The Gorges du Tavignano is the less-visited alternative to the Restonica, and it is in many ways the finer walk. The trail starts from near the Chapelle Sainte-Croix at the edge of the old town and follows the river upstream through a deep granite canyon, crossing on stepping stones and under overhanging walls of rock. There are good swimming holes along the way.
Unlike the Restonica, the Tavignano gorge has no road — it is accessible only on foot, which keeps the crowds away. The full walk to the Lac de Nino high plateau takes two days with an overnight at a bergerie or bivouac; as a half-day trip, the first few kilometers are reward enough. Take food and water; there are no facilities in the gorge.