Southeastern France: Corsica

Region at a glance

Major city: Ajaccio, Bastia

Mediterranean island

Untouched mountains, forests and coastline

Unique traditions and history

Corsica, known to the Ancient Greeks as Kallisto - "the most beautiful" - well deserves the name Island of Beauty. This island is one of the three largest islands in the Mediterranean. Half of its population is concentrated in the two main towns of Ajaccio and Bastia while the rest is scattered throughout the island leaving wide stretches of uninhabited terrain and large open spaces among the mountains, the forest and along the coastal area. Trees cover nearly half the countryside where mountain peaks reach to the height of 8,900 feet - all encircled by 600 miles of an enchanting coastline. Apart from wonderful sunshine, the quality that makes Corsica so special is its rich variety of people, scenery, traditions and dialects.

Ajaccio is Corsica's largest city as well as cultural center. It is also the birthplace of Napoléon. One can see on the Place de Gaulle the famous equestrian statue of Napoléon surrounded by his four brothers.

Bastia, the second largest city has a host of attractions such as the old port that overlooks the old town, the 17th century church of St. Jean Baptiste and the Chapel of the Conception which were magnificently decorated in the 18th century and the Museum of Corsican Ethnography in the Genovese Governor's Palace.

A stunning sight in Calvi is the Citadel or upper town with 13th-16th century ramparts which stand on a rocky promontory that juts out to the sea. The Gulf of Porto surrounded by red granite cliffs, is also beautiful, especially at sunset.

Places of interest

Ajaccio

Birthplace of Napoléon, Bonaparte family home, Palais Fesch houses the imperial chapel for the Bonaparte family

Aleria

Site of ancient Greek and Roman towns, Jerome Carcopino Museum of Matra exhibits objects recovered from the site

Bastia

Bustling economic center of Corsica, Place St. Nicholas, Statue of Napoléon, Old Port, the Chapel of the Conception, Genovese Governor's Palace, Corsican Ethnography Museum

Calvi

13th-16th century citadel ramparts on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, one of the most impressive sites in Corsica

Corte

Staircase of the Sainted Queen, Chapel, Citadel

Figari

Overlooks the beautiful Bay of Figari

Ile Rousse

Little 18th century town, sandy beaches

Porto Vecchio

Commercial and sailing center

Propriano

At the Gulf of Valinco, a haven for water sports lovers

St. Florent

Large seaside resort and marina, dominated by Citadel, 13th century Cathedral of Nebbio.

Technical tourism and sports

Corsican crafts: pottery, wickerwork, woodcarving, jewelry, knives, weaving

Spas and Thalassotherapy. Boating, sailing, hiking, cycling, canoeing and kayaking

Cuisine

Corsican wines are solid and colorful like the island itself. The food is excellent: sausages, smoked hams and salamis with an Italian influence. Wild boar, goat and lamb are popular, and fish and shellfish are found in abundance. Cheese and dishes prepared with sweet chestnuts are another specialty.