Rendez-vous in Corsica

A miniature continent

Lying 200 kilometres from the French Riviera, Corsica is almost in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Its landscapes, monuments and beautiful beaches, make this island an ideal destination for walking on the GR20, relaxing, and discovering the age-old heritage and traditions associated with the Corsican way of life.

The Corsican coastlines, at a total length of over 1 000km, are the most varied of French coastlines. The Natural Regional Park of Corsica covers two thirds of the surface of this beautifully preserved region, which also boasts 5 nature reserves and marine parks. All the natural splendours of Corsica are revealed at the Gorges Restonica, the Monte Stello and the Bonifacio Cliffs. The Bonifacio Marina invites you to relax beside the Mediterranean.

A mountainous island

Corsica is a mountainous island. Under Genovese rule before it became part of France, Corsica is proud of its vibrant traditions, its secular customs which are embodied by singing, music and craftsmanship. The Bonaparte House National Museum and the Museu di a Corsica retrace the history of Corsica. If, in Bastia, you are impressed by the largest church, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church in Corsica, the Romanesque charm of the Church of Murato will surprise you with its originality. As for the Greek Church of Cargèse, this is a building which is at the heart of Corsican traditions. And the exceptional beauty of the Villages of Sant'Antonino and Piana, or the Lavezzi islands, will take your breath away.

Corsican cuisine: a cuisine full of character

Corsica has its own, very individual, cuisine. The various cold meats (coppa, lonzu, prisuttu, figatellu) can be accompanied by polenta made from chestnut flour or garnished soups. Fish and seafood are accented with local herbs, including origano, marjoram and mint. Brocciu, made with the whey of goat or sheep’s cheese, venachese, orezzincu and calenzana are some of the typical cheeses which hail from this land of shepherds. Honey is another important product in Corsica. As for the wines, you will appreciate the quality of the AOC domains, such as Nielluccio, Vermentino, and Sciaccarello. Corsica offers some refreshing drinks, try Orezza, Zilia or Saint-George, or choose between a Pastis or a Cap Corse, diluted as an aperitif.

Explore Corsica in an original and fun way

Hop on board the U Trinichellu/the Corsican train which links Ajaccio with Calvi, via Bastia. It will take you as far as the citadel in Calvi, which really comes alive during the popular Calvi Jazz Festival and the Festival of Polyphonic Singing. In autumn, the Festival of the Wind blows a breath of fresh air through the town.

Catch some spectacular yacht races across the Mediterranean during the Imperial Regattas. In Ajaccio and Sartène, the Carnival of Corsica ensures a festive and friendly atmosphere.

An island of mountains and marvels, Corsica is an enchanting place, whatever the season.