🌄 What is Corsica?
The Corsican flag chosen by Pascal Paoli in the 18th century / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos.
Wild, mountainous island, Corsica seduces with its contrasts: between turquoise seas and craggy peaks, it offers a strong identity, forged by its history and geography. A former Genoese land, it has been French since 1769 but retains its Corsican language, now taught and spoken on a daily basis. Its Moorish-headed flag (born during a brief period of independence), its polyphonic songs and its religious festivals are powerful symbols of a proud people. Corsican culture, marked by family, land and memory, shapes a distinctive art of living, between traditions and authenticity. The Corsicans' visceral attachment to their island can be felt everywhere.
Corsica is a huge mountain with its feet in the sea / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
🗺️ Must-sees in Corsica
🔹 Ajaccio, in the footsteps of Napoleon
Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: despositphotos
Capital of Corsica, Ajaccio is a lively city steeped in history and cradled by the Mediterranean. With its colorful facades, palm trees, sunny beaches and market rich in local produce, Ajaccio offers an enchanting living environment. The town is inextricably linked with Napoléon Bonaparte, born here in 1769. His birthplace can still be visited today, providing a better understanding of the Emperor's childhood. The musée Fesch, founded by Napoleon's uncle, houses one of France's richest collections of Italian art. Stroll along the port or through the narrow streets of the historic center, where every step seems to tell a page of Corsican history.
The Miollis citadel and its incredible view / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
📍 1 Rue Saint-Charles, 20000 Ajaccio
🚉 Gare d'Ajaccio | ✈️ Aéroport Napoléon Bonaparte (Ajaccio)
🚗 Departure from the center
🔹 The calanques of Piana, a dream landscape
The calanques seen from the D81 road / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
The UNESCO-listed calanques de Piana are a natural masterpiece formed by erosion. Carved out of pink granite, they form strange, spectacular shapes that plunge into a deep-blue sea. This incredible site, between sea and mountains, is particularly magical at sunset, when the rocks blaze in shades of red and gold. They can be reached by car via the winding road between Porto and Piana, but also by hiking or by boat. It's a must-see for every traveler to Corsica.
La fameuse D81 permet de découvrir les calanques / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France via depositphotos : gevision
📍 Route des Calanques, 20115 Piana
🚉 Nearest train station: Ajaccio | ✈️ Aéroport d'Ajaccio
🚗 80 km (≈ 2h15 from Ajaccio)
Vue sur les calanques de Piana / Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos sasha64f
🔹 Bonifacio, the citadelle perchée
The view you'll have of the town of Bonifacio on your return from the Lavezzi Islands. photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com Andrea Sirri/shutterstock.Com
Bonifacio, perched on limestone cliffs, seems to defy the sea. Its medieval citadel, accessible via a staircase carved into the rock, offers spectacular views over the Bouches de Bonifacio and sometimes as far as Sardinia. The old town retains its ramparts, cobbled streets and a very special soul. The port below is ideal for a stroll, a drink or an excursion to the sea caves. The atmosphere here is unique, combining heritage, gastronomy and natural beauty.
Bonifacio the city suspended between land and sea. photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com Andrea Sirri/shutterstock.Com
📍 Ville Haute, 20169 Bonifacio
🚉 Nearest train station: Ajaccio | ✈️ Aéroport Figari Sud-Corse (21 km away)
🚗 130 km (≈ 2h45 from Ajaccio)
The fortress of Bonifacio. Imagine chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com : MIKISTOCKER/shutterstock.Com
🔹 Bastia, the Mediterranean of the north
Less well-known than Ajaccio, Bastia is no less charming. Its picturesque vieux port, dominated by the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, evokes Italian paintings. The town reveals a maze of alleyways in the Terra Vecchia district, and superb views from its citadel. The atmosphere here is more authentic, less touristy, with colorful markets, ancient cafés and a friendly population. Bastia is also an ideal gateway to Cap Corse, the wild peninsula that appeals to nature lovers.
In the evening Bastia lights up / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: despositphotos
📍 Place Saint-Nicolas, 20200 Bastia
🚉 Gare de Bastia | ✈️ Aéroport Bastia Poretta
🚗 150 km (≈ 2h50 from Ajaccio)
The port of Bastia with its boats and church in the background / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
🔹 Corte, the historic heart of Corsica
Perched in the heart of the mountains, Corte was the center of independent Corsica under Pascal Paoli. Its historic university and imposing citadel dominate the town and surrounding valleys. The Musée de la Corse, housed in the citadel buildings, lets visitors discover the history, traditions and struggles of the Corsican people. The town is also the starting point for the superb vallée de la Restonica, a hiker's paradise, with its natural pools and trails to high-altitude lakes.
