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Nature side

 

    Solenzara has the largest treetop adventure parks in all of Europe with a via ferrata, an adventure park and a baby park which will provide pleasant moments for the whole family with a magnificent mountain setting.

 

    The Solenzara river will not leave anyone indifferent with its clear water, its waterfalls and its natural swimming pools.

    

    The forest also has a privileged place in the region with its chestnut trees, its pines and its oaks, notably that of Ospedale which hides a magnificent lake of the same name which is really worth the detour for the beauty of the place.

 

    It is also in this region that you can admire the majestic needles of Bavella, a high point in Corsica and also one of the most beautiful on the island.

 

To visit in the surroundings  :

 

In Sari-Solenzara come and discover the Monastery of Assunta Gloriosa! (10 minutes from rental)

This monastery was built by the sisters themselves (Nuns of Bethlehem, of the Assumption of the Virgin and of Saint Bruno). A recent building with refined modern architecture, it was built after 1975.

 

Superb haven of peace and very kind sisters who run a small shop with souvenirs and artisanal products, beautiful hikes to do in the surrounding area.

    

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      You can take the opportunity to go up to the village of Sari Solenzara where you will have a magnificent view of the eastern coast and as far as Porto Vecchio.

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Bavella (1 hour from rental)

 

    Bavella  is a high place in the Corsican mountains (1 hour climb):  And for good reason, both massif, pass and forest, 

it alone sums up the particularities of the island's relief, namely perpetually crazy shapes and colors that range from the lightest red to the darkest gray, all sprinkled with immense forests of laricio pines.

On the road you will find all the natural swimming pools that you see on the brochures, do not hesitate to stop when you see cars on the side, or parking lots, often there is something to see . Once at the top there is a breathtaking view of the sea. It is also the start of the famous GR20. Climbing and hiking enthusiasts will enjoy it. Be careful on the road, it is not uncommon to come across pigs and cows. One of the most beautiful sites in Corsica. The inn at the top is very good, they make their own cold meats. You can go back down towards Porto-Vecchio, passing through the pretty village of Zonza. This will take you on a very pretty Solenzara/Bavella/Porto-Vecchio/Solenzara loop. You will be able to observe the Ospédale dam as you pass.

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The most beautiful panoramas, particularly of the Bavella needles, can be seen at the pass (1218m), in the middle of the regional park.

It is also the starting point for numerous hikes for all levels, including the genealogical curiosity of  "Bomb hole".

Accessible in 1 hour in the shade of the pines, it allows you to approach the world of the high mountains without too much danger. From the eastern coast, two roads provide access: the D368 from  Porto-Vecchio and Zona, and further north, the D268 from  Solenzara. It is the latter, very winding and often narrow, that you must take to appreciate the variety of landscapes, from the river  Solenzara and its natural swimming pools up to the immense rock walls as you approach the pass. We will prefer the D368 to go back down to Porto-Vecchio, via the very beautiful massif of  l'Ospédale. The village of the same name offers a very beautiful view of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio.

L’Ospedale (1 hour from rental)

 

An enchanting decor

Half an hour from Porto-Vecchio and its beaches, Ospedale (U Spidali) is the first small mountain village at an altitude of 900 meters. It owes its name to the old hospital in the region which was once located there.

At the exit of the village towards Zonza, a small median allows you to marvel at a breathtaking panorama of the gulf.

 

To see: A little further up, nestled in the heart of a forest of lariccio pines and beeches, the artificial lake of Ospedale, creates an enchanting setting, home of Prosper Mérimée's Mateo Falcone. This dam supplies drinking water to the entire region of the extreme South.

The village, the forest, the lake, places to discover all year round.

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Between Solenzara and Porto Vecchio, magnificent beaches

 

    Between Solenzara and Porto Vecchio, the road is magnificent, you will find beautiful coves, starting with “Canella” very beautiful beach, then “Favone”, then “Tarco” and “Fautéa” with its Genoese tower. Park on the side of the road and follow the path to the foot of the tower, you will have a view of the sea and the coves on each side. 

