Bouldering in Corsica
In Corsica, many bouldering areas are scattered across very different environments: seaside, forest, or high mountains.
On the island, there are relatively few climbers, so imagine the number of boulderers… If one leaves, the place feels empty! The activity depends entirely on a handful of dedicated enthusiasts who tirelessly develop new problems. As a result, some areas have had their moment of glory before fading away undeservedly.
Today, Julien Torre is the most active. His masterpiece is undoubtedly the development of the Vecchio bouldering area. This site has both the size and the quality to become a benchmark at national level. Let us hope it will mark the beginning of a wider development of the activity among local climbers, who will rediscover their forgotten bouldering playgrounds and explore new ones.
THE GUIDEBOOKS
LES BLOCS DU VECCHIO
Currently, this guidebook is only available in French. An English version is planned.
This digital guidebook has been produced by Julien Torre, the main developer and “earth-mover” of the site.
Still in progress, it will eventually present (summer 2026) more than 500 problems spread across 170 boulders.
At present, only the Central Sector and its 160 problems is available.
The problems are shown on photos, and each boulder is located by GPS on a global map.
For each problem, additional information is provided when necessary.
For full immersion, see Julien’s Youtube channel
PYRENEAN TROUBADOUR
This is the YouTube channel of Julien Torre, which we have already mentioned.
He presents more than 600 problems, including 300 on Corsican boulders: Vecchio, Capineru, Restonica, Saint-Antoine, and Punta di Spanu.
CORSICA BLOC
Published in 2010, this guidebook has long been out of stock in its paper version, but the PDF version is available for purchase online here.
VALDU DI SALTU
A guidebook dedicated to this bouldering area in the Taravo Valley is available in PDF format (only in French).
Please note that this site is very little visited and moss has taken over in many places.
The PDF guidebook
The seashore bouldering areas
Seashore sites are very popular because they are particularly aesthetic and have the advantage of not getting ”mossy”. On the other hand, the crystals are often very abrasive, and the proximity of the sea accentuates the greasy feeling of the rock.
The main marine sites are: Punta di Spanu near Calvi and Capineru not far from Bunifaziu (Bonifacio).
But as you travel along the coastline, you come across a great many boulders, solitary or in groups, just waiting to be climbed.
The inland areas
Inland, the Corti region is the best provided for, with several areas in the Restonica Valley and, above all, the rapidly developing Vecchio. This major riverside bouldering area, climbable all year round, should quickly make a name for itself at national level. It now has its own dedicated guidebook.
The site of Valdu di Saltu, with its 300 documented problems, was long the main area on the island. Unfortunately, its “guardians” having moved on, moss and lichens are gradually reclaiming the terrain. A very complete PDF guidebook for the site is available here.
There are also many small crags, frequented by a few locals or visiting climbers, which—lacking proper documentation—remain anonymous.
Finally, there are all those that are still waiting to be revealed, born from your imagination and your effort.
