ART OF LIVING

A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND MOUTH!

Corsica's cultural offering is so varied that you'll have plenty of enriching experiences to choose from! The Greeks used to call Corsica Kalliste, the most beautiful. Archaeological remains attest to the presence of humans as far back as prehistoric times. Along the way, you'll come across menhirs, tombs, churches and dwellings. Gastronomy is not forgotten either.
A wealth of cultural, historical and gastronomic heritage for you to discover.
Photo DR ©SEBANADO

THE ISLAND OF BEAUTY, A LAND OF CULTURE AND TRADITION

Corsica has a long, rich and complex history, and its cultural heritage is immense. From the Romanesque chapels of Castagniccia and the Baroque churches of Bastia to the fortifications of Bonifacio and the citadel of Calvi, the past has left its mark on even the most remote villages on the island.

 

-          Bastia and its old port, where boats waddle against a backdrop of colourful houses protected by the majestic church of Saint Baptiste.

-          Ile Rousse and its string of islets of red porphyry that gave its name to this city wanted by Pasquale Paoli, the father of the Corsican nation.

-          -Calvi, the legacy of four centuries of Genoese domination, with its massive citadel planted on a rock overlooking the harbour.

-          -Ajaccio, which perpetuates the memory of the flamboyant emperor Bonaparte, who helped give Corsica a worldwide reputation.

-          Porto-Vecchio with its turquoise waters, gulf and Genoese citadel.

-          Bonifacio, famous for its towering white limestone cliffs and citadel overlooking the sea.

 The Catholic religion is still an integral part of Corsican culture and lifestyle. Almost every hamlet has its own chapel, and masses are celebrated in the parish churches, many of which are remarkable for their architecture.

CORSICA, A LAND OF FLAVOURS AND NECTARS

Corsica would not be what it is without its gastronomy, which smells of a land of character.

If you haven't tried Corsican charcuterie, you're missing out on a real treat for your taste buds. Its unique flavour is due to the local pigs, reared in semi-liberty and fed on food from the maquis. Coppa, lonzu, salsiccia, prizuttu and figatelli have a subtle, fragrant flavour and undeniable quality. Cheeses are another unmissable speciality of Corsica. The famous Brocciu PDO, a creamy fromage frais made from sheep's and/or goat's milk, can be enjoyed fresh or in savoury or sweet preparations to enhance any dish. Sciaccarellu and Niellucciu, providing the right conditions for their berries to grow and ripen.

NUMEROUS APPELLATIONS, INCLUDING NINE AOP

Corsica is dotted with hillsides and has its own grape varieties, adapted to its granite, limestone and schist soils. Corsica's nine Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée (AOCs) bring out the best in dishes and delight the senses. Fish such as bass, sea bream, red mullet, azimizu (Corsican bouillabaisse) or sardines, seafood, lobster from Centuri or Bonifacio, oysters and mussels from the ponds of Diane and Urbino can be enjoyed all along the coast. The end of a meal in Corsica always ends on a sweet note, with tortas (dried fruit tarts), Pastizzu with its sweet scent of aniseed or Fiadone, the famous brocciu and lemon tart.

Other delicacies and typical gastronomic treasures to be savoured without limit include chestnut honey, olive oils full of sunshine, jams, myrtle liqueurs and the famous Corsican pomelos and clementines.

THE FESTIVAL OF FLAVOURS

As the seasons change, rural fairs showcase producers and craftspeople who are proud to share their expertise.

Under huge marquees or outdoors in fine weather, stalls are set and lined up for a few days of festivities, often over a weekend. The stalls are filled with artisanal products, a festival of flavours, traditional know-how, innovative tastes and artistic creations selected to represent a cross-section of the best the island has to offer. These products are often labelled, representing PDO, PGI, AOC and other certifications sometimes obtained after long years of fighting and hard work for recognition.

Throughout the year, craft fairs with a variety of themes and events are organised from the north to the south of the island.

Corsica also has an artisanal route that crosses the whole island to discover local products and ancestral know-how.

Gusti di Corsica, the Authentic Senses Route, lists many producers and artisans who are happy to open their doors to visitors with a thirst or appetite for discovery.

On the website

www.gustidicorsica.com, an interactive map will help you find the best addresses according to your location.