The first 9 things to do upon arrival each evening at the shelter on the GR20

"What is your best memory from the GR20s? The Aiguilles de Bavella, the Cirque de la Solitude, the Brèche de Capitello?" somebody asked out of curiosity. "No, none of those! I prefer the fantastic moment when you sit down each evening, on the shelter’s deck, after a long day’s hiking, and from there, you look into the distance, over those ridges caressed by the last rays of the setting sun," he replied enthusiastically.

A little bit due to the endorphins, the splendour of the scene, and above all, the present moment.

Yet to fully enjoy these delicious moments, with the taste of Pietra and ewe cheese, you need first to carry out a few simple gestures upon arriving at the shelter, to set off again with total peace of mind.

Brice Sarti, ‘mountain artisan’ and founder of A Piuma, has been accompanying groups on the GR20 for nearly ten years. With his experience of sixty treks across his Ile de Beauté, he lists for us "the last efforts at the end of a long day, for sure, but completely necessary to be able to enjoy the rest of your adventure…”

#1 / GO MEET THE CONCIERGE:

"The first thing to do upon arrival at the shelter is to go meet the concierge. If only to reserve your meal, your bed, or your tent pitch. Being limited in number, they prove to be popular, especially in peak times. There is a myth surrounding these concierges, but their Macagna, this typically Corsican sense of humour, although it can sometimes be sharp, is never mean!"

#2 / TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF:

"You then need to quickly take off your shoes. On the GR20, your feet are your main ally. So obviously, anything that threatens their health becomes your n°1 enemy, especially humidity, whether from sweating or rainy days. The ideal solution is to leave your feet in the open air, freeing them from the constraint of the shoe. If you can put on flip-flops, that would be ideal!"

We suggest flip-flops that aid foot recovery after physical exertion.

#3 / REPACK YOUR BAG:

"Once your feet are in the open air, the next step, which is so fundamental that it’s become a reflex for me, is repacking your bag. That means completely emptying the bag that has been hurting your shoulders since daybreak and spreading out its contents on your bed. This gives a clear overview of what needs to be dried or washed. Skipping this crucial step risks unpleasant surprises when you next open it at bedtime. By then, it's too late…"

#4 / DRY OFF YOUR POSSESSIONS:

"In Corsica, the sun that has exhausted you all day long soon disappears behind the ridges. Quite quickly, the meteorological conditions become cool and damp. The key is to optimize drying time. Start with your shoes, after rinsing them and removing the insoles. Then, dry out the wet items from your bag. In variable weather, avoid hanging your wet gear in common rooms where the air quickly becomes saturated. Instead, look for a small sheltered corner on the deck."

We have developed a complete range of mobile shoe dryers.

#5 / PAMPER YOUR INSOLES:

On this subject, Marie Maligorne, head of the SIDAS sports orthopaedic centre, adds: "To best preserve the properties of your insoles over time—whether for comfort, stability, or protection—it’s important to clean them every night with soapy water and dry them, ideally out of direct sunlight, especially when UV is strong."

#6 / TAKE A (COLD) SHOWER:

Brice Sarti continues: "Taking a shower, especially if cold, has several benefits: washing away impurities and optimizing recovery by stimulating blood circulation. My little treat, if there's a nearby river, is to walk a few hundred meters and submerge my ankles to knees for 15-20 minutes. It works wonders, and I feel the difference the next day. Cold water is like having a physiotherapist with me throughout the GR20!"

#7 / APPLY THE NECESSARY CARE:

"Once your feet are clean and meticulously dried, you can provide the necessary care for any damage from the day's hike. Be mindful of simple self-care: piercing a blister, disinfecting it, and letting it dry; trimming nails that are too long. All depends on the materials you have and the first aid kit you've packed!"

Marie Maligorne details the contents of the essential first aid kit: "While the added weight is undeniable, carrying disinfectant, dressings, tweezers, scissors, and anti-inflammatory gel seems the bare minimum."

#8 / MASSAGE RATHER THAN STRETCH:

"To fill the time between showering and dinner, I recommend localized massages. While I don’t follow a specific protocol, I advise massaging strained areas like toes and foot arches, rather than stretching. Stretching at this moment would only further strain already fatigued fibers."

We’ve developed a massage gel inspired by cryotherapy to enhance these massages.

#9 / TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PRESENT MOMENT:

"Once all these tasks are done, it’s essential to know how to reward yourself. To enjoy the moment. Aside from drinking lots of water, I recommend a light meal. That means not being too strict. A piece of bread, some ewe cheese or ripened goat cheese, a few slices of Corsican sausage, and a magnificent view of the day’s route and what lies ahead… That’s also the spirit of the GR20!"