About 20 kilometers north of Cap Corse120 meters below the surface of the water, lies a landscape as fascinating as it is unknown: the Anneaux Corses (Corsican Rings of Cap Corse). More than 1,400 perfect circles, each 20 meters in diameter, form an enigmatic pattern on the seabed. Inaccessible to the naked eye, these natural formations lie on a sandy plain where time seems to stand still.
The Corsican Rings can only be seen with advanced scientific equipment, such as sonar or underwater drones. Their perfect alignment and still mysterious origin add to the mystery of this extraordinary site. So let me explain what it’s all about.
What are the Corsican Rings ?
A unique site in the Mediterranean
These structures are composed of 1 417 cercles perfectly formed circles, each measuring approximately 20 meters in diameter. Spread over 4 km², they appear like a huge fresco on the sand.
These rings are made of coralligenous, a living limestone substrate that grows extremely slowly, at a rate of just 1 millimeter per year. Formed from calcareous red algae, sponges, corals, and other marine organisms, coralligenous is a rich habitat for the surrounding fauna.
An oasis of biodiversity
At this depth, light no longer penetrates. Yet these circles are home to exceptional biodiversity. They provide shelter and food for hundreds of marine species in this silent, protected environment. Cap Corse has many treasures that you may not yet have discovered!
Natural wonders to discover around the Corsican Rings
Around the Corsican Rings, the Cap Corse offers other treasures of biodiversity that are accessible to all. The coastline is teeming with Posidonia seagrass beds, seagrass beds, which are true refuges for marine wildlife and can be observed while snorkeling in the coves of Macinaggio or Tamarone.
Nature lovers will also enjoy the Finocchiarola Islands Nature Reserve, famous for its seabirds and wild landscapes.
On land, the Sentier des Douaniers trail reveals secret coves, spectacular cliffs, and unspoiled scrubland, offering unique panoramic views between the sea and the mountains.
The Cap Corse is a constant invitation to explore unspoiled nature, between turquoise seas, wild cliffs, and remarkable biodiversity. So let’s return to the Anneaux Corses !
It was in 2011, during a mapping campaign conducted by IFREMER and the University of Corsica, that these strange shapes were first spotted. At the time, their origin remained completely unexplained.
2020–2023 : Scientific exploration
Between 2020 and 2023, the Gombessa expeditions expeditions led by Laurent Ballesta enabled these rings to be observed up close using saturation diving techniques : 21 days submerged at a depth of 120 meters in a pressurized capsule, a technical feat.
These formations could date back to the last ice age, more than 20,000 years ago. Pockets of methane may have cracked the ground, creating these circular depressions that were gradually colonized by coralligenous organisms.
Other researchers suggest that the regular action of ocean currents shaped the sand, creating these circles before they were solidified by marine life.
Effects of ocean currents
Another theory suggests that underwater currents shaped these circles by accumulating sediments in a spiral pattern, creating stable structures for the development of coralligenous reefs. You can therefore understand why the site is the subject of in-depth scientific research.With no shortage of diverse and varied theories, it is being scrutinized with cutting-edge technological tools, which we will list below for the more curious among you.
Exceptional and fragile biodiversity
A refuge for more than 1,700 species
Each ring is home to more than 1,700 marine species: red coral, yellow gorgonians, groupers, lobsters, nudibranchs… These formations constitute a veritable ecosystem where marine life thrives, sheltered from the currents. The site is now protected to preserve its beauty.
Coralligenous grows very slowly. Even the slightest damage caused by humans (anchors, bottom fishing, noise pollution) has irreversible consequences. Since 2024, the area has been protected: anchoring and fishing are strictly regulated.
The human adventure of their exploration
A multidisciplinary team
Alongside Laurent Ballesta, geologists, biologists, robotics engineers, and even Thomas Pesquet participated in this research.
Even though the Corsican Rings are not accessible to the general public, their existence serves as a reminder of how rich and unique Corsican nature is. Staying in Haute-Corse, also provides an opportunity to explore unspoiled coastlines, magnificent beaches, wild trails, and exceptional marine life.
To fully enjoy this unspoiled natural environment, many campsites in Corsica welcome you close to these landscapes between the sea and the mountains. The Cap Corse is an ideal destination for combining seaside vacations, hiking, and marine discoveries, far from mass tourism.
FAQ : Everything you need to know about the Corsican Rings, Cap Corse, and nearby campsites
What are the Corsican Rings ?
