From the Gulf of Porto to the old town of Sartène, Corsica, despite its proximity to mainland France, seems like another world. Be inspired by its incredible marine life, rich historic heritage and wild open spaces. Les Collectionneurs offer charming establishments where you can stay or enjoy a bite to eat as you discover Corsica.
Travellers wanting to discover Corsica can get to the Island of Beauty by boat. Most ferries arriving from Nice, Marseille or Toulon dock at Bastia, but a few also dock in Ajaccio, L'Île-Rousse or Porto-Vecchio. Daily flights serve the airports of Figari - Sud Corse, Bastia-Poretta, or Ajaccio's Napoleon Bonaparte airport.
Corsica, one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful islands, can be explored in a million and one different ways. Hiking enthusiasts will give in to the call of the GR20, the famous path linking northern Corsica with its southern coast. Less seasoned walkers may prefer to roam the Mare a Mare Sud path which links Propriano with Porto-Vecchiovia the many perched villages of the Alta Rocca. For an altogether gentler experience, follow the coastline with its idyllic beaches and turquoise waters.
In the north, the Cap Corse peninsula can be explored on foot using the 'customs path' (sentier des douaniers), overlooked by the Genoese towers, real custodians of history. Further south, Saint-Florent is an essential stopover before going for a wander on the magnificent white sand beaches of the Lotu or Saleccia. It's worth taking the time for a foray into the hinterland of the Balagne, towards the Agriates desert and its wild 'maquis' (Mediterranean scrubland). Next stop: Take a stroll down the narrow, cobbled streets of Calvi and its medieval citadel. Nature-lovers will appreciate an escape to the heart of the Scandola wildlife sanctuary, a UNESCO-listed nature reserve which can only be accessed by sea, or a swim in the creeks of Piana.
As well as being the birthplace of Napoleon, Ajaccio is the starting point for a trip to the "îles Sanguinaires" (Bloody Islands). You can discover these four little islands on a boat excursion. When staying in the Imperial City, southern Corsica is within easy reach. The winding road which hugs the west coast via Propriano leads to Bonifacio, perched atop the white cliffs. The Lavezzi islands which stretch out towards Sardinia are one of the most remarkable spots in Corsica. To round off their Corsican adventure, travellers can rest in the shade of the pines or by the water's edge at Palombaggia, which is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
In the mountains or by the sea, from the Gulf of Ajaccio to the peaks of the Aiguilles de Bavella, Corsica's landscapes invite you to dream. The island's identity encompasses the rugged hinterland and the serenity of its beautiful beaches and the crystalline waters of its creeks. To make the most of a stay in Corsica, travellers will appreciate discovering all aspects of this island. With this in mind, the best hotels will be situated at the water's edge, far from the summer tourist bustle, a kind of foretaste of this wild Mediterranean landscape. It's so much nicer to walk to a pretty beach of fine sand in the early morning.
Whether in town or the great outdoors, there's something here for everyone. If being near a marina or a private beach is a big plus, a hotel in Ajaccio will also tempt you to visit the city's historic heart during the day and enjoy the cut and thrust of city life in the evenings.
Whether you choose a period villa or an authentic stone-built dwelling, these addresses selected by les Collectionneurs offer spacious rooms and suites, most of them with a sea view. Each hotel is situated in an ideal location, bringing together charming and refined decor, high quality beds and luxury bathrooms. For the benefit of guests with children, most hotel proprietors offer a babysitting service for carefree family holidays. Guests can wander in the gardens or enjoy their Corsican holiday by the outdoor or indoor pool.
To relax and reinvigorate, just book a hotel with a wellness space. The pool and spa with steam room, sauna and hot tub are an invitation to chill out and relax in magical surroundings. Or choose to sit in a lush, green haven taking in breathtaking views of the coast. With a choice of diving, sailing or sea kayaking, lovers of water sports will find what they're looking for in Corsica. Our hotels offer a range of activities in the local area, from hiking and tennis to bike rides.
With its Italian and French influences, Corsican gastronomy is a journey through the spectrum of Mediterranean flavours. Island cuisine is centred around seafood, with marinaded red mullet or grilled squid. But it also enhances local produce, transforming olives into a sought-after oil carrying the Appellation d'Origine Protégée label. Corsican wines will seduce connoisseurs with grape varieties almost unknown on the mainland like nielluccio or sciaccarello. Food lovers should taste brocciu, a sheep's cheese, accompanied by fig jam, or in a chard and cheese tart stuffed with herbs, figatellu (Corsican sausage), or lonzo (local ham) and finish on a sweet note with fiadone (Corsican cheesecake), a traditional Corsical desert, or canistrelli, dry almond biscuits.
These culinary riches are the pride of the island and close to the hearts of restaurateurs. The establishments selected by les Collectionneurs embody Corsican chefs' passion for authenticity and their deep love of their local cuisine. Travellers can discover this regional and creative gastronomy on a food tour of Corsica.
To allow the restaurateurs and hoteliers of our community to once again share special moments with you, and welcome you under the best possible conditions in their establishments, specific COVID-19 health measures have been adopted along with additional measures to best adapt these policies to their unique type of operations. For details of the health policies implemented, please contact the particular establishment directly.
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