Over the years, our staff have visited many of the properties featured on our site. This is a new area to our site, and new reviews will be added as and when they are written.

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Marie-Diane Monti a lu Marinu Citadel Apartments Chez Guillaume La Piazza Ronda Chez Ann Villa Lorenzoni Maisons Ceccaldi Les Balcons du Valinco Hotel Les Arbousiers Maison Filippi Casa Altiani A Petra Tufunata Apartment Acacias Antonia's B&B La Siesta Terra Marina Villa les Agriates l'Alivu & u Castagnu Villas Piazze 3 & 4 Residence du Rateau Bavoir CalviSun Le Palmier Les Lentisques

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We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an individual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.

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We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Residence Marie-Diane, Propriano Marie-Diane is one of my favourite properties that we feature, because I think it has just so much to offer, and people are always happy when they stay here. I have stayed here several times myself over the years, and Charles and Suzy in particular are so welcoming and eager to please, it really makes a difference. The apartments are small, so really idea for a couple or a small family rather than all adults, but they are well looked after and each time I visit out of season, I always seem to catch them in the middle of giving the apartments a fresh lick of paint, or adding new furniture to make sure they are well and truly up to scratch! For a while I actually lived almost opposite the residence, and for me one of the best things about the location was that I could walk down to the bakery in the morning and get fresh croissants or pain au chocolat and then wander back down to the town again in the afternoon or to the beach without too much effort. It is unusual to find somewhere that is so close to all the amenities but at the same time quiet and peaceful! The beaches in the area are absolutely fantastic and what I really liked was that you can nearly always find a secluded cove if you're prepared to hop in the car for a few minutes. My favourites were at the top of the Chemin des Plages (although I'd recommend trainers or non-slip shoes to clamber down the hillside), and the little coves and inlets along the road towards Porto Pollo. They are not always obvious, but I think exploring is half the fun! If you want a little more activity, you can often find volleyball or football being played on the Plage du Phare which you can walk to from the residence. There is also a beach bar here where they do some lovely salads as well as snacks and ice creams, so you can stay all day… I have just been up to see Suzy at Marie-Diane as I always do when I arrive in Propriano, and I have to say that I am really impressed with Les Lentisques! The white washed walls form a nice contrast to the accent colours of the furnishings, and give the house a fresh feel when it is hot and sunny outside like today. The quality and attention to detail really shows, from the intricate light fittings to the hand-made wardrobes. From the master bedroom the main window looks out towards the sea, but I particularly like the extra porthole window with views of the neighbouring field. The back garden is a really nice space for kids to play or equally for the adults to relax with an aperitif when the children are in bed and the Lentisques tree from which the house takes its name gives a shady corner if you want to excape the full glare of the sun. It feels quite private even though there are others around you, and in the evenings it is lovely to hear the cow bells as they make their way home. In my opinion, Suzy and Charles have done a grand job and I think this house is an ideal base for a family, two couples or even just a couple looking for good quality accommodation with a bit of extra space.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		La Piazza Ronda, Propriano What a fantastic place for a house party. I was lucky enough to stay here with a large group of friends and we found it was ideal; there was enough room that we could socialise and eat together, but at the same time we all had our privacy if we wanted it. For us, the best feature was the summer kitchen on the main terrace which meant that we could all sit outside chatting and sampling the wine while the boys did all the cooking! There is also a great takeaway pizza place just a few minutes up the road if you want something quick and easy - they have a traditional wood pizza oven and cook authentic Italian style pizzas while you wait - delicious! The kids loved the huge pool and again the vine-covered terrace meant that we could sit and relax while they played safely within reach. The garden was a godsend because they could run around to their heart's content and tire themselves out, but you do have to keep an eye on the little ones because it's not completely enclosed and we didn't want any escapees! There are no near neighbours either, so we weren't worried about disturbing anyone when we were chatting outside in the evenings. Mme. Petitpas told me that the art on the walls is mostly the work of her daughter and there are some very original pieces. The views are lovely, particularly in the evening from the main room on the top floor, but we found that we spent most of our time outside, so didn't really get to appreciate it fully. I love exploring and I found some really picturesque beaches along the road to Porto Pollo, We also discovered an Oriu in the woodland near Chera that reminded me of the witch's house from Hansel and Gretl, but my lasting impression of the south will be the drive across the Col de Bavella, a fantastic spot for walkers, but well worth a visit for anyone for the awe-inspiring scenery. In my opinion, this house is best enjoyed by a couple of families or a group of friends. A small party may feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer size of the property but fill it with life and laughter, and you'll see it at its best.