We often get asked: "OK, Le Relais U Machjonu Corse — Tolla sounds great, but what do we actually do during the day?" The short answer: a lot, and all within 30 minutes. The Prunelli valley and the Val d'Ese plateau pack a rare diversity of activities for Corsica — and you can do everything on foot, by kayak, on horseback, or simply by sitting down to watch the lake. Here is our roundup of the 15 best activities, sorted by duration.
In under 2 hours (perfect on arrival)
1. Swimming in the lake of Tolla
Five minutes from the Relais, the lake of Tolla is a mid-altitude reservoir lake. Swimming is allowed in the marked zones. The water is pleasant during the day in summer — no jellyfish, no currents, ideal for a quiet family swim or a quick dip after a hike.
2. Kayak / paddleboard / pedalo (Centre Nautique du Lac de Tolla)
The Centre Nautique du Lac de Tolla rents kayaks, paddleboards, pedalos, canoes and water bikes. You can loop around the lake (about 1h30), picnic on a wild bank, or simply glide over the water at sunset. It is the activity that everyone enjoys — adults, children, athletic or not. Expect around €20/h depending on the craft. Note: no card payment on site. Open June → September on seasonal hours.
3. Le Jardin des Abeilles (educational beekeeping trail, Ocana)
In the Prunelli valley, in Ocana, Le Jardin des Abeilles is a family-run estate that has produced AOP Corsican Honey for 25 years, with nearly 400 hives of black Corsican bee. The educational trail, shaded by oaks along the river, takes you into the fascinating world of the bee. The visit ends with a tasting of the 6 honeys of the AOP range. The trail was fully renovated in 2025 (reopening in April 2026). Ideal for families with kids.
4. The "Au Fil Du Temps" heritage trail through the village
A stone's throw from the Relais, the town hall of Tolla has created a heritage trail of 17 interpretation panels that tell the history and life of the village. Start at the Saint-Léonard church square, loop between the upper and lower parts of the village with views over the lake. Allow a good hour to read everything calmly. Educational, accessible to everyone, and a lovely way to discover Tolla beyond just passing through.
In half a day (3 to 4 hours)
5. Horseback riding — Ranch de Bastelica
About 25 minutes from the Relais, the Ranch de Bastelica is a family-run stable open year-round, specialising in horseback riding in the Corsican mountains. Based in Bastelica (900 m altitude) and moving up in summer to the Ese plateau (1,600 m). Outings in very small groups (max. 6 people), from sporty beginners to confirmed riders. Formats: 2h (discovery of the Ese plateau or the Bastelica forest), full day (Pozzi valley or muntagnera, picnic included), or a 2-day trip with bivouac. Expect around €100 for the day. Children from age 12 only. Booking essential.
6. Descent of the Prunelli (canyoning or aquatic hike)
For thrill-seekers: the sporty descent of the Prunelli gorges with a canyoning guide (jumps, slides, abseiling). For the gentle version: an aquatic hike along the river, with swimming in the pools. Always with a professional — the river can be dangerous in case of storms.
7. Visit to the village of Bastelica
A charming high-altitude village (900 m), Bastelica lends itself to a quiet morning: village square, baroque church, old fountain, and above all the local charcuteries. Buy a coppa, a saucisson or a goat's cheese directly from the producers — you will not find this in a supermarket.
8. Beach of Porticcio or Capo di Feno
30-40 minutes from the Relais, the sea is still within reach. For a family-friendly easy beach: Porticcio. For a wilder beach: Capo di Feno. Ideal for those who want to combine sea in the morning and the cool of the mountains in the evening.
For the full day
9. Hike to the Pozzi plateau
The must-do of the area: 4h round trip to reach a high-altitude plateau (1,800 m) dotted with small translucent lakes. Intermediate level. See our complete guide on the Pozzi hike for all the details.
10. Visit Ajaccio (historic centre + Bonaparte house)
30 minutes from the Relais, Ajaccio deserves half a day: the morning market (Place Foch, except Monday), Napoleon's birthplace, the cathedral, the Fesch museum (excellent collection of Italian painting), then an aperitif on the harbour quay.
11. Boat trip to the Sanguinaires islands
Departing from Ajaccio, several companies offer the Sanguinaires excursion (3-4h). Sunset from the boat or from the Parata headland is one of the great Corsican classics.
In the evening
12. Aperitif on the terrace of the Relais
We talk about activities, but sitting facing the lake with a glass of cap corse at 7 pm is an activity in its own right. The terrace faces south-west; sunset behind the ridges is a real show.
13. Reading under the stars
One of our signature activities: we set up the deckchairs on the terrace, prepare hot tea, light a few lanterns, and read. Light pollution is zero here — you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye on moonless nights.
14. Dinner at La Table du Maréchal (in summer season, booking required)
Our neighbour La Table du Maréchal is open only in the summer season and serves a set menu at its panoramic table during that period. Booking essential. Out of season, the Relais offers a simple optional half-board (€30 dinner) with local produce.
15. Evening by the fire (mid-season and winter)
the Relais is open all year round. In mid-season and winter, the experience changes completely: wood fire, intimate atmosphere, view of the first snows of the Renoso, books, board games, Corsican herbal teas. One of our regulars' favourite seasons — and one of the rare places in the Ajaccio hinterland open outside the summer months.
Sample 3-day plan at the Relais
Questions fréquentes
Which activities are possible with children?
Most of them: lake loop, village heritage trail ("Au Fil Du Temps"), Le Jardin des Abeilles, pedalo and kayak (depending on age). Note: the Ranch de Bastelica only welcomes children from age 12 (and only those at ease outdoors). Avoid hikes longer than 2h for young children in the height of summer.
Do activities need to be booked in advance?
In high season (July-August), yes: horseback riding, kayak, dinner at La Table du Maréchal fill up fast. Out of season, you can often book the day before for the next day. Our team can help you organise everything when you arrive.
Are there free activities around the Relais?
Yes: all hikes, swimming in the lake, freely accessible village heritage trail, stargazing. Village visits and mountain walks are free — only fuel counts.
How many days should I plan to do it all?
To taste the essentials: 3 days / 2 nights. To really enjoy: 5 days / 4 nights, which lets you combine hiking, sea and gentle activities without rushing.
Which activities for a group of 10 people?
All those above, plus private bookings: group kayak with an instructor, horseback ride for riders of all levels (up to 10), Prunelli descent in a supervised half-day. Ideal for a hen party, stag do, birthday or company offsite — we coordinate everything from the Relais.
