As you know, in Corsica, one wonder can hide another. So, if your travel itinerary takes you to Bocognano, be sure not to miss the “Voile de la Mariée” waterfall—known to locals as “A Piscia di Tavera Vecchja.”
Renowned as one of Corsica’s tallest waterfalls (70 meters high), it offers a stunning and refreshing natural spectacle for young and old alike.
A natural treasure just 30 minutes from Ajaccio
Located 3 km from the entrance to Bocognano when comingfrom Ajaccio, just 10 minutes from the main road (D27), this natural treasure is sure to delight hiking and relaxation enthusiasts.
About 300 meters upstream from the Salicio Bridge, a trail will lead you into the heart of the forest. To reach this peaceful spot, you’ll need to put in a little effort, as the climb sometimes requires you to use the trees or rocks along the way for support.
But don’t worry: my 6-year-old daughter had no trouble keeping up with us. And the trail offers a few natural sights for families, such as colorful arbutus trees in the fall.
About ten minutes later, you finally arrive at the base of the waterfall.
The Mysterious Origins of the “Bridal Veil”…
There are several reasons behind the name chosen for this waterfall. The first, and most down-to-earth, is related to the characteristics of the location: on sunnier days, the evaporation from the Trottu Creek creates a sort of bridal veil.
A local legend also explains that there used to be a small lake at the top of the waterfall. This lake was actually a fountain that cured whoever plunged into it of whatever ailed them. One day, a noble young lady who had come to soak her injured wrist was chased by a prince who turned out to be an ogre. All he managed to grab was her veil, but as he stumbled in his pursuit, he knocked over the stones holding back the water, unleashing a torrent that swept him away. Thus, the Bride’s Veil Waterfall was born.
Several centuries passed before the inhabitants of the hamlet discovered, further downstream, a menhir statue that they nicknamed “L’Orcu,” the ogre petrified after his death (known locally as “L’Orcu di Canapali”).
Finally, another legend tells of a young girl who threw herself into the waterfall rather than marry the man her father had chosen for her.
When is the best time to visit the Bride’s Veil Waterfall?
No matter which explanation you choose to believe, one thing is certain: you’ll be enchanted by this waterfall. The torrent carves its way through the forest, bouncing from rock to rock all the way down to the valley below.
Spring is a feast for the eyes, as the melting snow feeds the stream. During heat waves, the waterfall is almost dry, but the spot remains a very pleasant place to visit. The last time I hiked up to the waterfall, during All Saints’ Day 2019, the spray seemed very thin and sparse.
If you enjoy hiking, you can continue on to Corte and the Cascade des Anglais or take the GR20 trail near Vizzavona.