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Chez Ann, Calenzana Chez Ann actually belongs to a friend of mine, so I have visited many times over the years and have fond memories of the apartment. Ann has since moved to a bigger house as her family has grown, but I have often stayed in the apartment on my frequent visits to Corsica. Calenzana is one of my favourite villages as it combines everything I love most about the island. There is a real feeling of being immersed in village life here, and the beignets (doughnuts) they cook fresh each day from a little bakery in one of the narrow streets are simply heavenly! The village has its own saint; St Restitude, whose remains are kept in the chapel at the edge of the village. This year I was lucky enough to be there for her Saints day, 21st May, when there is a candlelight procession through the village. The villagers gather in the church square and follow the confreres as they carry the remains through the streets, chanting. The route is lined with candles and flowers which also adorn many of the houses. It was a very moving experience even for the non-religious, and definitely one not be missed if you happen to find yourself in the Balagne at the right time. Although it's a village location, I love the beach and it's not that far. Calvi is the nearest and fantastic for kids as it's so shallow, but I prefer Algajola with it's huge stretch of sand and plenty of room to find a quiet spot. Don't miss the villages and the best way is to follow the Strada di l'Artigiani (the crafts trail) which will take you through all the prettiest villages and you're bound to find some interesting souvenirs along the way. The tourist office in Calvi can give you more information. I always try to eat at Chez Michel when I'm in Calenzana. We have always had fantastic food and the Sanglier and baby lamb are both absolutely delicious, but I have heard mixed reports from other visitors. Chez Edgar at Lavatoggio is excellent and I've also heard a lot of good reports about Chez Charles at Lumio. The apartment itself is typical of an old Corsican house. All the rooms lead off the large main living room, and I love the original features such as the doors and tiled floors. For me, the chiming of the bell tower is a bit of an event and serves as a poignant reminder that when I am in Corsica, I am about as far removed from my life in England as it's possible to get. Somehow, when we arrive, I always expect to hear the pilot say 'You are now arriving in Corsica, please turn your watches back 50 years'…

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Villa Lorenzoni, Calvi For me, what stands out about Villa Lorenzoni is that it is one of the few places that has a pool and is still close to the beach - the Corsican's just don't understand the English love of pools! The owners, Pat and Jean are close friends, and work very hard to make sure everyone who stays here has a memorable holiday and wants to come back again and again. When I was staying with them in the summer, Pat even whipped up dinner for eight at the drop of a hat for clients who arrived late on a delayed flight! It is lucky that Jean is such a keen gardener as there is always plenty of home-grown fruit and vegetables for the family and guests alike. The house itself was originally built for Pat's father, so has a lot of the home comforts you don't always find in holiday homes. It is very traditional in style which can sometimes seem a little old fashioned, but it is spacious, and a lot of care and attention goes into making sure it is clean and well maintained. Pat tells me that she and Jean often stay there themselves during the winter! Personally, I love the upstairs terrace. It's nice and quiet and has a lovely view over Calvi to the sea - especially good if you happen to be there on the 15th August when there is a huge celebration in Calvi, as you get a fantastic view of the fireworks and laser light show without having to brave the crowds on the port. Kids will love playing on the swings and amongst the fruit trees, and there is nothing Pat & Jean like more than to see a family enjoying the pool as their own children did when they were small. The location is ideal because it is peaceful and quite, but you are just a couple of minutes from Calvi beach which is fantastic for kids as it's so shallow. I prefer to head out to the rocks at Lumio where there is a lovely view over the sea to Calvi Citadel, or go just a little further to Algajola where the sea is quite deep, but the most gorgeous shade of blue.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Maisons Ceccaldi, Lama I first sent my parents to Lama about 5 or 6 years ago. They were looking for somewhere to go with my brother and his wife, so I suggested the Maison Ceccaldi and they absolutely loved it and still talk about it now to anyone who will listen! They didn't explore much because my parents were a bit nervous of the mountain roads - they have never driven abroad before. They did manage to visit the pottery to buy me a souvenir, but they couldn't tell me where it was because it was so hot they had all the windows open in the car and map blew away! They visited both Lozari & Ostriconi beaches, but said that they preferred Lozari. On the days when they stayed in the village, my brother and his wife spent a lot of time in the village pool and following the footpaths around the village whilst my parents were happy to relax on the terrace because my mum burns easily, so she prefers a bit of shade. My dad made friends with the owner, Roger Filippi, despite the fact that he doesn't speak a word of French and Roger's English is very limited, but they still ask after each other. They were even interviewed by a American television crew who were making a documentary about the village and the regeneration program. All in all, they had a fantastic holiday and would love to go back, but they keep discovering other areas of Corsica they like just as much. Decisions, decisions…

