Corsica, the ‘isle of beauty’

Focus on spectacular, unspoilt South Corsica.

A different world, for time out of time.

 LA CORSE An island with personality

A short and easy trip by air or sea takes you to France’s southernmost département, known to the French as the “Île de Beauté”. So close, but a whole world away. Corsica is renowned for its fine sand beaches and small, almost private inlets. Take time to discover the hillside villages, listen to the famous polyphonic choirs and breathe in the scents of the maquis shrubland. Savour the delicious local foods and bathe in hypnotising light. Take time out to live, and be bewitched by this remarkable island.It’s a land of producers who love their native soil. Taste their farmhouse charcuterie, local honey, essential oils, cheeses with great personality and wines made from Corsican grape varieties. 

This happy isle also inspires creativity: it boasts craft jewellers, knife makers and young niche fashion designers, as well as shops with reputed ready-to-wear brands. It’s a land of contrasts with a wide range of leisure pursuits from its welcoming shores to its rugged peaks. There’s sailing and hiking, sheep barns and architect villas. There are touches of modernity here and there, but the heritage is sacred and the past is a matter of culture. Corsicans respect their ancestors and retain a genuine identity through the still widely spoken Corsican language. Picture-postcard images aside, Corsica is indeed an island of beauty – and of words, truth and honour.

Ajaccio The imperial city

Many-facetted Aiacciu, capital of Corsica, is a town of contrasts. In the background, green mountains frame the turquois water of the bay. The old harbour and its colourful fishing boats rub shoulders with the town’s Genoese architecture. In the historic old town you stroll between sunshine and shadow, venturing along attractive narrow streets between tall houses. To feel the pulse of this town, head for the covered market, open daily. Small shops selling local produce sit side by side with local craft artists’ boutiques. The 14th to 18th-century painters in the Palais Fesch art museum vie with the contemporary artists at the Lazaret Ollandini culture space. And of course there’s Napoleon, commemorated by the house where he was born, the cathedral, the Grotte de Casone, the imperial chapel and the memorial built in his honour. Outside town, the coastal path round by the Iles Sanguinaires to Capo di Feno beach offers a succession of splendid land- and seascapes. Start from the La Parata car park with its unmissable Genoese tower.

Where to stay

San Carlu Citadelle

For an amazing panorama, a magnificent penthouse and rooms and suites in contemporary style. Head to the rooftop for evening drinks and Carl’s, the restaurant, orchestrated by Italian chef Ermanno Nicolella.

8 boulevard Danièle Casanova

Les Mouettes & Spa Intimu 

A genuine 19th-century Corsican villa outside town. The 2022 Michelin guide recommends Alessandro Capone’s restaurant, A Terrazza, for its creative cuisine.

9 cours Lucien Bonapart

Lagnonu

 Elegant suites and delightful, surprising villas with bespoke hotel services, surrounded by 

nature in an unspoilt country estate.

Domaine d’Agnone, 

Coti-Chiavari 

Dolce Vita

This seafront hotel boasts a private beach, a gourmet restaurant on the terrace and, 

to perfect your stay, a pool overlooking the gulf.

51 route des îles Sanguinaires

Le Maquis

 A 5-star hotel set among the rocks by the waterside. Like another country, with a private beach tucked away in a creek. At L’Arbousier, chef Gérard Lorenzoni-Salini greets you with the same generosity as his grandparents.

585 bd Marie-Jeanne Bozzi, Porticcio

Where to drink cofee

Savour your coffee on the terrace or take away an ice cream, have lunch with friends and, before you go, buy a box of local produce for a gift or to treat yourself. 

2 cours Napoléon

Where to eat

A Nepita

Sophisticated cuisine by Simon Andrews, with a single menu each day based on fresh local produce.

4 rue San Lazaro

Le Temps des Oliviers

You leave the busy street for a laid-back ambience, perfect for an original cocktail until it’s time to eat: great food with an original touch.

1 rue des Halles

Le Bilboq 

« Chez Jean-Jean »

People rush for a table on the terrace with 

its intimate ambience, and for Jean-Jean’s pasta with lobster.

1 rue des Glacis

Le Petit Restaurant Vincent Boucher, ancien chef au Champs Élysées Plaza, vous invite à voyager avec sa cuisine locavore et exotique.

3 rue Pozzo di Borgo

Saveria Geronimi

Saveria Geronimi’s natural jewellery - Corsican-born Saveria launched her contemporary jewellery brand Germès in London in 2006. Her silver and gold jewellery is inspired by natural textures such as bark. She lets her imagination work freely, producing one-of-a-kind pieces of simple design. All items are hand-crafted, and she keeps to ethical and eco-friendly guidelines. Now back on the island of her birth, she works with precious metals and cut or uncut gems, making a range of six collections in her shop-cum-workshop.

26 cours Lucien Bonaparte

Nine

This brand launched by Francesca Benvenuti offers a stylish, relaxed wardrobe with a seductive ethnic vibe. Limited-series garments, made in Corsica.

Boutique-atelier, 8 rue Bonaparte - Aéroport Napoléon Bonaparte

Boutique Marie Antoine 

Ready-to-wear, footwear and high end leather goods for women.

6 rue du Cardinal Fesch

Vannucci

The shop window displays famous timewear and jewellery brands. You can also design your own bespoke jewellery item with advice from Nathalie Vannucci

7 cours Napoléon

Vendôme

This is an institution in Ajaccio. It stocks jewellery from the big Paris brands but also designers from all over the world.

4 avenue du Premier Consul 

La Table de Valérie 

A home design shop you’ll love to browse around. Furniture, ornaments, tableware and everything you need to add personality to your home.

2 rue Nicolas Péraldi / 8 rue Emmanuel Arène

Maison Gabriel 

Customers get chatting here among the glassware, lighting, crockery, furniture and textiles. A shop with a definite style.

50 cours Napoléon