U Ponte Grossu

U Ponte Grossu is in Sari-Solenzara, in Corse-du-Sud, on the road to the Bavella pass. The site runs alongside the Solenzara river: the shaded pitches stretch along the water’s edge and take tents, caravans and motorhomes. The sea and its beaches are about 10 km away, the Bavella pass and needles 18 km, and a via ferrata starts just 1 km away.

The atmosphere the campsite describes is that of a quiet, family-run, small-scale site set in an unspoilt massif between sea and mountains. It claims the spot closest to the river’s natural pools, the places where canyoning is done in this area. A canyoning base, Corsicaforest, is located on site. The campsite also rents out a fully equipped villa separately, the Casa Tramuta, available from March to October.

As for opening, the official website states “open all year round” at the top of its campsite and rates pages. The price list also includes an off-season rate, valid from 1 November to 1 May, at 22 € per pitch. Exact opening dates, arrival days and any occasional closures are not detailed: confirm them by phone before travelling in winter. The campsite also states that it takes no bookings: you simply turn up at reception.

This suits travellers with a tent, caravan or motorhome who want a stopover or a stay in the heart of nature, including in autumn and spring, when the gorges and trails are quieter.

The campsite has washroom blocks with hot showers; both cold and hot water are unlimited. Facilities (shower and WC) are provided for people with reduced mobility. To make your stay easier, freezers are free to use, while refrigerated lockers and washing machines are charged extra. There is a waste disposal point for motorhome users, and the website mentions wifi access and an outdoor fitness area with sports equipment. Pets are allowed, with a supplement per dog listed in the price list.

Food is available on site: the kitchen is open from 12 pm to 8 pm and the snack bar serves barbecue grills, salads, crêpes, panini and pizzas, with a choice of ice creams. Pastries are served for breakfast every morning and bread is sold at reception.

There is no swimming pool for campers here: you swim in the river and in the Solenzara’s natural pools, or in the sea, about ten kilometres away. The pool shown on the website belongs to the Casa Tramuta villa, which is rented by the week. The website does not say which services operate in winter or whether the washrooms are heated; the off-season rate only indicates that the pitches remain accessible from November to April. A phone call settles the question before you leave.

The campsite is built around outdoor sports. The Corsicaforest canyoning base is located on site and takes visitors to the Pulischellu, Purcaraccia and Vacca waterfalls. A via ferrata begins about 1 km away, and a climbing area with routes for all levels lies close to the site. A slackline is strung between two trees, above the drop or the river, for those who enjoy a test of balance.

Within the campsite, an adventure park has bridges, walkways and a giant zip line, with a play area for the youngest. A botanical trail crosses the site and lets you spot Corsican wildlife and plants. The river can be reached directly from the pitches.

Further afield, the Bavella pass and needles, 18 km away, open onto many walking routes. 10 km away, the village of Solenzara has a marina and beaches, some pebble and some sand, handy for a day by the sea.

The website gives no winter-specific activities: walking and hiking remain possible in the off-season, but guided canyoning trips should be checked directly with the base.