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CANELLA (10 minutes from the hotel)rental)

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FAVONE (15 mins from the rental)

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TARCO (20 mins from rental​)

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FAUTEA (20 mn de la location​)

The tower of Pinarellu or Isula di Corsi (30 minutes from rental)

 

Completed in 1591, was part of the eight towers of the jurisdiction of Bonifacio. 

It is a square tower, 13 meters high with a single floor.

The cover is pierced, to the west, with an opening which allowed, by means of a ladder, access to the terrace which includes a gatehouse. Around 1650, during an incursion by the "Turks", it was seriously damaged, as well as three other towers in the jurisdiction. It was restored and remained in service until September 1738.

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Porto-Vecchio (45 minutes from rental)


What can we say about the coastline of the Porto-Vecchio region, except that it is one of the most beautiful in the world!

Indeed, it is home to the most beautiful bays, some of which are classified by UNESCO among the most beautiful in the world, such as Palombaggia or the sublime Santa Giulia with its backdrop of very fine white sand, turquoise waters, pine forests, ...

No wonder this part of the coast is the most popular and world-famous!

 

Very cute city, a bit jet set but that's also what makes it charming, so pleasant and festive especially in the evening. 

Superb beaches: Palombaggia, Tamaricciu, Santa Giullia, Rondinara. You absolutely must visit them, they are sublime and exceptional. Be careful in summer, there are a lot of people and there is a charge for parking.

The Cavu river (35 minutes from rental)

Explore the Zonza forest in its eastern part with a magnificent panoramic view over the plain. Trail rich in maquis plants and shrubs.

 

Departure: in Sainte Lucie de Porto Vecchio, there is a traffic light, you can't miss it, turn right towards the Cavu valley. You go all the way to the end, there is a branch course, you continue to the inn and there you have the river with its splendid natural swimming pools. If there are too many people (July/August), go back on foot after the barriers and follow the river towards the mountain, you have incredible pools. 

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Palombaggia

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Santa Giullia

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Tamaricciu

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Rondinara

BONIFACCIO (1h15mn from the rental​)

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A thousand-year-old city that the ravages of time and tormented centuries have made even more beautiful. 

More attractive, Bonifacio the pious, whose enclosure is full of religious monuments. Whose centuries-old alleys, once exhilarated by the hustle and bustle of public criers, water carriers and other peddlers, teem with incredible adventures. Bonifacio whose history rises above the bastion. A story which, told by one of our guides, will make you shiver at the evocation of the great plague of 1526, the incessant sieges (and in particular that, terrible, of Dragut the Pirate) and the dramatic sinking of the Sémillante in 1855. A story that will reveal to you the dimension of the Bonifacian soul.

Bonifaccio-Figari

 


The coastline of the Bonifacio/Figari region offers a breathtaking panorama!
And for good reason, white limestone cliffs falling steeply into translucent water, small caves to visit by boat, breathtaking views of the  “Islands” Lavezzi”, “Cavallo” or in good weather on Sardinia, only separated from the island of beauty by around ten kilometers.... It’s hard to imagine more beautiful landscapes!

 

If you only have to do one boat trip, visit the caves and the Lavezzi islands with the Thalassa boats.

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In Bonifacio take the road towards Ajaccio you will see a cross at the top of a mountain (the Trinity) this is where the open-air processions take place, don't hesitate to go up there, firstly because it It's magnificent, but also because you will have a grandiose view of Bonifacio. You will see a beach below you can go there by car it is very beautiful and there are walks to take in the maquis. 

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Upper Corsica

 

Ghisonaccia (15 minutes from the rental)

10 minutes from the rental, direction Bastia, it is the largest city on the eastern coast. There you will find large supermarkets such as Géant casino, Leclerc, pharmacies, doctors and several shops.

On Friday evenings in July/August, the main road to Ghisonaccia is closed and many activities are offered, including a night market.

 

To go to Ghisonaccia beach (Pinia/vignale)  : when you arrive from Solenzara, at the Ghisonaccia entry roundabout, take the first exit on the right, direction La Mer. 