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Les Balcons du Valinco, Cappiciolo I haven't actually stayed at the apartments although I have visited many times this summer and have seen inside nearly all of them. I also took most of the pictures shown on the website. The apartments are quite simple, but I liked the fresh combination of the white walls and vibrant Mediterranean colours for the soft furnishings. The landscaping and oleander bushes that separate the apartments and terraces give the place a feeling of mini-villas rather than apartments, and you certainly don't feel on top of one another. About half of the apartments are let to French and Dutch clients who all prefer the beach, so in all the times I visited, I only ever saw two people using the pool! As you can see from the photos, when I visited it was very hot and sunny, and I really liked the vine covered area next to the pool so you can relax in the shade but still keep an eye on the kids - a simple idea, but a nice touch. The owner tells me that he plans to install a heater for the pool this autumn/winter so guests will be able to swim comfortably even out of the main season. From the residence, you can see the nearest beach, but personally I prefer to look for the quieter, more secluded areas, and there are plenty to be found along the this stretch of coast. The main town of Propriano isn't far and there's a good choice of restaurants such as U Pescadori (the fish soup is some of the best I've tasted), but for the real taste of Corsica, head inland to the villages like Olmeto and Sartene.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Hotel les Arbousiers, Calvi What I particularly like about the Hotel les Arbousiers is the location, and the fact that it is so reasonably priced - you can't really go wrong at just £29 - £41 a night for 2 people can you! The rooms themselves are fairly simple, and the décor is a little old fashioned, but in a nice Corsican way (lots of wood) so that the style suits the hotel. I think this is an ideal base for a couple because you can wander into the town and also to the beach which is great if you want a glass or two of wine with dinner, and don't want to have to worry about driving back to your hotel/apartment afterwards. The courtyard terrace at the front of the hotel is nicely arranged, but to be honest you are so close to the town and the port, most people tend to do their people-watching there. Calvi has such a lot to offer, that I always recommend that people stay on a B&B basis (or self catering) rather than half board, so they can make the most of the range of restaurants scattered through the narrow cobbled streets and along the port. One of my favourites in the 'U Minellu' in one of the little side streets close to the church. Last time I was there, the sanglier and pullenta was excellent! If you want to splash out a bit, try the l'Abri Cotier overlooking the marina, but one of my favourite things was to head to the beach in the evening when it is quieter, and watch the sun setting while we cooked our Mergeze sausages on the disposable barbecue - delicious! If you are hiring a car, be sure to explore the villages of the Haute Balagne. The tourist office in the town have lots of information about the Strada di l'Artigiani (crafts trail) which is a route through the villages where you can visit local craftsmen. If you have decided not to hire a car, you can always take the trinicellu (little train) along the coast - that's an experience in itself!

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Maison Filippi, Barbaggio Roger and Marie-Claire Filippi are amongst our oldest Corsican friends, and I can still remember the day back in 1991 when we sat on the terrace and discussed how they planned to restore and convert the beautiful old Corsican house that has been in their family for generations. Having undertaken the conversion of our own village house, I know how difficult it can be to incorporate today's comforts without sacrificing the traditional layout and authentic feel of an old house, so it is nice to see that in Maison Filippi, Roger and Marie-Claire seem to have struck a good balance. Over the years, we have spent many a happy hour or more dining with the family on the terrace or in the house, but the terrace is my favourite place, particularly in the evenings - those sunsets! We often pick fresh figs from the garden to go with our cheese course, and the fresh lemons come in handy for gin and tonic! Roger is also the owner of the Maisons Ceccaldi in Lama, and - as a holiday home professional myself - I have always been very happy with his approach to clients' comfort and welfare. He loves to interact with guests (although he doesn't make a nuisance of himself) and he has even managed to learn quite a bit of English over the years. My house is in Olmi Cappella so I have to be loyal to that area, but I must admit to being charmed by St. Florent - a happy blend of traditional Corsica and South of France chic with a good selection of fish restaurants. I also love the nearby villages, particularly Olmeto - a truly Corsican village where we regularly buy Muscat - and Patrimonio, possibly the best known wine village in Corsica. And the Pisan church at St. Michel di Murato is quite stunning.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Casa Altiani, Olmi-Cappella I have to admit to being the owner of this house! We bought it in 2002 in a sound but unfinished condition, and have since invested a lot of time and money bringing it up to its present lovely state. Having owned a 2 bedroom village house in Speloncato for over 22 years, we bought and furnished this house first and foremost as a holiday home for us and our now very extended family - we have high standards and are confident that everyone who stays there will find all the comforts they expect. Casa Altiani is the 'Casa di Sgio' (Maison de Maitre or Manor House) of the village of Olmi Cappella. In earlier times, villagers would climb the hillside to bring their 'tithes' to the lord of the manor - lambs, hams, cheeses, oil, wine - a custom which we would dearly love to reintroduce! although the generosity of the local people makes up for the demise of this custom. The house was bought in 1988 by a Corsican army officer from the elderly last survivors of the Guidicelli family who had owned the house for generations. It was then in a very poor state, and the new owner and his wife, an antiques enthusiast, set about restoring it, keeping existing features and using old materials where necessary. They did an excellent job and it broke his heart when at the end of the renovation programme his wife decided she wanted to sell. I love the space - even with the house full there is a quiet corner for everyone - and the atmosphere: you really feel you are part of the Corsican way of life, yet with all mod cons and Oh! the pool! This must be one of the most dramatic in the whole of Corsica. The Giunssani has always been one of my favourite places in the world, or at least since I discovered it 24 years ago. There is a timelessness about the villages and the stone-paved mulepaths that connect them. The mountains are beautiful yet accessible. The rivers cry out for hot summer day picnics. The ancient chestnut trees and cork oaks soften the valley and provide shade for the cows and sheep that graze this area. Yet 40 minutes brings you to a hot sandy beach and the blue Med. Sitting, eating, drinking on the stone-paved terrace overlooking the pool and across to the mountains of Haute Corse with all the family and a lot of friends is a truly perfect thing to do.