rocky, pyramid-like ridge that dominates the skyline above the Vizzavona pass. Administratively, the whole area belongs to the commune of Vivario, one of the gateway villages into Corsica's central mountains.

How do you get to Petit Lac d'Oro?

The usual starting point is the hamlet of Canaglia, also in the commune of Vivario. Cars are left at a parking area just past the bridge, since there is nowhere to park inside the hamlet itself. The route begins on a forest track, passes a barrier and a gate, and at a fork follows the path signposted toward Mare a Mare, the Onda refuge and Petra Piana. From there, cairns guide walkers through dense undergrowth up to the ruins of the old Giargialiccia sheepfolds. This stretch can be difficult to follow, and the final approach crosses wet, slippery rock slabs that call for some scrambling — this is a route for experienced, well-prepared hikers rather than a casual walk.

What will you find at the lake?

Petit Lac d'Oro is a small, picturesque pool wedged between slabs of rock. Alders have colonised its shoreline, making the final approach to the water's edge harder than it looks — reaching it takes a bit of determination. In return, visitors get a quiet, rarely crowded corner of the massif, ringed by rocky ridgelines, with a much more intimate feel than the larger and more frequented Grand Lac d'Oro higher up the slope.

When is the best time to visit?

Like most high-altitude spots in Corsica, the area around Petit Lac d'Oro is at its most accessible from late spring through early autumn, once snow has cleared from the rock ledges and the cairned trail is easy to follow. Outside that window, the terrain can become technically demanding and hazardous, so checking current conditions before setting out is worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Petit Lac d'Oro and Grand Lac d'Oro the same lake? No. They are two separate lakes in the same Monte d'Oro massif — Petit Lac d'Oro sits lower, at around 1,563 m, while Grand Lac d'Oro lies several hundred metres higher, closer to the summit.

Where should you start the hike? The natural starting point is the hamlet of Canaglia in the commune of Vivario, from where the trail runs past the ruined Giargialiccia sheepfolds.

Is the trail difficult? Yes. The final stretch to the lake is faint in places and crosses undergrowth and wet, slippery rock, so it suits experienced mountain hikers rather than beginners.

Which peak overlooks the lake? Monte d'Oro (2,389 m), flanked by the smaller summits of Punta Marincina and Punta Renosa, which frame both of the d'Oro lakes to the west and east.