In Corsica, enjoy the pleasures offered by the Island of beauty, off-season

Don't try to visit the entire island of Beauty in one single trip! Prefer to discover it in small touches. In turn mountaneous or seaside, sprinkled with forests and shrubbery, its coast line extends for several thousand kilometers. Pay honor to whom honor is due, start with Ajaccio, the regional capital where the Napoleonian saga began, here the art of living has preserved its ancestral landmarks.

Corsican pleasures, off season

Cultural beacon of this town bordered by scattered beaches and wild coves in the direction of the Route des Sanguinaires, the Fesch palace shelters the most important collection of Italian paintings after the Louvre. Then head for Propriano to discover the menhirs of Flitosa, on the gulf of Valinco. The small streets of the medieval town of Sartène will soon be in sight.

Far from urban frenzy and pollution, the Route des Sanguinaires is a natural protected site. © DR

A not-to-be-missed historic landmark, Palais Fresh is at the centre of Ajaccio's cultural life. © DR

Hiking in the maquis back country and bathing on deserted beaches

Towards Bonifacio and Lion Rock, the island offers a wide array of beaches: Cala Rossa, Palombaggi, Santa Giulia and Porto-Vecchio whose marina welcomes stunning yachts and saliboats. There, you can stock up on local charcuteries before taking off for Alta Rocca, a mountain-chain sprinkled with houses in granite and feudal castles. More to the North, the Côte des Nacres and Solenzara attract nautical sports fans. Take advantage of it. In Corsica, the back season is the ideal moment…

It's from the sea that you will best enjoy the spectacle provided by the cliffs of Bonifacio. © DR

Solidly anchored in its fortress, the old town of Calvi has many surprises in store for you. © DR

Address book

• Casa Napoléon. A boutique selling charcuteries, terrines, game, nougats, clémentines and candied citron peels that leave noone indifferent. www.charlesantona.com
• L’Altru Versu. This table, recognized as one of the best in Ajaccio, has it all: a view on the sea and a cuisine made with revisited Corsican products. www.laltruversu.com
• Les terrasses d’Aragon. To discover fish recipes prepared in keeping with tradition while taking advantage of a great view on the sea. www.lesterrassesdaragon.com

Going to Corsica

Air France : www.airfrance.fr - Air Corsica : www.aircorsica.com

Where to stay on the island? 

At the Hôtel Minsicu. Near the Cap Corse, this 5 star, that stands out between sky and sea, offers villas with authentic charm, and its restaurant is the rendezvous of the Happy Few. www.hotel-misincu.fr

Overlooking the sea, the amenities of Hôtel Minsicu have nothing to envy from those of a palace. © DR