Regions of France

give the town its name. The memory of Pascal Paoli, father of the Corsican nation, hovers over the large eponymous square where endless games of pétanque are played under the plane trees. In Calvi, the legacy of four centuries of Genoese domination have inspired the vast citadel perched on a rock overlooking the port. Sheltered by its thick ramparts, the upper town, with its narrow streets and staircases, looks like something straight out of the 16th century. Though there’s no evidence that Christopher Columbus was born here as the legend claims, Napoleon did stay here in 1793, at a house belonging to his godfather. The South It is Ajaccio that perpetuates the memory of the flamboyant emperor. The Maison Bonaparte museum traces history from the birth of the emperor in 1769 until the Second Empire, through beautifully renovated decorations and exhibitions. The highlight of the visit is the so-called ‘alcove’ room where Bonaparte stayed for the last time in 1799 upon his return from the Egyptian expedition. South of Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio is achingly beautiful, its turquoise bay one of the most photogenic in Corsica. Its Genoese citadel has become a popular stopover between the lively squares, vaulted passages and staircases, while cafés and boutiques attract fashion fans. At the very foot of the island lies the most southerly French stronghold in the Mediterranean - a place of refuge in olden days against pillaging pirates (corsairs). Perched along craggy white limestone cliffs, the medieval citadel is one of the most striking sights on the island. Sharing many of the characteristics of the neighbouring north coast of Sardinia (just a short hop across the strait of Bonifacio) the south has some of the most sublime stretches of sandy beaches and craggy inlets. However, wherever you happen to wander on this beautiful island you will always discover magnificent scenery. The coastline is a narrow belt of lowland behind which rise the mountains that dominate the hinterland. For the energetic these offer extraordinary hiking terrain, and if you have two weeks and sturdy shoes, it is possible to walk from north to south across some of the most dynamic highlands in Europe as well as visiting remote natural parks. Palombaggia beach to the south of Porto Vecchio is often listed as one of the best beaches in Corsica and in Europe. This is due to the perfect mix of white sand, red rocks and stone pines along a beautiful half-circle cove and turquoise water. Plus on a clear day you can see the Cerbiales islands on the horizon Postcard perfect Palombaggia The citadel of Calvi Ajaccio The mountain village of Evisa, near Porto. Clinging to the cliffs - Bonifacio ElGreco1973 /Shutterstock.com 24