How do you get to the Cascade des Anglais from Vizzavona?

From Vizzavona station, follow the GR20 southbound (red and white trail markers). The path winds through the forest for about 30 minutes (1.5 km, 150 m elevation gain). From the car park on the RN193 at the Col de Vizzavona, the trail is shorter (20 minutes). The route is well marked and walkable in trainers, though hiking shoes are recommended.

Can you swim at the Cascade des Anglais?

Yes, swimming is the site's main attraction. Several natural pools offer varying depths, from a few centimetres to over 2 metres. The water is cool (12-16 degrees C in summer) but invigorating. The polished rocks around the pools provide comfortable spots to relax. The site is unsupervised: remain vigilant, especially with children.

Is the Cascade des Anglais suitable for families with children?

Yes, it is one of the most family-friendly natural sites in Corsica. The access trail is wide and gently sloped, manageable for children from age 4-5. The pools include shallow areas suitable for young children. Bring water shoes for the wet rocks and supervise children at all times as the rocks are slippery.

Why is the waterfall called 'des Anglais' (of the English)?

The name dates back to British tourists of the 19th century who, during the Victorian era, frequented the resort town of Vizzavona. The forest and its waterfalls were a favourite excursion for these wealthy English travellers who stayed at the grand hotel by the station. The name has endured as a testament to this pioneering tourism in Corsica.

Cascade des Anglais in Vizzavona

Nestled in the heart of Corsica's most beautiful forest, the Cascade des Anglais is one of those places that embodies the very essence of the Island of Beauty. Here, the Agnone torrent tumbles down the slopes of Monte d'Oro in a succession of waterfalls and natural pools, carved into polished granite amid a cathedral-like forest of beech and Laricio pine. Light filtered through the canopy, the murmur of water, and the cool forest air create an atmosphere of rare serenity.

Perched at 1,100 metres above sea level, on the route of the legendary GR20, the Cascade des Anglais is one of the most accessible and enchanting natural sites in Corsica. Its moderate access trail, swimming-friendly pools, and exceptional forest setting make it a perfect destination for families, hikers, and all nature lovers.

A bit of history: why "des Anglais"?

The waterfall's name dates back to the second half of the 19th century. At that time, the construction of the railway connecting Ajaccio to Bastia (inaugurated in 1894) opened the Col de Vizzavona to travellers. Vizzavona station, at 906 metres elevation, became a fashionable hill resort popular with European aristocracy and bourgeoisie, particularly the British.

English tourists, accustomed to country walks, made the waterfall their favourite excursion. They picnicked, bathed, and posed for photographs in their Victorian outfits -- a spectacle that amused the local Corsican shepherds. The name "Cascade des Anglais" (Waterfall of the English) took hold naturally and has persisted two centuries later, even though visitors now come from across the globe.

Description of the site

The main waterfall

The Cascade des Anglais is not a single dramatic plunge but rather a series of cascading falls and tiered pools spread over approximately 200 metres of elevation. The Agnone torrent slides, leaps, and swirls over polished granite, forming natural basins of varying sizes and depths.

The most photographed waterfall is a drop of about 5 metres that plunges into an oval pool of deep emerald green, surrounded by rounded, moss-covered boulders. Both upstream and downstream, smaller falls feed pools that cascade along the torrent's path.

The swimming pools

The site has around ten pools suitable for swimming, spread across several levels:

Lower pools (the first you reach): the most accessible and most popular. Depth 0.5 to 1.5 m. Gravel and smooth rock bottom. Ideal for families with children.
Main pool (at the foot of the 5 m waterfall): the largest and deepest (2 to 3 m). The water is colder here due to the churning of the falls. Surrounding flat rocks provide natural "beaches" for sunbathing.
Upper pools (continuing upstream beyond the main waterfall): smaller, less visited, in a wilder setting. Reaching them requires some scrambling over rocks.

The torrent water, fed by springs on Monte d'Oro (2,389 m), is remarkably clear. Its temperature ranges from 10 degrees C in spring to 16-18 degrees C in August in the shallowest pools. On warm days, the contrast between the mild forest air and the cool water is pure bliss.

How to reach the Cascade des Anglais

From Vizzavona station

The most iconic approach is from Vizzavona station, a stop on the Corsican narrow-gauge railway ("U Trinighellu") connecting Ajaccio to Bastia. The trail follows the GR20 south route, marked in red and white.

