Thank you for choosing to book your accommodation via our website. Although your booking has been made directly with the owner, we want to help you get the most from your holiday, so we have put together so extra information including ideas of things to see and do, the best beaches in the area and even information about shopping and opening times.
Click on the link below for the area in which you are staying to see what we can suggest..
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We do hope that you will find this information useful, but please bear in mind that it has been put together from our own experiences, and over time, things can change so please forgive any errors.
Have a great holiday!
This a delightful and different way to experience the varied and wonderful countryside
of Corsica. The awesome vistas and impression of complete immersion into the landscape are equally thrilling for
both children and the young at heart alike. For those drivers amongst you, the train provides an excellent opportunity
to relax and take in the magnificent scenery without any distractions.
U TRINICELLU
This regular service allows one to explore the coastline to the east of
Calvi in relaxation. The train runs from Calvi to Ile Rousse and stops at all the beaches en route. The journey
takes 50 minutes and in low season there are five outward and return trains each day. This increases to ten in
high season (from the 3rd week in June). It is a good idea to make note of any beach that catches your eye on your
outward journey so that you can disembark on your return trip and break up the journey. There are three fare stages
from Calvi to Ile Rousse and a ticket is needed for each stage. If you buy a carnet therefore, which has six tickets,
this is in effect a return journey. Also note that tickets are valid for any day so if you buy in bulk you can
use them whenever you want. A carnet costs approx. 7euros 50.
THE GREAT TRAIN JOURNEY
A fabulous trip, the only drawback being that due to the trains limited
schedule, it can be difficult to negotiate the whole trip into one day's excursion. For those staying in the north
who have cars you can easily drive to Ponte Leccia and join the train to Ajaccio there. You will find that this
fits into the timetable comfortably for both outward and return journeys. Those of you staying in the south can
travel to Calvi (change trains at Ponte Leccia) or to Bastia and have a few hours before catching the return train,
although this is an extremely long day as you will have to drive to and from Ajaccio as well. Many people decide
to do the trip and take a hotel room for one night in either Ajaccio, Bastia or Calvi.
Bastia-Ponte Leccia
Until Casamozza the train travels along the Corsican eastern plain; a picturesque
farming belt overlooked by the old village of Borgo. This village is one of Corsica's 'three jewels,' so named
because of the magnificent views they afford. From Casamozza to Ponte Leccia, the train reveals the first glimpse
of the mountains and enters the valley of the River Golo.
Ponte Leccia-Corte
The railway continues for 2 km until reaching the valley of Monte Cinto
(2707m) and then continues until the descent from the Francardo basin onto Corte. Corte, the historical capital
of the island, is built on a narrow hill at the confluence of the River Restonica and the River Tavignano. It is
possible to see the citadel perched high on a pink rocky outcrop overhead.
Corte-Bocognano
The most impressive section of all. Towering pines interspersed with sprinklings
of bushes and herbs and plants (which comprise the islands dense maquis) provide camouflage for the rich natural
reserve of flora and fauna. The railway winds around the mountain by way of the Vivario loop, yet remains dramatically
higher than the road. A panorama of dazzling white granite, obelisks and truncated columns of rock rise savagely
against the skyline. You cross the valley via the enormous Vecchio viaduct, which measures 140m long and 96m high,
and was engineered by Gustav Eiffel (of tower fame). The journey continues through the villages between Vivario
and Tattone in thrilling proximity to the cliff side. At the foot of the snow covered Monte d'Oro the train enters
the Forest of Vizzavona (1000m) before disappearing into a tunnel to emerge at Vizzavona itself. From here the
walk to the Cascade des Anglais starts (40mins). From the station at Vivario it is easy to join the GR20 path and
there are several shorter walks in the vicinity. There are also numerous footpaths among the forests around Vizzavona,
past gorges, waterfalls and up the slopes of Monte d'Oro and beyond.
Bocognano-Ajaccio
The train follows the valley of Gravona, passing through several tunnels
and beautiful gorges. Look out for the 'bride's veil,' a splendid waterfall that overhangs the railway. Eventually
the scenery changes from the lush green pasture of central Corrsica to the tropical atmosphere of the Gulf of Ajaccio.
Ponte Leccia- Belgodere
A scenic treat of another kind is in store for you during this leg of the
journey. The train meanders through the deserted and wild terrain of the Naviccia valley. After crossing several
ravines the coastline can be seen ahead in the distance.