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		A Petra Tufunata, Speloncato We owned a village house in Speloncato for 22 years until we sold it in 2004, so this really still feels like 'mon village'. Speloncato is one of the most beautiful of the Balagna villages, perched high at 600 metres and looking across the Regino valley to the sea. Villa A Petra Tufunata started life as a restaurant, built about 4 years ago. Last year, Dominique Ambrosini, the owner, decided to convert it into a villa with pool and it is now a very comfortable holiday home with four bedrooms. A word about its name. If you look west from Speloncato, you will see that the profile of the mountainside has a hole in it - closer inspection shows it to be a tunnel through the rock. This is the 'petra tufunata', or pierced rock. Twice a year, in September and March, the sun sets behind the mountain side, and then shines again through the hole in the rock straight into the village square - quite an eerie moment! The views from the villa and its terrace are quite stunning - looking out over the whole of this part of the Balagna to the sea. On a really clear day it is possible to see the Alpes Maritimes on mainland France. But what I really like about this villa is its situation. A few minutes walk along a quiet, almost traffic free lane will bring you to the village square which bustles with life during the summer. Sitting drinking an aperitif at one of the bars on the square, you become mesmerised by the comings and going of the village and its visitors and as a resident you really feel part of it. There is a village shop, handy for early morning fresh bread and croissants, and a restaurant. The beach is an easy half an hour's drive away, and if you head up instead of down you come to the magical Giussani region of chestnut trees, cork oaks, pine forests and rivers.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Apartment Acacias, Calvi I have known this apartment for many years, and stayed there once about 10 years ago when I was on a Corsican Places working trip. I thought it would be convenient and central, but surprised myself by falling for the charm of a Calvi town base. I loved waking up in the morning and looking out from the balcony to see Calvi waking up - shops opening up, people hurrying to work, or to collect their bread from the boulangerie. I loved crossing Boulevard Wilson to buy my breakfast 'pain aux raisins'. It is true that the apartment is fairly simple - just a couple of hob rings and a fridge, but there are so many good restaurants within just a couple of minutes walk that it really would be a travesty not to try as many as possible! I particularly enjoyed wandering out in the evening and down into the old town where shops bars and restaurants spill out onto the pavement and you can spend the evening sitting and watching the world go by. Had I been on holiday and not working, I would no doubt have enjoyed walking to the beach after breakfast, or perhaps wandering round the Citadel before lunch at one of the restaurants on the Marina, or on the beach. I was quite sad when it was time to leave this charming little apartment and head south!

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Antonia's chambre d'hote (B&B), Olmi Cappella I was really looking forward to staying at Antonia's Chambre d'hote, as it sounded as if both she and her house were full of character. I was certainly not disappointed - we were given a wonderful welcome by Antonia and shown to our rooms, where the shutters were thrown open to reveal breathtaking views of the mountains and village. The house itself is intriguing, with winding staircases and sloping wooden floors, and is authentically furnished with original antique pieces and large, comfortable beds, and I was particularly impressed by the comfortable sitting room, where you can curl up with a book or magazine before going out for a copious Corsican dinner at the local Table d'hote. Breakfast the next day was superb and served against the backdrop of the mountains - who could ask for a better start to the day! I absolutely fell in love with the village of Olmi Capella and the surrounding area - having spent my childhood in a mountainous area of Africa I felt immediately at home there, and only wished I could have spent a bit longer exploring the different walks - that's for my next visit! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Antonia and her husband Francois are very old friends of mine. They owned and run the restaurant La Tornadia, famous in the area for copious traditional Corsican food, and we often used to stop there until they sold it about 3 years ago. Now they have turned their home - one of the largest houses in Olmi Cappella - into a bed and breakfast establishment, with five en suite bedrooms, comfortable and full of character. We have a house in the same village, and while we were doing the renovations, we often used to stay with Antonia if we couldn't stay in our own house (especially last winter when the snow arrived before our workmen who were due to install the heating!!). Antonia is a natural host, and enjoys nothing more than welcoming guests into her home. What really surprised me was that although the rooms are traditionally Corsican in style, the bathrooms are modern and newly fitted out - a perfect combination. And what could be better than being served breakfast on the terrace looking out to the mountains. When we told Antonia about our new venture, she asked if we would feature her B&B on her website, and I have been thrilled to see the positive comments from all the guests that have stayed there. It is so nice to see that they too are treated like old friends. I love the Giussani - after all, we bought a house there! This area is marvellous for walking, and from Antonia's doorstep you can head off for walks in many directions, from easy strolls to serious hiking. Antonia will pack you a picnic if you like, and with notice will prepare one of her copious dinners for your return (except during August). Lots of people ask us to recommend walks, so I have put together four different routes that you can follow from Antonia's doorstep - follow the link form the main page and enjoy...