There are several holiday villages that you can enter and enjoy their services such as shows, restaurants, spas, water sports. Access is open to everyone and not just residents (Perla di mare or Arinella bianca, the villages offer theme evenings all summer long).

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Pinia: where the forest meets the sea ...

 

An invitation to relax

 

In Pinia, you will have the feeling of being in several places at once. 

Bordered by the pines of the forest of the same name, the beach extends over several kilometers of fine sand. The gentle slope allows you to place your towel in complete peace of mind. The sea, generally calm, encourages the presence of families. However, it will be easy for you to escape to the nearby forest, to go, if the temperatures are not scorching, to the pond and to admire the animals there and enjoy a grandiose panorama, which mixes mountains , forest and beach.

 

If by chance the wind is there, don't hesitate to take out the kites, they will make you happy.

 

- The Pinia forest : it runs along the coast (departure just before the central beach) a sports course is offered and beautiful hikes are possible by mountain bike or on foot. You can access isolated and heavenly beaches with crystal clear water by car.

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To have

 

Urbino Pond: On the Ghisonaccia/Bastia road, 5 minutes after Ghisonaccia in the direction of Bastia. At the exit of a right curve, on your right follow the sign “  Urbino Pond ". Photo lovers will enjoy it, it’s a haven of peace, calm and zen. In July/August, there is a small souvenir shop, picnic tables and deckchairs. 

There is a restaurant on the water but we have not had good feedback apart from the setting. 

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The citadel of Corte (1 hour from rental) 

 

The only fortification in Corsica not to see the sea.

Colloquially called 'Eagle's Nest' by the people of the region, it stands on a narrow rocky peak which dominates the Restonica and Tavignanu rivers which meet at the foot of the town. It was built in two stages: in 1419, Vincentello d'Istria had the Castle built at the top of the rock which dominates the town and in 1769, under the orders of the Count of Vaux, French troops undertook the actual construction.

The construction of the Padua barracks, the first military building, was completed in 1776. At that time, E Castelacce, one of three districts of Corte, was included in the new fortifications, between the Padua barracks and the Castle. Made up of 76 dilapidated houses and the Saint Louis chapel built in 1740, nearly 600 people lived there when the French arrived.

During the Second World War, under Italian occupation, resistance fighters and prisoners of war were incarcerated in barracks. From 1962 the citadel was occupied by the Foreign Legion, repatriated from Algeria.

The visit to the citadel is done through theCorsica Museum

BASTIA (1 hour 30 minutes from rental)

The governors’ palace in Bastia

 

Unique example of a Genoese palatine fortress.

It is the most beautiful viewpoint from which to discover Bastia, between sea and mountains. From the gardens of the governors' palace, the circular panorama is striking: the gray roofs, burning under the sun, the majestic Saint Jean-Baptiste church, the old port, the quays, the new port, the endless blue sea, the green hills…

total enchantment with a little dizziness as a bonus. 

 

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To return to dry land, a visit to the museum is essential. First of all, for the setting, a real dive into history. But the content is also worth the detour. 

Since June 2010, the Bastia museum, completely renovated, has offered a permanent thematic tour around three main axes: town planning, the political, social and economic weight of the city, and its intellectual and artistic wealth. And of course, many temporary exhibitions. 

 

It must be remembered that Bastia was the capital of Genoese Corsica and remains the largest urban center of this period.

Most:

Panoramic view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Cape Corsica  (2 hours from rental)


What is striking about the coast of Cap Corse is at first glance not the beauty of the beaches but rather that of its wild landscape with its rugged coastlines as well as its magnificent little villages perched on the mountainside, typical of Cap Corse!

Note that the region also has sumptuous small coves that have remained almost in the wild.

Its natural heritage has been completely preserved!

The coastline of the Saint Florent/Agriates region has 2 jewels: the beaches of Saleccia and Loto, protected from visitors thanks to their geographical location making the places difficult to access with a completely arid landscape in the background: the desert of Agriates!