Belgodere-Calvi
You are now in the Balagne region, a fertile hilly landscape framed by the
horizon ahead. The scenery is varied including orchards and olive groves, pasture and maquis and numerous small
villages perched high on the mountainside. The train hugs the coastline stopping at seaside villages and beaches
providing the traveller with a unique perspective of Corsica.
Corsican cuisine
The use of fresh local produce gives Corsican cuisine its particular flavour. A distinctive feature of Corsican
cooking being it's skilful blending of the many different herbs which grow wild in the maquis, notably the rosemary,
thyme, mint, fennel, sage marjoram and juniper. Other ingredients found in the wild, which are used, include a
variety of mushrooms, nuts and fruits.
Traditionally, Corsicans are mountain people, who worked the land and fishing is not a common way of life. This
is why it is unusual to find fresh fish on menus, with certain exceptions in restaurants by the sea, but good fish
tends to be very expensive.
Below you will find a glossary of traditional Corsican dishes that are found in most restaurants on the island.
As a general rule, restaurants in the villages tend to be more traditional and make the best use of local ingredients.
CHARCUTERIE - A variety
of smoked and cured pork products and sausages, in a typical plate of charcuterie you will find Coppa smoked rolled
shoulder of pork, Lonzu smoked fillet of pork, Jambon Cru smoked mountain ham, Saucisson smoked sausage. The best
charcuterie is made from pigs, which have been fed on sweet-chestnuts to be found all over the island but particularly
in the Castagniccia region. Out of season a treat not to be missed is Figatellu a sausage made from liver and blood
with a strong characteristic flavour, best eaten cooked on an open wood fire. Local pâtés and terrines
are also very good.
SOUPPE CORSE - A hearty
vegetable broth.
SOUPE DE POISSONS - A
very tasty fish soup, served with garlic croutons and a spicy rouille.
OMELETTE AU BROCCIU ET MENTHE
- This typical omelette is stuffed with fresh creamy ewe's cheese and fresh mint. Another equally delicious way
this unique cheese is used is in the dish Cannelloni au Brocciu. Brocciu is similar in consistency to Italian ricotta.
RAGOUT / SAUTÉS DE VEAU ET MOUTON - Main courses tend to be rich and meaty, usually the veal or lamb is stewed in a rich sauce with
olives and then generally served with pasta. Local veal is not reared under any unnatural conditions and you will
notice that the meat is pink instead of the pale meat sold in the UK.
SANGLIER - Wild Boar may
be available all year round in some restaurants, but the hunting season is from mid-August to December. Usually
served in a rich red wine sauce.
BEIGNETS DE COURGETTE ET AUBERGINES - Delicious vegetable fritters made, served either as an accompaniment or as a separate course.
All restaurants have a good selection of cheeses. These are made from ewe's and goat's milk and vary in strength
from mild and creamy fresh cheeses (available from October to June) to very powerful, strong cheeses, to be tried
at your own risk!!! Especially good towards the end of July and throughout August are fresh figs with Corsican
cheese.
Corsican wine
Local wines are definitely worth trying and their distinctive flavour goes well with the local cuisine. Generally
speaking, red and rosé wines are more popular than white, little of which is produced on the island, but
over the last few years, the quality of the white wine has improved tremendously. Local people tend to drink well-chilled
rosé during the hot summer months, especially during the day, but prefer red of an evening.
As with food it is almost impossible to recommend wines, because everyone's taste is so varied, but we've put together
a list of some of our favouirte 'Domaines' in the area that are worth visiting;
Calvi & the Balagne (north west)
Saint Florent, Patrimonio and Cap Corse (north east)
Sartene, Propriano and the Valinco (south west)
In all of these regions you can visit the vineyard and sample the wines, the vignerons are generally very hospitable and keen for you to try their products. Most vineyards sell by the litre as well as in bottles. A Corsican speciality, not to be missed is the local Muscat. This sweet, fruity dessert wine is produced in the Cap Corse. Also delicious served well chilled as an aperitif.
| Calvi | Ste Catherine, Calvi 20260 | Tel: 04 95 65 88 88 |
| Bastia | Poretta, Borgo 20290 | Tel: 04 95 54 54 54 |
| Figari | Sud Corse, Figari 20114 | Tel: 04 95 71 10 10 |
| Ajaccio | Campo dell 'Oro, Ajaccio 20090 | Tel: 04 95 23 56 56 |
We hope you won't need them, but just in case we have put together a list of the main number you might need in the event of an emergency.