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		La Siesta, Regino Valley I have known the Regino valley, the easternmost part of the Balagna, for 24 years, so when Pierrette Papi called me to ask if she could let her villa through the website I was surprised that I had never seen it. The reason is that it is tucked away in a peaceful corner off the lane that leads down to the beach, and set in a very mature garden which screens it from sight. She invited us to go and see it, and I was delighted that we were going to be able to offer it to let through the website because I knew it would be just the sort of thing our clients like - comfortable and reasonably priced with a pool and not too far from the beach. I wasn't wrong as it has already proved to be one of our most popular villas. The Regino valley is one of the world's magic places. Before the second World War, we are told that to look down on the valley was like looking down at a grey sea, so covered in olive trees was it. Sadly, with the manpower gone to war much of the land fell into disrepair, and without proper maintenance fires destroyed many of the old olive trees. The good news is that over the past decade or two grants have enabled the replanting of olive groves and other agriculture, so that this valley once more feels like a cared for corner. You can buy local olive oil, wine and cheese within a short drive of the villa, and Mr. Papi grows an abundance of vegetables next to the garden which he may share with you!

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Residence Terra Marina, Bonifacio I first saw these ten mini-villas when they were being built in the early nineties, and it is one of the few Residences that I have stayed in. Josephine Amadei runs this residence with an artistic and professional touch. She is charming - very Bonifacienne and, like the area, more Italian than the people of northern Corsica. She has brought her unique style to the décor of the min-villas which all have a distinctive Mediterrean feel. As with so many properties in Corsica, the views are a knockout. You look across the natural harbour to the town of Bonifacio then out to sea to Sardinia in the distance - magic! What I particularly like about the location is that it is quiet and peaceful, surrounded as you are by ancient olive tress and high drystone walls reminiscent of times past, and yet you can still walk to the town (although it is uphill on the way back and you'll need a torch if you want to walk back after dinner!). Bonifacio itself is one of my favourite towns and I always visit whenever I am in the south of the island. The citadel is fairly unusual in that it is home to shops and restaurants rather than just houses, and there is a superb ice cream parlour as you wander down from the war memorial - so many flavours, so many calories! For atmosphere, you can't beat the marine cemetery at the top of the citadel where you can't help but feel the sense of calm and peace. Take my tip though and don't try to walk up - there are more steps than you think, and in the heat it's hard going. The little dotto train runs from the port up to the top of the citadel and it's fairly cheap. I'd recommend taking the train up and walking down so you can save your energies for more pleasurable pursuits.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Villa les Agriates, Sant'Ambroggio I have known Villa Les Agriates and its owner since the early nineties. It was one of the first properties I took on as the owner of Corsican Places and it has always been one of my favourites - an ideal family holiday home. Madame Ferrando, the owner, lives in Val d'Isere, where she runs a ski chalet business and boutique, and this is her family holiday home (her husband is Corsican). The interior is very spacious, more so than a lot of properties - the huge dining table can comfortably accommodate 12 people and amazingly despite its size, doesn't seem to dominate the room. When I visited last time, Mme Ferrando and her family were in residence and she proudly showed me the new shower rooms on the ground floor which they had recently completely re-done. The very large shady terrace with its glimpses of the sea, is ideal for al fresco living, but one of my favourite parts of the house is the little terrace off the master bedroom at the top of the house - perfect if you want to hide away from the family for an hour or two and while you soak up the sun! What is particularly nice is to be able to stroll down to the beach in a few minutes. There is quite a bit of life at the Sant'Ambroggio beach in the summer - bars, restaurants, shops, water sports - so would be great for teenagers looking for independence in a safe environment. If I wanted to take my family to Corsica and my house - Casa Altiani - were booked, Agriates would be a strong contender as a substitute.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Chez Guillaume, Propriano Chez Guillaume is where I choose to take my holidays each year, and 2006 was no exception! The first time I stayed at here was about 7 years ago when my partner and I decided to take our holidays with my brother and his wife. I was a little nervous at first as I was worried that a one bedroom apartment might be a bit small for 4 adults, but I was very pleasantly surprised by the feeling of space and that we didn't feel as though we were all living on top of one another. Since then I have stayed here on several occasions, and last year I was lucky enough to stay for 2 months! For me, you really can't beat the location - just a few minutes walk down to the town and the restaurants - I love the Riva Bella on the port who have 'poached' their chef from one of the other restaurants, so you now get the same good quality for half the price! The apartment itself is airy and homely and I particularly like the décor of warm Mediterranean colours which I think gives the apartment a real summery feeling. The cooking facilities are fairly simple - a couple of hob rings and a mini-oven, but I didn't find that to be an issue even being there for such a long time. Although the apartment is close to the town, Les Hameaux is really quiet and sometimes when I was wandering up to one of the pools it seemed like there was no one else around. There are actually four pools open during the summer, but I found that I spent more of my time at the beach because I found the sound of the sea really relaxing. From the apartment, you can walk to the Plage du Phare which is the beach with the lighthouse at the other side of the town, and reward yourself with a refreshing ice cream or one of the delicious crepes! If you're feeling energetic you can also walk up to the beach at the to of the Chemin des Plages, but it is quite a way, so I used to take the car for this one…