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Balagne : (2 hours from rental)


The coastline of the Balagne region is deeply marked by the exceptional beauty of its fine sandy beaches. 

It is a place of absolute relaxation.

Its most beautiful beaches are those of Bodri and Elbo where turquoise waters, fine sand with magnificent glowing rocks in the background make you   surprising that we decided to protect this part of the coastline, notably with the Scandola Nature Reserve!

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Porto-Piana : (3 hours from rental)


The coastline of the Porto-Piana region has nothing to envy of the rest of the coastline of the island...

And for good reason ! Of course, the beaches are not the most beautiful but the beauty of the coastline is breathtaking: glowing rocks with astonishing shapes springing from the water, small coves only accessible by boat, coves or calanches, the Girolata site or even the Scandola nature reserve. So many gems gathered on the same part of the coast!

Ajaccio and its region :(2h30 from rental)


Imperial city where the memory of the Bonaparte family is still very much alive. 

On board the little train, you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old Genoese city, full of history and memories of Emperor Napoleon the First. Discover the imperial chapel, classified as a historic monument, it houses the graves of the parents of Napoleon Bonaparte. Admire the Bonaparte house, you can see many family memories there.

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The beaches of Porticcio and surrounding areas whose Palme d'Or is awarded to the silver beach also known as Mare Sole in the town of Coti Chiavari and for good reason: imagine a heavenly place with pine forest, fine sand 'exceptional whiteness, translucent water with magnificent small rocks, ideal for young children because of the very slight difference in altitude, therefore very low water and to top it all off, very easy to access.

In short, an idyllic place!

Corsican wines

Discovery of Corsican grape varieties and vineyards

 

A little history


    Very early, from  11th century BC, Corsica reveals itself as  a land of wines. It was through the Phocaeans that the cultivation of vines was introduced to  the eastern coast and more precisely in Alalia (Aleria).  

It is from this time that the landscape of Corsica will be shaped and over the centuries a know-how of  winemaking will develop.

    Recognized for their numerous varieties with generous and varied tastes,  Corsica wines were appreciated by many personalities (historians, philosophers, writers, etc.).

Today more than ever, Corsica remains present thanks to the authenticity and diversity of its terroir, raising it to the level of excellence. ranked among the largest French wine regions.  

 

The wine list


    This island includes  more than thirty grape varieties,  including 3 large ones which are the basis of Corsican appellations: 

        - the Niellucciu  : red and rosé wine
        - the Sciaccarellu  : red and rosé wine
        - Vermentinu or Malvasia  : White wine

 

    The eight major AOC regions  :

 

Coteaux d’Ajaccio  : AOC since 1984
Grape varieties:  Sciaccarellu, high quality wine, assertive character

 

Heritage : AOC since 1968 (registered with Gotha), internationally renowned 
Grape varieties:  Vermentinu, white wine, beautiful pale yellow color, dry and fresh, floral and apple aromas and  Niellucciu, a full-bodied wine with a dark red color  

 

Cap Corse : the Muscat region
Grape varieties:  Vermentinu in line with Malvasia, among the best in the Mediterranean, a transparent pale white with golden yellow, floral aroma, characterized by its lightness and freshness  

 

Calvi : (which corresponds more particularly to the Balagne region; formerly called the Tuscany of Corsica)
Grape varieties:  Niellucciu and the  Sciaccarellu  

 

Sartenais : AOC since 1976
Grape varieties:  Niellucciu and the  Sciaccarellu, a very distinctive red

 

Figari : AOC of Corsica-Porto-Vecchio
Grape varieties:  Niellucciu and the  Sciaccarellu, robust red and one of the best in Corsica

 

Porto-Vecchio : 
Grape varieties:  Niellucciu and  Sciaccarellu, fruity and well-balanced red

 

Eastern Coast : 
Grape varieties: traditional noble ones such as  Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache and  Syrah for red, Ugni,   Malvasia, the  Sauvignon and the  Pinot for white. 

The reds are supple wines with longevity, the whites are fresh, generous wines with, for some, a perfume and a delicate bouquet which is similar to that of great wines.

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