Monthly Archives: February 2012

10 things not to miss in Corsica

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Corsican Places product manager Amandine Blanchard gives us her personal recommendations for 10 things not to miss whilst on holiday in Corsica.
  1. A walk in the mountains– one of the best ways to take in the scenery and there are routes for all levels, from gentle strolls through the mountain tops to more energetic hikes.

    Corsica's mountainous scenery

    Corsica's mountainous scenery

  2. Take a boat trip to the Réserve Naturelle de Scandola– a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic 900 metre high red cliffs and the chance to spot seals, dolphins and osprey.

    Boat trips to the Réserve Naturelle de Scandola

    Boat trips to the Réserve Naturelle de Scandola

  3. Calvi Jazz Festival – held from 20th to 24thJune in 2012, the streets of Calvi come alive during this event with free concerts on the quayside as well as ticketed concerts.

    Calvi Jazz Festival

    Calvi Jazz Festival

  4. The isolated beaches of Désert des Agriates– Loto and Saleccia are 2 of the best with white sand and turquoise water; definitely worth the boat trip or walk necessary to reach them.

    Loto beach

    Loto beach

  5. The fortress town of Bonifacio– with a Citadel perched precariously on the clifftop; wander the narrow cobbled streets or enjoy the best view of the town on a boat trip to the nearby Lavezzi islands.

    Bonifacio

    Bonifacio

  6. Balagne villages – however you wish to travel – by car, coach trip, walking, cycling or on horseback – a day exploring these beautiful hilltop villages is a must if you’re staying in the North.

    Discover the beautiful villages of la Balagne

    Discover the beautiful villages of la Balagne

  7. Calvi Citadel - the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways lead to the Cathédrale Saint Jean-Baptiste and some of the best views of Calvi bay and the mountains beyond.

    Calvi Citadel

    Calvi Citadel

  8. Polyphonic chants / live Corsican music - Corsica’s unique and haunting polyphonic music has undergone a revival in recent years – if you get the chance we’d recommend watching one of the many groups that perform or attending one of the festivals dedicated to the music.

    Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques de Calvi

    Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques de Calvi

  9. Corsican delicatessen– food and wine play an important part in Corsican life: try some of their best delicatessen including maquis herb-scented charcuterie, Brocciu or goat cheese, chestnut-based pastries, honey and wine.

    Sample Corsican delicatessen

    Sample Corsican delicatessen

  10. Watersports – there are many options across the island: sea-kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, windsurfing, diving to name just a few.

    There is a wide range of water sports to try

    There is a wide range of water sports to try

Snow in Corsica?!?

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Our resort manager Rob Ashton-Kane reports from an unusually cold Corsica…

Well, I guess it serves me right! Only a few days ago, whilst basking in relatively balmy temperatures of 12°, I allowed myself a wry smile of smug, self contentment when I saw that temperatures in the UK were plummeting. Freezing temperatures, snow and the usual associated transport chaos were predicted and there were the annual stories of schools being closed as their heating systems couldn’t cope and fears that the Highways Authority had, again, underestimated how much grit it would need. “Good job this never happens in Corsica” said I……!!

Rob's house in the snow

Rob's house in the snow

Well, it seems that Corsica is not immune from the vagaries of climate change! Over this last weekend, certain parts of the island have experienced the highest snowfall for decades - most of which seems to fallen on my house! The whole of La Balagne was particularly badly effected with roads blocked leaving many of those who stay to “winter” in the region, trapped in their houses for up to 24 hours. The snow was so heavy in certain areas that the main radio, TV and phone relay antenna literally collapsed under the weight, resulting in many people not actually being able to tell anyone they were stuck!

Ghjunchitu and Bodri beaches in the snow

Ghjunchitu and Bodri beaches in the snow

Some beaches, such as Ghjunchitu and Bodri, better know for their fine, golden sand, were covered in crisp, white snow; cafés in Place Paoli in the centre of L’Ile Rousse which usually play host to chattering locals were deserted and many roads where the tarmac habitually melts in the heat of the August sun, were only passable in 4X4s.

Precarious driving on Corsica's winding roads

Precarious driving on Corsica's winding roads

However, like every cloud, this one had a silver lining – for my son, at least! His school has been closed so he and his friends (some of whom have never experienced real snow before) have been able to build snowmen, sledge down the hills on makeshift toboggans and, as all 12-year olds do, throw snowballs at their dad!!

Rob's son preparing to throw the snowball

Rob's son preparing to throw the snowball