| AMBULANCE | Tel: 15 |
| POLICE | Tel: 17 |
| FIRE | Tel: 18 |
| European Emergency call | Tel: 112 |
We hope that you will not experience any problems which you are on holiday, but please be aware that your contract of hire is with the owner. In the unlikely event that you do experience any problems during your stay, you should contact them or their representative directly on the telephone number shown on our website or on the top of the directions you have been sent - please make sure you take this with you. Please see our terms and conditions for full details.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - important information about your holiday
ARRIVAL AT YOUR ACCOMMODATION
At most properties, you will
not be able access the accommodation until the afternoon. This is because all the changeover day is the same for
all the accommodation and good cleaners are hard to find, so extra time needs to be allowed between the departure
of one set of guests and the arrival on another. Guests who have hired cars are advised to leave the luggage in
the car and either go to the beach or take a leisurely lunch whilst they are waiting. For guests who have not hired
a car, there is sometimes somewhere that you can leave your luggage whilst you are waiting. The owners and their
representatives will do everything possible to make sure you can arrive at your accommodation as early as possible,
and whilst we appreciate that all the flights from the UK arrive in the morning and you may have been up very early
on that day, we regret that we cannot arrange for you gain access to the property any earlier than the time stated
on your directions which will be sent to you approximately 2 weeks before departure.
STARTER PACKS; TEA,
COFFEE ETC.
Please be aware that unless otherwise stated in the description for the property, a starter pack is not provided.
Although the supermarkets are closed on Sundays, in each of the larger towns there is usually a grocery shop or
mini-market open at least during the mornings and often in the afternoon (closed over lunchtime, normally 12-3pm).
For details of shopping on Sundays in the area you will be staying, use the 'MAIN MENU' button at the bottom of
the section to return to the top of the page, then click on the link for the area in which you will be staying..
AIR CONDITIONING,
FANS AND SHUTTERS
Most properties in Corsica have been built to withstand the heat, so few with the exception of some of the larger
villas have air-conditioning or fans. Guests are advised to leave the shutters or curtains closed during the day
which will help to keep the accommodation cool. Should you wish to purchase fans, these can generally be found
in the supermarkets or shops such as GiFi or Weldom.
LINEN, SHEETS &
TOWELS ETC.
At most of our properties, linen is provided and is either included in the cost of the rental or offered as an
optional extra to be paid locally. Please check the property page on our website for full details. Where linen
is provided, this normally includes one bath towel and one hand towel per person, per week (where there is a washing
machine or laundry on site, this is sometimes just one towel per person, per week), sheets and pillow cases according
to the number of people occupying the house and a tea towel. If you are staying for two or more weeks, enough linen
will be provided at the beginning of your stay for a weekly change. You should bring your own beach/pool towels.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES
At some of the properties, there are additional charges or optional extras that must be paid locally. If any such
charges apply, they are detailed on our website together with the rental costs, and are also including on the payment
information sent to you before you confirm the holiday. Please make sure you take enough cash to cover any charges
payable on arrival such as taxe de sejour or an end of stay cleaning charge.
AT THE END OF YOUR
STAY; VILLAS & APARTMENTS
We respectfully ask all guests to leave the accommodation in the state in which they found it on arrival (rubbish
disposed of, washing up done and put away, clean and tidy with beds stripped) so that the cleaners can prepare
them for the next guests. The cleaners have a very limited time to service each of the apartments and if additional
housework is required in order to put the apartments in order before they are able to start cleaning, an additional
charge may be made.
RUBBISH
Unlike the UK, in Corsica the rubbish is not collected from individual properties. You will need to dispose of
your litter in the large plastic bins located in specific places in the region. These are normally large green
or brown bins which you will see at the side of the road, which are emptied every day from mid-June until mid September.
We advise that you take out your rubbish every day as otherwise it can attract vermin and pests to your accommodation
as well as smelling quite unpleasant in the heat .
MAIDS, COOKS, CLEANERS
& BABYSITTERS
As Corsica is a seasonal destination and many people have to work enough hours during the summer to sustain themselves
during the winter, it is incredibly difficult to find maids or cooks for just a week here and there. This may sometimes
be possible, but you should expect to pay approximately 30 euros an hour if you require cooking or extra cleaning
and approximately 30-40 euros an hour for a maid service. A good alternative to hiring a cook is to use the local
traiteurs - there is normally one in each town and the larger supermarkets in Bastia and Ajaccio also have them.
