A Treasure of Mother Nature...

The *Calanques de Piana* are astonishing and spectacular geological formations located on the west coast of Corsica. They have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983 and as an area of ecological, faunal, and floral interest since 1985. Formed from pink granite into picturesque shapes, they have inspired various tales and legends. Here, we will share one of the local folklore legends with you.

According to legend, the devil fell in love with a young shepherdess from Piana and went to declare his love to her. Frightened, the young shepherdess sought refuge with her husband and their dog. Enraged and humiliated, the devil unleashed his fury and petrified the young couple. The two lovers remained forever frozen in the *Calanques de Piana*. You may recognize the rock that forms a *heart shape*—it is said to be the eternal embrace of the lovers, united forever.

For centuries, the *Calanques de Piana* have captivated visitors. Each person lets their imagination run wild, interpreting the shapes of the rocks that overlook the sea. They have inspired many poets, including Guy de Maupassant, who wrote:

*'At nightfall, I crossed the Calanques de Piana. I first stopped, amazed, before these astonishing pink granite rocks, four hundred meters high, strange, tormented, curved, eroded by time, glowing red under the last light of dusk, taking on all sorts of shapes like a fantastic people from fairy tales, petrified by some supernatural power.'* – Guy de Maupassant, Le Monastère de Corbara

How to visit the Calanques de Piana? Beyond the tales and legends, the *Calanques* are a must-visit if you are in Corsica. There are several ways to experience them, and we highly recommend trying them all. First, you can take the D81 road that connects Piana to Porto. This narrow and winding road follows the *Calanques* and offers stunning panoramic views. Another option is to take the *Chemin des Muletiers*, the old mule path that once connected Piana to Ota. This 3.5 km hiking trail is a pleasant and scenic walk. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, the *Capo Rosso* trail is a great option. Though more demanding, the breathtaking view from the top is worth it. From there, you can admire the *Calanques* as well as the Gulf of Porto, while enjoying the scents of the Corsican maquis.

The best way to explore the *Calanques*, however, is by boat from Cargèse. *Cargèse Croisières* offers tours that allow you to discover the *Calanques de Piana*, its sea caves, and its natural swimming pool—areas inaccessible by road. The **'Calanques de Piana'** tour lasts just 2 hours, while the **'Grand Tour of the Gulf'** takes 4 hours. Each excursion includes a **swimming stop** (from 10 to 20 minutes depending on the weather). You will see that the water near the *Calanques* is crystal-clear, and we provide snorkeling masks so you can observe the fish.

For a more immersive snorkeling experience, we also offer **guided snorkeling excursions** at *Capo Rosso* from June to September. These tours, led by *Marc-Antoine*, a certified instructor, involve **free diving (without oxygen tanks)** along the water’s surface. In complete safety, he will guide you through the underwater treasures of the region, providing detailed explanations about the marine life and flora.