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		l'Alivu & u Castagnu, Morosaglia Mr Luciani is one of my favourite proprietors as he is always so welcoming and keen for people to get the most from their holidays, so I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit him on a recent trip to the north. It was the first time that I had visited these properties and the first thing that struck me was how quickly I managed to get from the town of Ponte Leccia up to the village. I had always imagined Morosaglia to be very remote and isolated, so I had allowed myself half an hour for the journey between the two, but I found myself there in just 15 minutes! The houses themselves were also a pleasant surprise and I particularly liked l'Alivu, the smaller one. The houses are full of original features and I commented to Mr Luciani about the doors because they were all quite small (so extra care for tall people!) and he reminded me that the building dates back to the 17th century and of course people were much smaller then. He also told me that originally the ground floor would have been used for the animals which is why in most old Corsican houses the salon/living room is on the first floor. The bedrooms and bathrooms in particular were all more spacious that I had imagined and I couldn't believe the amount of outdoor space that is shared between the two houses, so even if both are filled to capacity, you will still be able to find a quiet corner to relax undisturbed. There are lots of quirky little touches like areas of exposed wall here and there, and ancient tools and artifacts adorn the walls of the salon in u Castagnu. I have to say that although I loved the vaulted ceilings in u Castagnu and there is without doubt more space, I personally prefer l'Alivu as it had a more homely feel to it. Looking at the map I had always imagined that the beaches of the east coast such as Moriani would be the nearest, but having seen how quickly one can get to Ponte Leccia, Lozari and Ostriconi in the Balagne are just as easy.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Villas Piazza 3 & 4, Sant'Ambroggio I love visiting new properties as I always think that there is no substitute for first hand knowledge, so when Daphne and her son invited me to lunch with them at Villas Piazze 3 & 4, I jumped at the chance! Over the years I have visted several of the little bungalows in this area but I can honestly say that these two are the nicest and without doubt the most cared for of those I have seen. Daphne obviously has a creative flair as both apartments have been extensively modernised and improved, even to the extent of moving walls to make the best use of the space. She always has a little project on the go during the winter months whether it is adding a second en-suite shower room in No. 3 or an extra window in No 4 - and who wouldn't want to take full advantage of that view!! For me, the terraces are just lovely. Each bungalow has two distinct areas; one which is ideal as an eating area with an awning to provide some welcome shade, and a lower area overlooking the beach which is furnished with easy chairs, loungers and a large parasol. Having seen them for myself, I can now appreciate why these little places are so popular, and Daphne tells me that she has already started taking bookings for 2007, so you'll need to be quick if you want one as they are normally fully booked by January!!

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Residence du Rateau Bavoir, Calvi Years ago, before I had my children and when I was lucky enough to be living in Calvi, I visited a restaurant one evening named the "Rateau Bavoir" (now called Le Cabanon). The owner, Monsieur Robert Cardi, was well-known by the locals for his culinary talents and the meal he served my large party was excellent. The evening spent was equally memorable for the location of the restaurant. There is now holiday accommodation by the same name. I distinctly remember crossing the road, wandering through the pinede (the pine forest which runs behind Calvi beach) and back along the gorgeous beach to the sound of the water gently lapping onto the squeaky clean sand, the lights of the town twinkling on the sea, for after-dinner drinks in Calvi port. The walk took me around 15 minutes. I left the island to have my two children and the first holiday we all took (and many since) had to be in the Balagne! My choice of holiday accommodation was to be the Rateau Bavoir. For reasons just mentioned, the first attraction was the location. If you wish to be in marvellously close proximity to the beach, within walking distance of the town and also to a good supermarket plus walks through the pine forest, you can't beat it. It was especially appealing to me having babies/children under ten because I could return to the accommodation so easily if I'd forgotten something or if someone got too tired or too hot. The beach here is perfect for babies and small children. The shallow, turquoise sea stretches right out and there are no currents to worry about. There are several beach bars/restaurants to snack or lunch at, and pedalos, dinghies, windsurf boards, etc. to hire, but even in August it doesn't feel too hectic. At lunchtime, I loved being able to go back to the Rateau Bavoir to eat at our "bungalow" and relax while the little ones had a nap. M. Cardi has cultivated beautiful Meditteranean gardens around the individual "residences" and the pretty swimming pool. These lend shade to the accommodation and help to maintain the peace and tranquillity of the site. I loved being able to forget about having a car and quite easily visit the town for the shops, cafes and restaurants. The accommodation itself is fairly basic and that suited us - no clutter to make life harder and nothing for the baby and toddler to hurt themselves on, although of course you have to be aware that the pool is there and not let them wander away from the living area. I returned with the children a couple of years later and all the things just mentioned still suited us. In addition to those, my children were at an age where I could allow them a bit more freedom and they enjoyed exploring the grounds and playing with the other children on the little complex. It's too small to become very noisy or busy and M. Cardi expects people to respect the other residents' peace therefore making it suitable for people without children too. We especially enjoyed using the swimming pool which we quite often got to ourselves. Everyone loved the barbecues which we had most evenings on our self-contained patio, and the children played several rounds of mini-golf on the course in the grounds which gave me some precious free moments. By our third visit, when we shared the accommodation with friends, the children felt quite proud to show the others around. We all enjoyed using the michelin train which stops in the pinede to visit other beaches and small towns and we also hired a car for a couple of days to visit the nearby mountain villages. By this time, I hoped that the children could appreciate the delights of the Corsican culture and I took much pleasure in re-visiting favourite corners and seeing the stunning sights which greet you around every corner. So, for families with small children the Rateau Bavoir is ideal but I also met people with happy older children. Couples who loved the location, felt that it was a peaceful environment and were untroubled by any youngsters who were staying there. My family has memories which we will always treasure.