Tolla between the Reservoir and Village History

When looking for a hotel in Tolla, it helps to consider the different sides of the village: Lac de Tolla and the dam shape the waterside landscape, while historic houses, the church, and a discovery trail offer insights into the village’s history. There are also seasonal activities on the lake, as well as tours and trails in the Prunelli Valley. As you plan your trip, consider whether you would most like to discover the scenery, outdoor activities, or the village’s culture.

Reservoir, Dam, and Water Activities

Lac de Tolla is a reservoir on the Prunelli River and the largest lake in Corsica. The dam was built in 1956, is 88 metres high, and forms a reservoir covering 115 hectares and holding 38 million cubic metres of water. These figures describe two different measures: the reservoir’s area and its water volume. The reservoir supplies the Ajaccio area with hydroelectric power. Both a major structure and its function are therefore part of the landscape around the lake.

At Col de Mercughju, a viewpoint overlooks the village of Tolla and Lac de Tolla. The lake water shimmers green and blue. If you would like to combine a visit to Tolla with an activity on the water, timing matters: from May to September, the Centre nautique at Lac de Tolla offers paddleboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boating, kayaking, and canoeing. These activities are seasonal, unlike the enduring features of the dam and the lake described above.

Trails and Tours in the Prunelli Valley

The Via Ferrata de Tolla takes an average of three hours. It is in the Prunelli Valley between Ocana and Tolla, on the D3 at Col du Marcujo. At the end, a panorama opens up across the entire valley, from its sources to the Gulf of Ajaccio. The route also leads to a visit to the Gorges du Prunelli. If you plan to tackle the via ferrata, check local access conditions before setting out.

Another hike links Bastelica and Tolla: the “Liaison intervillage de Bastelica à Tolla” runs between the two villages. Check trail conditions locally before planning this route. For cyclists, Corsica Mountain Bike offers a mountain bike tour that starts at the entrance to Tolla, goes around Lac de Tolla, and crosses the dam. In the upper Prunelli Valley, the provider rents electric-assist mountain bikes. If you plan a tour or an e-mountain bike ride, confirm the tour details and rental availability in advance.

Village History and Architecture

A local history discovery trail in Tolla uses 17 information panels to introduce the village’s history and life in the past. Tolla’s oldest houses date from the 14th and 15th centuries. Granite construction and traditional tiled roofs are characteristic features of the village’s houses. The trail and the buildings offer different ways to explore the village’s history: the panels tell the story of life in the past, while the houses provide tangible traces in the built environment.

The church in Tolla also houses Italian Renaissance paintings. These include a “Madonna and Child,” which came from Cardinal Fesch’s bequest. Those interested in history and art will find not only the village’s architecture but also a specific work of art with a documented connection to its donor.

Products from the Prunelli Valley

The Prunelli Valley’s regional offering includes seasonal fruit and vegetables, eggs, artisan-made cured meats, and farm-produced raw-milk cheese. The availability of individual products may vary. Alongside the scenery, trails, and village history, this range of local products completes the picture of the area you can get to know from Tolla.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Calcatoggio, Partinello, Serriera, Giuncheto, Porto-Vecchio, Favone, Sarrola-Carcopino, Quenza.

For the broader travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.