The astonishing city of Corte in the middle of the mountains. This is where Corsican independence was proclaimed by Pascal Paoli in the 18th century. It's also the seat of the University / Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.Com: depositphotos
📍 Citadelle, 20250 Corte
🚉 Corte train station | ✈️ Bastia Poretta airport (50 km away)
🚗 85 km (≈ 1h40 from Ajaccio)
🔹 Palombaggia, a white sand paradise
The circular beach of Palombaggia seen from the sky / Photo chosen by monsieur de France: depositphotos
Palombaggia, near Porto-Vecchio, is considered Corsica's most beautiful beach. With its immaculate white sand, translucent waters, pink granite rocks and umbrella pines lining the shore, it's a real postcard. Easily accessible by car, the beach is perfect for swimming, picnics and sunset strolls. In high season, it's best to arrive early or opt for the quiet hours of late afternoon.
📍 Palombaggia, 20137 Porto-Vecchio
🚉 Nearest train station: Ajaccio | ✈️ Aéroport Figari Sud-Corse (30 min away)
🚗 140 km (≈ 2h50 from Ajaccio)
One of the most beautiful beaches in France / Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
🔹 Saint-Florent and the Agriates desert
Saleccia superb beach not far from Saint Florent / Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
Nestled at the bottom of a gulf, Saint-Florent is a former fishing port turned popular destination. Its lively marina, beaches and old town make it a pleasant place to discover. From here, you can set off by boat to the désert des Agriates, a vast wild territory home to heavenly beaches accessible only by track or sea, such as Saleccia or Loto. An experience that marries raw nature and turquoise sea.
Saint Florent between sea and mountains in Corsica / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
📍 Port, 20217 Saint-Florent
🚉 Gare : Bastia | ✈️ Aéroport Bastia Poretta
🚗 150 km (≈ 2h50 from Ajaccio)
View of the Agriate desert / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
🔹 Les aiguilles de Bavella
In the regional park, the aiguilles de Bavella are a geological wonder. They are high peaks of red granite, standing like a crown on the mountains. The scenery is striking, with pine forests, torrents and vertiginous panoramas. The Col de Bavella is accessible by car, but the finest views can be discovered on foot via marked trails, including a spectacular stretch of the famous GR20.
Les aiguilles de Bavella / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
📍 Col de Bavella, 20122 Quenza
🚉 Train: Ajaccio | ✈️ Figari Sud-Corse Airport (1 hour 20 minutes)
🚗 85 km (≈ 2 hours 20 minutes from Ajaccio)
🔹 Île-Rousse and Calvi, jewels of Balagne
Calvi in Balagne and its fortress / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
In northwest Corsica, Île-Rousse and Calvi offer a perfect balance of sea, heritage and culture. Île-Rousse seduces with its beaches, covered market and sublime sunsets. A few kilometers away, Calvi is dominated by its Genovese citadel, with its ramparts, cobbled streets and legends. Its spectacular bay attracts water sports enthusiasts. The whole Balagne region is packed with typical hilltop villages, producers of olive oil, honey and cheese.
The Genoese tower of La Pietra on Ile Rousse at sunset / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
📍 Citadelle, 20260 Calvi / Marché, 20220 L'Île-Rousse
🚉 Calvi or L'Île-Rousse train station | ✈️ Calvi Sainte-Catherine airport
🚗 150 km (≈ 3h10 from Ajaccio)
The citadel of Calvi above the sea / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
🍴 What to taste in Corsica
🧀 Corsican cheeses: between character and terroir
It's impossible to talk about Corsican gastronomy without mentioning its powerful cheeses, often made with ewe's or goat's milk. The most famous is undoubtedly brocciu, a fresh cheese used in both savory and sweet dishes, notably in the famous ambrucciata (brocciu tarts). There's also niulincu, venachese or calenzana, to be enjoyed with farmhouse bread and a glass of Corsican wine. Their flavor can be intense, but their authenticity perfectly reflects the island's mountain spirit.
Corsican cheeses are very famous / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
🥩 Corsican charcuterie: ancestral know-how
Cured in mountain villages, Corsican charcuterie is renowned throughout France. Prisuttu (dry-cured ham), coppa, lonzu, figatellu (liver sausage)... These specialties are made from free-range pigs, fed on acorns and chestnuts. They sometimes enjoy PDO status and are available at all Corsican markets and fine restaurants. The ideal way: enjoy them on the spot, thinly sliced, with fig jam or a little maquis honey.
Corsica is a land of charcuterie/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
🍷 Corsican wines: seven appellations to discover
In Corsica you'll find Corsican wine in every restaurant. You even have to search to taste others / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
Corsica boasts seven wine PDOs. These include Patrimonio, Ajaccio, Calvi and Figari. Local grape varieties such as Niellucciu (close to Italian Sangiovese), Sciaccarellu or Vermentinu (white grape variety) are grown here. The estates can often be visited by appointment, and offer tastings in enchanting settings. A good Corsican wine goes wonderfully with the island's charcuterie or cheeses.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health / consume in moderation.