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		CalviSun Apartments, Calvi I first visited the CalviSun apartments in 2006 and it was a pleasant surprise to find apartments of this quality so close to the beach in Calvi. I think the situation is ideal. What could be better than strolling into Calvi for a meal and maybe and after dinner drink on the port before wandering back along the sandy beach and then across the road to the apartment - the walk will only take you about 15 minutes. Families will also appreciate the location as it's easy to pop back at lunchtime, for an afternoon siesta or if you've forgotten teddy and he simply has to go too! The superb sandy beach here stretches for miles and there are beach/snack bars if you don't want to go back to the apartment or into town. The sea is really shallow with vitually no current so it's idea for children or those that perhaps aren't strong swimmers, but personally I like nothing better than to relax in the sun with the superb view of Calvi Citadel to gaze over while I can hear the sounds of the water gently lapping the shore - bliss. However, if you're feeling a bit more energetic or you have teenagers to occupy, there is a sailing school and pedalos, dinghies, windsurf boards, etc. to hire, but even in August it doesn't feel too hectic. The apartments themselves have been thoughtfully equipped with good quality fixtures. Personally, I prefer the smaller apartments as I think they have a nice, cosy feel to them, but the larger apartments have a really good-sized main room so I'm sure that families would appreciate the extra space. The apartments at the front of the building are set back from the road and have a large terrace that runs the width of the apartment with access from the living room and bedroom. I did notice a bit of traffic noice when we were on the terrace, but inside the apartment I didn't notice it at all. The apartments at the back have two separate terraces/balconies, but personally I preferred the larger terrace of the apartments at the front of the building even if there was a little bit of noise as I like to be nosy and watch the world go by! The friendly owners, Paolo & Luisella, are really keen to help you get the best from your stay and Paolo has been know to pop over from Milan to welcome guests personally when he has time - how's that for personal service!

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Citadel Apartments, Calvi Calvi Citadel is one of my favourite places to stay. I love to wander through the little cobbled streets, visit the cathedral and often come across a little art exhibition tucked away amongst the houses! Apartment Maime (3 bedrooms) was the first apartment to be renovated and looking back I still can't quite believe the transformation. The building is built into the side of the rock so the entrance is at ground level from one side, but the other side is higher giving magnificent sea views from the balcony and the living room. Chez Tao - the famous piano bar - is just below, so in the height of the summer you can sometimes hear music wafting up on the breeze, but the thick walls and double glazed windows mean that you can still enjoy a peaceful night's sleep. Apartment l'Eveque (1 bedroom) was the second apartment to be renovated and this is on the third floor of the same building. Like many old buildings, the rooms are not quite square which only adds to the charm in my opinion. Local craftsmen were brought in to make the best of the space and now it is a beautiful spot for a couple. The panoramic views from the balcony are simply superb and three sets of French doors flood the main room with light. Next came Apartment Carla (2 bedrooms) and Apartment Yohann (1 bedroom). Both on the third floor, Carla has been designed for two couples - both bedrooms have double beds and each has an en-suite bath/shower room. There is also a lovely balcony which is shared between the two and has lovely views. Apartment Yohann is perhaps my favourite of all the apartments. It is ideal for a couple. The layout is a little different from the others but for me the jewel in the crown is the little stone terrace at the side. Unlike a traditional balcony with railings, the walls of the terrace afford greater privacy and there is a little ledge with cushions as well as a table and chairs. Most recently added are Apartment Georges (2 bedrooms) and Apartment Mattéo (1 bedroom). Georges is another favourite for me as I adore the vibrant accent colours and the features such as the archway leading from the min room to the spacious modern kitchen. Again, both bedrooms have double beds and although there is no balcony or terrace, the big windows have lovely views. Mattéo has an unusual layout in as much as there is a separate seating area in a large alcove off the main living room, and the large bedroom is one of the few with sea views on two sides. If you have any possibility to visit when there is a celebration or festival, the Citadel really comes alive. There are always fireworks, music and a laser light show over the Citadel to celebrate the 15th August, and during early June there are open air jazz concerts during the festival. I was lucky enough to visit for Santa Maria (15 August) last year and it was something I will never forget.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Le Palmier, Abbartello When Vanessa mentioned to me that she had 'a little apartment near the beach' to show me, I really wasn't expecting anything like Le Palmier and I loved it! The apartment was bigger than I had expected (particularly the bathroom) and I was really impressed by the quality of fixtures and fittings. Vanessa explained to me that they had furnished it much like they would there own home, so there are lots of little added extras that make Le Palmier a real home from home. There is a small terrace at the front of the apartment with sea views but I preferred the garden area below where there was a table and chairs with a big parasol and natural shade from the huge palm tree. I was really surprised when Vanessa said that this area was for the exclusive use of the guests staying in the apartment as it was such a nice little bonus, that I quite expected the owners to want to use it too! As she has two small children of her own, Vanessa was also keen to point out shat she can provide a cot and highchair, and it is nice for the children to be able to make friends. Without doubt, one of the highlights of this apartment is the situation. Just a few minutes easy walk from the beach, yet quiet and peaceful - who could ask for more! There are two reasonably priced beachside restaurants within walking distance which is great if you don't want to worry about taking the car in the evenings. The beach itself is one of my favourites and I always come to Abbartello when I have the chance, even when I am staying on the other side of the bay. There is a long stretc that can get quite busy, but there are also little coves and criques where you can often find a spot all to yourselves. All in all, Le Palmier is one of my favourite properties; good situation, friendly owners, and excellent value for money. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it either to couples or families as I think it is equally suitable for either.