Here you can buy pre-cooked local dishes and specialities that you simply heat up at home. For babysitting, you
should expect to pay approximately 10-15 euros an hour (French speaker) or 15-20 euros an hour for an English speaker.
These services often need to be booked well in advance and some of them are only available in certain areas - please
ask for details or check in advance if there is something that is particularly important to you.
IN CASE OF PROBLEMS…
Please be aware that our role is that of a facilitator, translating the request from English to French for the
owner, and the reply from French to English for the clients. We will try to answer any queries you have and give
you any extra information you need to make your choice, however once the booking is made, the contract is established
directly between you and the owner. As we are a portal rather than a travel agent our tour operator, we do not
provide the services of a representative whilst you are on holiday so in the unlikely event that you experience
any problems during your stay, you should contact the owner of their representative direct on the telephone number
shown on the directions to find the property, which will be sent to you approximately 2 weeks before departure.
INSECTS AND REPTILES
As well as the usual creepy crawlies, there are a variety of insects and reptiles on the island which you may not
be familiar with at home. The vast majority are harmless but some may give a bite or sting that can cause discomfort.
The pharmacies in Corsica act more like mini-doctors surgeries and stock all manor of insect repellents and anti-histamines.
Plug in mosquito repellents can be found in the supermarkets and if you choose a spray for the skin, it is a good
idea to spray a little on the bed sheets and let it dry as that will help to keep them away from the bed altogether,
but this is not advised for children or if you have any cuts or grazes. We advise our guests not to leave food
out - especially sweet items - as these can encourage ants, field mice and other such 'pests'.
EATING, DRINKING &
UPSET STOMACHS
The tap water in Corsica is perfectly safe to drink (unless otherwise indicated) but can have a different mineral
content than you are used to in the UK so it can upset some people's stomachs. Most people prefer to stick to bottled
water as it can be chilled in the fridge. Make sure you drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. Do not drink
alcohol before swimming in a pool or in the sea and try to avoid drinking when sun bathing as this will dehydrate
you. Never drink alcohol if you are driving a hire car as it is illegal and any accident will not be covered by
your insurance.
WATER CUTS
Water in Corsica is precious and we ask all our guests to be mindful not to waste it. Although local water resources
are usually sufficient, if the weather has been exceptionally hot and dry supplies can be in high demand and restrictions
do have to be imposed by the local authorities. During high season it is always a good idea to be economical with
water supplies at all times. In the event of your water supply being stopped please contact the owner on the number
supplied on your directions who can investigate the cause and the expected duration of the cut.
DRIVING & ROAD
SAFETY
Always carry your documentation with you when driving; driving licence, passport, contract from the hire company
& insurance documents for the vehicle (if hiring from Avis, these will be provided in a handy wallet). It is
illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving in Corsica and the enforcement of this law is much more stringent
in Corsica than in the UK, so you can expect an on the spot fine. Always wear your seatbelt. Drink driving is illegal
and carries a fine of up to 3000 Euros (approx. £2000). The blood alcohol limit is lower in France than in
the UK, and the combination of sun and alcohol can be a deadly one - don't risk it. Take extra care driving after
rainfall, particularly after dry weather as the roads will be extremely slippery.
SPEED LIMITS
Unless otherwise indicated, a speed limit of 50km/h applies in built up areas. Outside built up areas and on single
carriageway main roads speed limits are 90km/h (80km/h in wet conditions), and on dual carriageways 110km/h (100km/h
in wet conditions). Random police checks are quite common, as are breathalyser checks.
BARBECUES
During high season (July and August) when the island is extremely dry, it is illegal in Corsica to hold barbecues
or fires in areas surrounded by trees. This is to prevent the start of the famous, fast spreading forest fires
which ravage the island every year. If your accommodation has a BBQ, please make sure that it is located well away
from any foliage and do not leave it unattended. Make sure that it is extinguished after use and never put hot
ashes in interior or plastic rubbish bins. It is best to refrain from using the BBQ when it is windy, even if there
are no trees around. Please clean the BBQ after you have used it .
Please make sure you
have read our terms
and conditions.
