The Verghellu canyon is located in the commune of Venaco, south of Corte. The valley was strongly linked to pastoralism and chestnut growing. A chestnut grove is currently being restored, as is the small forest house, the starting point for the Verghellu canyon.
The descent of the canyon is in the nature reserve of the Monte Ritondu or Rotondo massif. It’s a protected area that we need to preserve.
In 2005, Agnès and Pascal decided to explore this river. At the very top, the Fontaines du Paradis (Fountains of Paradise), with their pretty name, were already making us dream. Then follows a multitude of streams that form the canyon, which is very sensitive to winter floods that create a new setting every year.
We discovered a canyon with jumps that would make the Verghellu canyon famous throughout Corsica. We decided to equip this superb descent with a zip line and abseiling. Two years after its exploration, the equipment was finally in place and a new adventure began for the valley.
After a few years of tranquillity, we were hit by the ‘price of success’: new agencies were now offering the descent of the Verghellu canyon. Sometimes, at the height of the summer season, it gets a little too crowded (so take a look at the Tavignano), despite the signing of an agreement with the local council limiting the number of people who can go down there.
We’ve kept our wild side at Altipiani and like our peace and quiet.
Of course, we’re continuing to open other canyons, even though we’re always being watched 😊