🍰 Corsican sweets: a taste of the maquis
Corsican desserts give pride of place to local produce. In addition to canistrelli (small, crunchy cookies with a variety of flavors: lemon, almond, aniseed...), there's fiadone, a brocciu cake flavored with lemon. The pastizzu (semolina-based flan) and chestnut flour doughnuts complete this sweet picture. In winter, the highly aromatic Corsican honey (PDO) also slips into desserts or can be enjoyed with a spoon.
Corsican honey is very famous/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
🌄 What it's like to live in Corsica
🚶♂️ Hiking the GR20 trails
The GR20, a mythical long-distance hiking trail, crosses Corsica from northwest to southeast over more than 180 km. Renowned as one of the most demanding in Europe, every year it attracts nature enthusiasts who come to confront the island's spectacular landscapes. Steep passes, high-altitude lakes, deep forests: each stage is an immersion in the wild soul of Corsica. Even without covering the entire route, a few accessible portions allow you to savor its beauty, notably around Corte, Vizzavona or Bavella.
If there's a land of hiking, it's Corsica. It is crossed by the GR20. There are also plenty of trails to explore without being very athletic / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com depositphotos
🏖️ Experience the sea on board a boat
Sailing around Corsica is an unforgettable experience. By boat, motorboat or even kayak, you'll discover a jagged coastline, creeks inaccessible by road and incredible turquoise water. Excursions leave from Porto, Bonifacio or Calvi to discover caves, calanques or watch dolphins. It's also possible to reach sublime islands like the îles Sanguinaires near Ajaccio or the îles Lavezzi off Bonifacio, veritable wild gems.
What could be more pleasant than discovering Corsica from the Sea / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com depositphotos
🌊 Relaxing on Corsica's beaches
Corsican beaches are among the most beautiful in the world honestly / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
Corsica is packed with idyllic beaches that have nothing to envy the Caribbean. The white sands of Palombaggia, the translucent waters of Rondinara, the unspoilt coves of the Désert des Agriates or the great beaches of the eastern coast offer a variety of incomparable natural settings. Each offers a unique atmosphere, between wild nature, blue lagoons or a family atmosphere. A must if you want to take full advantage of the Mediterranean climate and the island's gentle way of life.
🏛️ Discovering heritage through museums
Corsica's musées are often on a human scale, but rich in learning. In Corte, the musée de la Corse explores the island's history. In Bastia, the musée de la ville presents the Genoese and Baroque heritage. Other sites retrace the Resistance, pastoral culture, ancient trades or craft skills. A great way to better understand this island like no other.
Corsican villages are Corsica's most beautiful heritage. here Speloncato / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
📸 Admire the sunsets over the sea
The sunset is an experience in its own right on the island. From the cliffs of Bonifacio, the heights of Calvi or the western beaches, the spectacle is renewed every evening. Places like the pointe de la Parata (near Ajaccio) or the Genovese tower of Nonza (at Cap Corse) offer exceptional panoramas. The atmosphere becomes magical, between sky ablaze and sea sparkling.
ℹ️ Corsica: practical information and websites
The map of Corsica to find your way with the main towns and famous places / Photo depositphotos
To help you prepare for your trip to Corsica, here are some official websites to consult:
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https://www.visit-corsica.com - The official Corsican tourism web site
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https://www.corsica-airports.com - Corsica flight and airport info
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https://www.sncf-connect.com - Train and shuttle reservations
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https://www.corsicabus.org - Bus network in Corsica
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https://www.corsica-ferries.fr - Maritime links from mainland France
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https://www.parc-corse.org - Corsica Regional Nature Park
✈️🚗🚆 Getting to Corsica from Paris
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By plane :
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Paris > Ajaccio : vol direct (1h40)
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Paris > Bastia : vol direct (1h35)
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Paris > Figari : direct flight (1h50 in season)
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Flights operated by Air Corsica, Air France, Volotea depending on the season
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En train + bateau :
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Paris > Marseille or Toulon (TGV: 3h30 to 4h)
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Then ferry to Ajaccio, Bastia, Ile-Rousse or Porto-Vecchio (6h to 10h crossing depending on destination).
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By car + boat :
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Paris > Nice (930 km / 🚗 approx. 9h)
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Then overnight ferry to Bastia or Ile-Rousse (approx. 9 hours)
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Corsica is served by 4 main airports (Ajaccio, Bastia, Figari, Calvi), sea ports accessible from Toulon, Marseille and Nice, and a modest but functional public transport network. It's best to rent a car to explore the island freely and access the many remote sites.
