Corsica
Containing the departments of Corse-du-Sud (2A) and Haute-Corse (2B), the island of Corsica is situated 160km from France and 80km from Italy, with which it has strong historical ties, having been an Italian possession until 1768, when France purchased it from the Genoese.
Corsica is quite different from mainland France, not only in its geography but in its people, culture and customs. (Corsican men are reputed to be among the most chauvinistic in France – which is saying something!) The island even has its own language, Corsican, spoken regularly by around 60 per cent of the people, although it has no official status and French is also universally spoken and understood. There’s a strong local identity (and independence movement) and Corsica enjoys a greater degree of autonomy than the mainland regions.
Corsica is sparsely populated with huge areas devoid of human life and has a stark, primitive beauty with superb beaches and picturesque hillside villages; it’s considered by some to be the most beautiful Mediterranean island (it’s known as the Ile de Beauté) and is a popular holiday destination (particularly the western coast).
This fascinating Island is beautiful, rugged and diverse, with its own distinct culture and gastronomy. Dessert, snow-capped mountains, white sand beaches, quaint villages and remote churches are some of the sights you can encounter here, but the Island deserves a bit of exploring. Up in the mountains, look out for pigs, cows and goats wandering the narrow roads and steep slopes. Most of Corsica is quitet and unspoilt.
Thieves and pirates used to use Corsica to trade and store their loot, as well as for ambushing travellers in the mountainous centre of the island. Nowadays the National Park covers a large proportion of the rugged countryside, and driving round the windy roads there are spectacular views of the sea, mountains and olive groves.
Tourism is the island’s main industry (many French mainlanders holiday here), although it remains almost completely unspoiled and a haven for outdoor lovers (hikers and bikers) and those seeking peace and serenity.
Not surprisingly, Corsica has a slow pace of life, which is epitomised by its ancient and spectacular mountain railway. The main towns include Ajaccio (the regional capital and birthplace of Napoleon), Bastia, Bonifacio, Calvi and Porto-Vecchio, all situated on the coast. It’s popular with holiday homeowners, particularly Italians, and prices have risen in recent years following increased interest.
It has, however, avoided the devastation wrought in many other Mediterranean islands by high-rise developments; buildings are restricted to two storeys and construction is forbidden close to beaches. Corsica has good air connections with France and most other European countries. Sardinia is only a short boat ride away.
Mild winters and long, hot summers make up the Mediterranean climate of Corsica. It is the hottest region in France. Although snow remains on Corsica’s highest peaks throught the year.
The dramatic landscape and chequered history of Corsica have produced a diverse cuisine full of wonderful flavours. The interior of the island provides freshwater trout and eels, wild boar, smoked liver sausages, olives, hardy Mediterranean herbs, goat and cow cheeses and goat meat, with recipes like kid roasted over a fire, stuffed with garlic and rosemary. The sea means plenty of very fresh fish and seafood, and Corsica also produces wine. Invasions brought some exotic flavours, and Italian occupation has left its mark with a traditional Corsican pasta dish, with a tomato and garlic sauce.
To view some Gites in Corsica, please Gites in Corsica.
All the best
