Lac de Tolla, houses dating back several centuries and trails through the surrounding area give a stay in Tolla a range of different focuses. You may be interested in the water and scenery, exploring village history through buildings and information boards, or checking out one of the described tours. What suits you depends on whether you are looking for culture, views, water sports or exercise.
Reservoir and scenery around Tolla
Lac de Tolla is a reservoir on the Prunelli River and the largest lake in Corsica. Built in 1956, the Tolla dam is 88 metres high. It forms a reservoir covering 115 hectares and holding 38 million cubic metres of water, which supplies the Ajaccio area with hydroelectric power. The lake and dam therefore represent two sides of the same place: a striking waterside landscape and a facility for energy supply.
The viewpoint at Col de Mercughju offers a view of the village and lake. From there, you can see Tolla and Lac de Tolla; the water shimmers green and blue. For orientation, it is worth distinguishing this viewpoint as a landscape feature in its own right from the dam and its function: the lake shapes the view, while the dam explains its role as a reservoir.
Village history and architecture
The oldest houses in Tolla date from the 14th and 15th centuries. The documented houses are built of granite and traditionally roofed with tiles. These features give the local architectural heritage a tangible context: the age of the oldest houses and the materials used tell two different aspects of the village’s history. A heritage trail through Tolla explores the village’s history and life in the past with 17 information boards.
The church is also a place to explore the area’s cultural history. It houses paintings from the Italian Renaissance, including a “Madonna and Child” from the bequest of Cardinal Fesch. Together with the houses and heritage trail, the church offers another way to explore Tolla’s history: through works of art rather than architecture or explanatory panels.
Water activities and trails
From May to September, the Centre nautique at Lac de Tolla offers stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boating, kayaking and canoeing. This seasonal programme provides different ways to spend time on the water. If you are travelling specifically for an activity, check in advance which options are available during your visit.
The Via Ferrata de Tolla is in the Prunelli Valley between Ocana and Tolla, on the D3 near Col du Marcujo. The tour takes three hours on average. At the end, a panorama opens up across the entire valley, from its springs to the Gulf of Ajaccio; the via ferrata also makes it possible to visit the Gorges du Prunelli. Check local access conditions before setting out.
Another option is the “Liaison intervillage de Bastelica à Tolla” hike, which connects the villages of Bastelica and Tolla. Check trail conditions locally before setting out. For a mountain bike tour, there is another specific example: a route offered by Corsica Mountain Bike starts at the entrance to Tolla, goes around Lac de Tolla and crosses the dam. Route details may change. Corsica Mountain Bike also rents electric-assist mountain bikes in the upper Prunelli Valley; availability may vary.
Local produce from the Prunelli Valley
The culinary offerings of the Prunelli Valley include seasonal fruit and vegetables, eggs, artisanal cured meats and farmstead raw-milk cheese. These products are rooted in the region; the availability of individual items may vary. This gives you an insight into the local range of products without assuming that a particular outlet or a permanently available selection will be available.
Discover more destinations: Santa-Maria-Siché, Albitreccia, Sagone, Cannelle, Serra-Di-Ferro, Pinarellu, Zicavo, Figari
Return to the main travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.