The Corsican Rings are a group of 1,417 circular underwater formations located 120 meters deep off the coast of Cap Corse. Composed of coralligenous, they form a unique ecosystem that was recently discovered and studied by international scientific teams.
Can you visit the Corsican Rings while diving ?
No, the Corsican Rings are not accessible to the public, either by conventional scuba diving or tourist excursions. They are located at a depth of over 120 meters, which requires extreme diving techniques (saturation diving) reserved for scientific teams. In addition, the area is protected and strictly regulated.
Where exactly are the Corsican Rings located ?
The Corsican Rings are located north of Cap Corse, off the coast of Haute-Corse, about 20 kilometers from the shore. They lie at a depth of between 118 and 125 meters, within the boundaries of the Cap Corse and Agriate Marine Nature Park.
Why are the Corsican Rings protected ?
The Corsican Rings are home to a rare and fragile ecosystem based on coralligenous reefs that take several thousand years to develop. Their biodiversity is exceptional and highly sensitive to human disturbance (anchoring, fishing, noise). This is why the area has been strictly protected since 2024 in order to preserve this unique natural heritage.
What to do near the Anneaux Corses ?
Even if the Corsican Rings are inaccessible, Cap Corse offers other wonders to discover: wild beaches, coves, coastal paths, marine reserves, small hilltop villages… It is an ideal destination for lovers of nature, hiking, and authentic landscapes. Let yourself be tempted and discover the nearby city of Bastia, a port city steeped in history, and the surrounding beauty, a paradise of wild coves where you can find the rest you deserve ! Learn more about the Isle of Beauty.
Where to stay when visiting Cap Corse ?
There are many high-quality campsites located near Cap Corse. Corsica Camping’s partner establishments offer a variety of accommodation options (pitches, chalets, bungalows) surrounded by nature, often just a few minutes from the most beautiful beaches and trails in Haute-Corse.
Why choose a campsite to explore Cap Corse ?
Camping remains one of the best ways to fully enjoy Corsica’s natural beauty. You will be close to the unspoiled landscapes of Cap Corse while having easy access to the sea, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.
How to book a campsite in Haute-Corse ?
The Corsica Campingwebsite brings together a selection of the best campsites on the island, from Cap Corse to Balagne via the Costa Verde. You can easily book online to organize your vacation with ease.
Discover our partner campsites and explore Cap Corse in complete freedom
Do you dream of discovering Cap Corse, its wild landscapes, its hilltop villages, and its unspoiled beaches? To make the most of your stay in Haute-Corse, Corsica Camping offers a selection of the best campsites on the island, ideally located between the sea and the mountains.
Whether you are looking for a family campsite, a natural setting, or direct access to the beach, you will find the perfect accommodation to experience Corsica differently, close to its unspoiled nature.
Conclusion: Why Corsica deserves its nickname, the Isle of Beauty
Corsica has been nicknamed the Isle of Beauty since the 19th century, due to the richness and diversity of its landscapes. Nowhere else in the Mediterranean can you find such a concentration of idyllic beaches, wild mountains, unspoiled forests, fragrant scrubland, and secret coves. Natural treasures such as the Anneaux Corses (Corsican Rings) are further reminders of how unique this island remains, nestled between sea and mountains.
It is also an easily accessible destination : from France, there are several means of transport that allow you to get there quickly and cheaply, whether by ferry or plane. In just a few hours, you can leave everyday life behind and enjoy a complete change of scenery, with that special charm for which Corsica is renowned.
You will find ideas, advice, and inspiration for planning your next vacation in Corsica, close to unspoiled nature, and enjoying everything this island has to offer.
Corsica, with its unique island topography , presents travelers with a complex equation: how to reconcile the desire for idyllic beaches, the need for coolness, and the reality of travel times ? Know that choosing your outdoor accommodation on the Isle of Beauty should not be left to chance. The
Corsica combines spectacular beaches and rugged terrain, making it a unique camping destination. However, choosing the right campsite from the hundreds of options available can quickly become a real headache. Between the fear of being far from the beaches, the anxiety of a noisy location, or doubts about the quality
Organizing a holiday in Corsica when you have a physical disability or reduced mobility requires special attention. The Isle of Beauty has nevertheless made considerable progress in recent years in terms of tourist accessibility . Many establishments have adapted their facilities to welcome all holidaymakers in the best possible conditions.
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