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Monti a lu Marinu, Cappiciolo - owner review Over the years we have both lived abroad and travelled extensively, but in Villa Monti a lu Marinu we found our ideal holiday base - comfortable all-year round accommodation in a stunning location that we still rate as one of the best in the world. We stayed as guests and fell in love, and so we bought the villa! The previous owner and his architect certainly realised the potential of the location and created spacious, contemporary accommodation which makes the most of its sheltered south-facing position. The view from the vast terrace and pool deck is outstanding, both by day and night and the setting is peaceful with other villas nearby adding a buzz yet still retaining privacy and tranquillity. One of the great things about the accommodation is how it is arranged into pairs of bedrooms, two wings upstairs and the studio downstairs, which makes it ideal for family groups to holiday together whilst maintaining their own space. The studio has views which are almost as impressive as the main terrace, but retains the intimacy of the small cottages that we used to seek out BC (Before Children!) The Gulf has many treasures and attractions, all within an easy drive from the villa. Propriano serves as the regional focus and has several good restaurants and a good range of shops and amenities. Locals are rightly proud of their smart new sports centre, indoor swimming pool and cinema. However, the real jewels are the exquisite sandy beaches and intimate coves which circle the Gulf. Capicciolo and Scodi Neri are a literally a few minutes walk away - although it is uphill on the way back! If you need an adrenaline rush then wind-surfing, sailing and scuba diving are less than 15 minutes drive away at Porto Pollo. Our secret passions? The magnificent beach at Cupabia, the fantastic nature reserve at Campo Moro. and less than an hour by car to the GR20 and the Col de Bavella in the mountains - spectacular walking country every bit as impressive as the Rockies or the Alps. What drew us to the Gulf of Valinco was its year round climate, its unspoilt nature and its ease of access. When we first visited ten years ago the only real route here was via Air France scheduled or seasonal charter flights. Today we also have Easyjet and Air Corsica, and probably more routes in the future. We prefer to fly from the UK via Nice or Marseilles to Ajaccio or Figari as the connecting flights are year round and do not generally demand that you check-in before you wake up!

We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property. If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact us before booking.		Les Lentisques, Propriano I stayed at Les Lentisques during my first visit to Corsica and my first word on walking through the front door was '"WOW!" - one just can't help being amazed and delighted by the light, spaciousness and quality of the villa. I was to be staying there alone, as my companion couldn't make it at the last moment, and had been wondering how I would feel, all alone in a 3-bedroomed house - however, despite the spaciousness, I felt immediately relaxed and at home and never once felt as if I was 'rattling around' in it. The kitchen and living area are superbly equipped, and the bedrooms are delightful, especially the Master bedroom, which is approached by a small flight of stairs off the open-plan living area. Everything in the house is of the highest quality, furnished and decorated with taste and thoughtful attention to detail. As I settled down to enjoy a glass of wine and an al fresco supper on the peaceful patio, with a lovely view of the small private garden and fields beyond, I felt extremely spoiled and completely relaxed - what a wonderful introduction to Corsica! Although enjoying complete privacy, the villa is part of the Residence Marie-Diane and as well as its own private area of garden, guests at Les Lentisques also have use of the beautiful pool. Propriano has a good selection of beaches, shops, restaurants and bars and is walking distance from the Residence, which means that you don't really need a car - a real bonus for a non-driver such as myself. In the sitting room is a booklet with lots of useful information about the area, and Suzy, the English owner, is also on hand in the main Residence to answer any questions. If you are looking for a tranquil, quality property, extremely conveniently situated, then Les Lentisques is definitely the place for you!