Distance: 1.5 km
Elevation gain: 150 m
Duration: 25-35 minutes
Difficulty: easy (wide, well-maintained trail)

The path first crosses a beech forest with mossy trunks, then follows the torrent through shady woodland. The climb is steady and gradual. Directional signs are present at intersections. The GR trail markers (red and white) are reliable.

From the Col de Vizzavona (RN193)

A shorter approach is possible from the Col de Vizzavona, on the RN193 national road connecting Ajaccio to Corte. A free car park is located at the pass (1,163 m). The trail descends to the torrent in 15-20 minutes.

Distance: 800 m
Elevation: -50 m (downhill on the way in, uphill on return)
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Difficulty: very easy

By train: a unique approach

Taking the Corsican narrow-gauge railway to reach the waterfall is an experience in itself. The Ajaccio-Bastia line traverses spectacular landscapes, crossing viaducts and tunnels through the mountains. Vizzavona station, a tiny halt in the heart of the forest, has the charm of a bygone-era railway stop.

From Ajaccio, the journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes (4 to 5 trains per day in summer). From Corte, allow 45 minutes. The timetable allows you to depart in the morning, spend the day at the waterfall, and return in the late afternoon. Check CFC (Chemins de Fer de la Corse) timetables before planning your day.

The Vizzavona forest: a natural treasure

The Vizzavona forest is one of the most beautiful and extensive in Corsica. Spanning 1,634 hectares between 800 and 1,600 metres elevation, it consists primarily of Laricio pine (Pinus nigra subsp. laricio), a species endemic to Corsica that can reach 50 metres tall and live over 500 years. The oldest specimens in the forest are true natural monuments, their massive trunks rising arrow-straight towards the light.

The lower tier of the forest is dominated by beech trees (Fagus sylvatica), whose dense foliage creates a shady green cathedral. In autumn, the beech wood dons a blaze of colour -- gold, copper, and crimson -- offering a remarkable seasonal display.

Wildlife is discreet but present: the Corsican nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi), a small bird endemic to the island, nests in the Laricio pines. The great spotted woodpecker, coal tit, and treecreeper also inhabit the forest. With patience, you may spot wild boar, reintroduced Corsican deer, and occasionally a golden eagle soaring above the canopy.

Hikes from Vizzavona

The Vizzavona forest is an ideal starting point for numerous hikes, from family strolls to alpine ascents:

Monte d'Oro (2,389 m)

The ascent of Monte d'Oro from Vizzavona is a demanding but magnificent alpine hike. The trail climbs through the forest, then across high-altitude meadows before reaching the summit ridge with a 360-degree panorama over Corsica. Allow 7 to 8 hours round trip (1,300 m elevation gain). For experienced hikers only, in fine weather.

Waterfall trail

Beyond the Cascade des Anglais, a trail continues upstream for a further 2 km, passing lesser-known cascades and secluded pools. The walk (an extra hour) is wilder and steeper but rewarded by peaceful surroundings, even in the height of summer.

La Madonnuccia

An easy 2-hour loop departs from Vizzavona station towards the Madonnuccia viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view over the forest and surrounding peaks. The trail passes through ancient forest with monumental Laricio pines. Perfect as a post-picnic digestive walk after a morning at the waterfall.

Practical tips

Best time to visit

The Cascade des Anglais is accessible from May to November. The most pleasant period for swimming is July-August, when the water reaches its peak temperature (15-18 degrees C). In June and September, the site is less crowded but the water is cooler. In spring (April-May), the falls are spectacular with the snowmelt but swimming is for the brave only.

Equipment

Hiking shoes or trainers with good grip (the trail is rocky in places)
Water shoes for swimming (the rocks are slippery)
Swimsuit and towel
Picnic and water (no shops at the waterfalls; a seasonal refreshment stand operates at the station)
Sunscreen (the open pools are exposed to sunlight at midday)

Crowds

The Cascade des Anglais is one of the most visited inland natural sites in Corsica. In July-August, the site can be very busy between 11 am and 4 pm. To enjoy it in peace, arrive before 9:30 am or after 5 pm. The car park at the pass can fill up in high season; the train is an excellent alternative.

Discover the island's other river swimming spots in our guide to waterfalls and natural pools of Corsica. To explore the Corte and central Corsica region, see our dedicated page. And for planning your entire trip, our complete guide brings together all the essential information.