The area of Haute-Corse is the name of the northern part of the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean off the southwest coast of France. Corsican people are very independent and the island has some autonomy from the centralised French government. The island even has its own language spoken by most residents, which is more like an Italian dialect though many also speak fluent French. The main town of Bastia is one the very northern tip of the island as is the main ferry port for sailings from the French mainland.
Bastia
Bastia is the second largest town on the island after the capital Ajaccio and is full of historic buildings dating from the 14th century when the Genoese sailors first began constructing a shelter. The citadel in the town dates from a few centuries later and provides great views over the port. The town is also home to the Museum of Corsica, detailing the history of the island, and the former palace of the Genoese governors. The area is well-known for its wines and you can visit a number of vineyards nearby.
Calvi and Corte
The town of Calvi is one of the main resorts on the island of Corsica, boasting white sandy beaches with the spectacular backdrop of Monte Cinto 20 km inland. The town hosts a jazz festival every June and you can take boat trips from Calvi along the nearby coast. Croisieres Colombo Line runs trips in a glass-bottomed boat to Galeria and Girolata via the offshore nature reserve of Scandola. The town itself has a 13th century church and a hilltop chapel offering views of the coast and mountains. Corte is a fortified inland town which is a great base for exploring the countryside and mountains. From here you can follow hiking trails in the summer or ski in the winter. The Gorges de la Restonica 12 km from the town are well worth a visit and from them you can hike to the amazing waterfall of Voile de la Mariee.
GR 20 trail
The GR 20 is a high-level mountain trail that runs through the Corsican mountains from Calenzana and Conca. The northern part of the walk is more difficult because of the steep paths but has the best views, while the second part is an easier route through meadows. You can find itineraries online if you want to tackle the whole stretch, which include details of overnight stops, or you can walk along the trail for just a few hours.
Bastia
Bastia is the second largest town on the island after the capital Ajaccio and is full of historic buildings dating from the 14th century when the Genoese sailors first began constructing a shelter. The citadel in the town dates from a few centuries later and provides great views over the port. The town is also home to the Museum of Corsica, detailing the history of the island, and the former palace of the Genoese governors. The area is well-known for its wines and you can visit a number of vineyards nearby.
Calvi and Corte
The town of Calvi is one of the main resorts on the island of Corsica, boasting white sandy beaches with the spectacular backdrop of Monte Cinto 20 km inland. The town hosts a jazz festival every June and you can take boat trips from Calvi along the nearby coast. Croisieres Colombo Line runs trips in a glass-bottomed boat to Galeria and Girolata via the offshore nature reserve of Scandola. The town itself has a 13th century church and a hilltop chapel offering views of the coast and mountains. Corte is a fortified inland town which is a great base for exploring the countryside and mountains. From here you can follow hiking trails in the summer or ski in the winter. The Gorges de la Restonica 12 km from the town are well worth a visit and from them you can hike to the amazing waterfall of Voile de la Mariee.
GR 20 trail
The GR 20 is a high-level mountain trail that runs through the Corsican mountains from Calenzana and Conca. The northern part of the walk is more difficult because of the steep paths but has the best views, while the second part is an easier route through meadows. You can find itineraries online if you want to tackle the whole stretch, which include details of overnight stops, or you can walk along the trail for just a few hours.
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