Corsica practice
Travel around the four corners of the island
Extending over an area of 8,680 km², Corsica abounds, from north to south, paradisiac and spectacular landscapes. From the tip of Cap Corse to the extreme south, to Bonifacio, passing through the center of Corsica with (among others) Corte, the richness of the island's landscapes will charm all travelers who will take its winding roads ... If you have not planned a means of transport, there are regular bus and train connections, which connect the main cities.
The railways of Corsica
To move from north to south, you can take the "" Micheline "", the train of the historic railway line that winds through Corsica. The line of the Corsican railways connects daily the principal cities Ajaccio, Bastia, Île-Rousse and Calvi, crossing each time the city of Corte, historical capital. The trip by train makes you discover breathtaking landscapes to admire from your seat.
Let yourself be lulled by the quiet rhythm of this atypical trip, enjoy the heights of the villages near Corte or admire the sea view in Balagne ... a pleasant decor that deserves to be seen and immortalized!
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The musts of Corsica
Corsican gastronomy, a whole heritage
The reputation of the island's dishes is known beyond its natural borders and the quality of local products is recognized throughout the world.
Chestnut flour, ground from " the bread tree ", emblematic and nourishing tree of the island, is the pride of Corsica and is the basis of many recipes both salty and sweet that make the wealth of the traditional gastronomy of the island.
Corsican charcuterie, inimitable because of the quality of life of animals, raised in the open air and fed chestnut and acorn, and thanks to the ancestral know-how of the artisans who make it, is an integral part of the culinary identity of Corsica.
The same is true of home-made cheeses, which are the result of particular attention, from the breeding of goats and ewes whose milk is used for the production to ripening. The “tommes”, the famous” Brocciu”, the” fromage frais” or the "casgiu merzu" are enjoyed alone or accompanied by local jams, made from figs, grapes or nuts.
These exceptional products are part of the typical recipes of island gastronomy: dishes in sauces, biscuits, donuts, Corsican cuisine includes in its preparations all products from the land and the sea, highlighted by passionate work farmers.
To accompany these varied and numerous dishes, the choice is still varied: exceptional wines, different according to the areas to visit, craft beers with original taste, not to mention the natural and mineral water sources that are also part of the identity of the island.
Mountain hikes
Corsica, known for being the mountain in the sea, is the perfect place for hikers. Many peaks, the highest of which reach 2700 meters above sea level, offer breathtaking scenery. From the stroll accessible to all, to the most technical paths, the Corsican hikes which extend on a whole network of very dense paths can be suitable for both experienced walkers and beginners;
Of all the Mediterranean islands, the Island of Beauty is the most mountainous and therefore a paradise for hikers. The valleys and rugged coastlines are unusual, and offer superb views. Most of the routes are carefully described to facilitate the orientation of hikers.
The best known being the famous GR20, one of the most beautiful hiking circuits in France. The beauty of the scenery is fabulous, but the path is long and arduous and it takes an average of 15 days of walking to cover it all. It allows you to cross Corsica from one side to the other, from Calvi to Porto-Vecchio. Many shelters welcome walkers during their epic, for some even throughout the year.
The seaside also allows to walk, with its many coastal paths: the Sentier des Douaniers in Saint Florent is a very nice ride of several hours, easy access and pleasant, which runs along the tip of Cap Corse. In the same level, the circuit of Tavignano Valley, very pleasant, is run in four hours round trip. The Via Romana, ancient Roman road of Tallone, allows to explore the Corsican maquis on about thirty kilometers. Finally the tour of the park of Saleccia, Monticello, unique Corsican botanical park, is recommended for a pleasant family outing.
Sport, Culture, Tradition ... the island comes to life
Whatever the period, Corsica offers a wide variety of leisure activities to be done with family or friends. In addition to hiking and seaside activities, the island is full of cultural and sporting activities.
Many open-air festivals, such as Porto Latino, Guitar Nights and Calvi On The Rocks take place during the summer season, while Corsican polyphonies and island musicians perform all year round.
Many themed fairs, chestnut, olive, hazelnut or cheese, punctuate the life of the island and allow to discover, appreciate and support island crafts.
Indeed, Corsica is above all a history and an identity. From Venetian-style churches to Florentine-inspired palazzi, discover the best of Romanesque Art and Baroque Art. The museums and exhibitions of the island bear witness to the legacy of Pasquale Paoli and Napoleon Bonaparte.
The most sporty and thrill-seekers will be able to try many sports, on land, at sea or in the air: horseback riding, diving, kite surfing, standup paddle, jet ski, paragliding ..., and Winter is no less promising thanks to the 3 ski resorts on the Island, which offer snowshoeing and joëring skiing in addition to their slopes.
The Corsican Cultural Agenda is also marked by many events: comic strip festival, Italian film festivals, Spanish, English ... traditional Niolu fair. The highlights are many, and the island is constantly buzzing.
The beaches
With its preserved coastline and protected places, Corsica has preserved its natural park thanks to the coastal conservatory, which has nearly 200 km of insular coastline.
Access to the beaches is not always easy, the paths are sometimes steep and for some well hidden, but you will not regret the tranquility and calm that will be at the rendezvous.
In the north of the island, there are beaches renowned for the turquoise color of their waters: in the Gulf of Saint-Florent or towards the desert of Agriates, the famous beaches of Lodu and Saleccia, accessible by boat, are really worth the trip.
On the west coast of the cape, the famous beach of “black sand” of Nonza offers a unique landscape.
Around the city of Bastia, you can enjoy the vast expanses of beaches that take place along the Marana, or pebble beaches on the east coast of Cap Corse.
Southern Corsica offers breathtaking landscapes, but relatively different: translucent waters and white sand, we find in the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio some of the most beautiful beaches of Corsica: Palombaggia, Santa Giulia and Rondinara are the most famous.
The Gulf of Ajaccio is just as surprising, with its South Bank with beaches called “ argentée”, the unforgettable spectacle offered by the Sanguinaires Islands at sunset, and the beautiful beach of Capo di Feno, located in a exceptional green setting.
