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TRAINS IN CORSICA
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)
- Domaine de la Figarella
- one of our favourites, follow the road towards the airport and turn right about 2km before you reach the airport.
Offers a good selection and they are happy to let you taste.
- Domaine d'Alzipratu - Follow
the road towards Calenzana and the Domaine is on the left just past the village in the direction of Zilia. Very
good red and Rose.
- Domaine Orsini - Follow
the road towards Calenzana and the Domaine is on the right before you reach the village (you will see the signs).
Good selection of wines, aperitifs and local produce such as jams, sweets etc.
- Domaine Renucci - Next
to the Hotel Mare e Monti in Feliceto. Follow the D71 and you will see the hotel as you pass through the village.
A lovely Rose and good Reds.
Saint Florent, Patrimonio and Cap Corse (north east)
- Cave Lazzarini - one of
my favourites, you can visit the shop in the centre of Saint Florent or the Domaine on the D81 road out to Patrimonio.
Their red won a gold medal last year and the Muscat is some of the best on the island. They also produce some excellent
fruit wines and the Vin d'Orange is particularly nice.
- Orenga de Gaffroy - on
the D82 road between Saint Florent and Oletta. They produce a particularly crisp, fruity white which always remind
me of summer.
- Clos Nicrosi - Follow the
D80 north from Bastia to the Cap Corse, and right at the top you will pass through the village of Rogliano. Here
they produce one of Corsica's finest white wines, but demand far outstrips supply, so it is very sought after.
- Domaine de Gioelli - also
at Rogliano at the top of Cap Corse (follow the D80 north from Bastia). They produce an unusual sweet red wine
called Rapu.
Sartene, Propriano and the Valinco (south west)
- Domaine Fiumiccicoli -
between Sartene and Propriano, the 2002 red is particularly nice
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.
CORSICAN AIRPORTS
| 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 |
For all charter flights you should be at the airport to check in at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure
time.
If you have hired a car, you will need to return this full of Petrol.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
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 |
PROBLEMS WHILE YOU ARE AWAY
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.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
As visitors to another country, we at directCorsica.com recognise that we have a duty
to do what we can to help preserve this beautiful island for future generations.
By following a few simple guidelines and being sympathetic to your surroundings, you can help us to protect the
environment, respect local culture, conserve natural resources and minimise pollution so that the Corsica can continue
to flourish.
Thank you for taking the time and trouble to read this advice. We wish you
a very enjoyable to visit to Corsica, and thank you for helping us ensure that this beautiful island remains so
for years to come.
Out and about…
- Don't litter - always dispose of rubbish in the proper way.
- Avoid picking wild flowers as they may be endangered.
- Be aware of the wildlife in the areas you are staying.
- Understand the dangers of fire, particularly in the summer months:
- Dispose of cigarettes carefully - always check they are fully extinguished.
- Check for areas where barbecues are not permitted and always dispose of
charcoal responsibly.
- Adhere to any local restrictions imposed to protect the environment such
as water consumption.
Local Cultures, traditions and religions…
We encourage visitors to;
- Experience the local festivals and fetes
- Immerse themselves in the local culture
- To understand and respect the cultural, religious and social differences
of each destination
- Take an interest in the community in which they are staying
- Consider their neighbours by respecting their right to peace and quiet.
- Behave in a way that will not offend local people or their beliefs
- Buy locally produced goods
- Support local businesses such as shops, cafes and restaurants
- Visit local museums and places of interest.
Conserve Natural Resources and be aware that supplies can be limited
- Take a shower instead of having a bath
- Try to use washing machines & dishwashers sparingly, and only when full
- Don't overfill kettles
- Don't leave air-conditioning units running whilst out - shut the shutters
to keep the house cool
- Turn off the lights when you leave the room
- Try to conserve energy wherever possible
Pollution through noise, waste disposal and congestion
- During the summer months, roads can get quite busy - why not try local public
transport.
- Turn off your engine if you get stuck in traffic.
- Try to avoid travelling at the busiest times of the day.
- Try alternative travel means such as cycling or hiking!
- Dispose of all waste responsibly
- Recycle glass, cans & plastic containers wherever possible
- Never leave litter - always dispose of rubbish responsibly
- Take care when selecting and using cleaning products - some chemical cleaners
can damage septic tanks and pollute the environment. Always try to use organic cleaning products.
Recycling
- Recycling bins are plentiful next to household bins near residential blocks
and the following can be recycled:
- BLUE bins - all paper and cardboard packets
- YELLOW bins - tins, cans, plastic bottles and tetra pak cartons (fruit juice
etc)
- GREEN bins - all glass bottles and jars
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