The district of Le Borgo in Ajaccio is where you will find the Fesch Museum, the fine arts museum of Corsica's capital city. Napoleon's uncle, Cardinal Joseph Fesch, was a great art collector and commissioned the building in the 19th century. When he died he bequeathed an impressive collection of art objects to the city where he was born, including around 16,000 paintings.

The Fesch Museum houses one of France's largest collections of Italian paintings, with three departments being particularly well represented: the Italian Primitives, Roman Baroque painting and Neapolitan Baroque painting.

The Fesch Museum also has a graphic arts room full of Corsican and Napoleonic exhibits.

The museum organises a variety of activities all year round: lecture series, themed guided tours of the collections, visual art workshops for children, and concerts on Sundays.

All around its port and its citadel, the old city of Ajaccio this pretty narrow streets with tall colorful houses. Place Marechal Foch, with its fountain, is charming with its palm trees and plane trees.

It is in one of the alleys of the old city, specifically the St. Charles Street, which is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. The Bonaparte home now houses a museum exhibiting his personal memories. Other pieces (documents and medals) are presented in the Napoleonic lounge located in the town hall. Many other museums are to discover as the Fesch museum bringing together Italian paintings or the National Museum of the Bonaparte House, which is none other than the birthplace of the emperor home now houses a museum dedicated to the Bonaparte family.

The Gulf of Ajaccio is marked by the presence of beautiful beaches and resorts as Porticcio.

To the west of Ajaccio, the Sanguinaires road, along the sea and its red rocks, leading to the peninsula of la Parata. The promontory on the Parata point where stands a Genoese tower, offers a wonderful view of the Sanguinaires archipelago, but also on the surrounding coasts. It is at the end of the day the colors are the most beautiful.

A landscaped walking trail, with multiple points of view, to discover the richness of the local flora. In the spring, the site is even more enchanting when it is dotted with pretty wild flowers.

The Grand Site des Iles Sanguinaires and Parata pointa got, March 22, 2017, the label "Grand Site de France".

This label, awarded for 6 years by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and sea, rewards the commitment of local actors for the conservation and sustainable management of the landscape formed by the tip heritage Parata and Bloody Islands.

The site bears the traces of the tumultuous history the island. The different epics have left here a built heritage that blends today in a remarkable landscape. A Parata, wind and spray shape the landscape. Vegetable masses are carved immutably and order instead of each plant species according to its resistance to wind and salt.

Practical information :

Accessing the peninsula of parata:

• by the D111 road, the Great Site is located 11 km from the center of Ajaccio
• By bus Muvistrada Line No. 5 Place de Gaulle / Parata
• The train rides and decker bus (seasonal) from the Place Foch

How to reach the island of mezu mare (large Sanguinaires) - Seasonal:

• Boat trip from the dock Parata
• Boat trips from the Tino Rossi port and Porticcio

The tourist office of the Pays d'Ajaccio is available in +33 4 95 51 53 03 and http://www.ajaccio-tourisme.com.

La Maison du Grand Site open all year, 7 days 7 from 9h to 17h November to March, and from 9am to 19pm from April to October.

In point of information to the public, visitors will find practical information about visiting the Grand Site: With the delivery of a tour brochure free in French and English, a permanent exhibit listing the animal, plant and heritage elements; and on the other side of the courtyard visitors can discover a permanent exhibition of photographs of the Grand Site snuff the seasons.

The reception staff is available to provide you with tourist information on the Grand Ajaccio.

Free public toilets are also available to the opening hours of the Maison du Grand Site.

Ample parking is available for light vehicles, the camper without deployment and 10 places are reserved for holders of a parking card for people with disabilities.

Find parking rates at the following address: https://www.grandsitesanguinaires-parata.com/stationnement/

This archipelago off the Parata point consists of four islands. You can observe them from the Parata point. Boat trips are also available.

The Grand Site des Iles Sanguinaires and Parata point got, March 22, 2017, the label "Grand Site de France". This label, awarded for 6 years by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and sea, rewards the commitment of local actors for the conservation and sustainable management of the landscape formed by the tip heritage Parata and Bloody Islands.

Above all, an exceptional natural site famous for its sunsets blazing sun.

The Bloody Islands is an archipelago of four islands of magmatic rock composed of dark rock, diorite and a lighter rock, a monzonite granite.

Colonies of seabirds nest there in peace; legged gull, rarely Cory's shearwater, the black-headed gull and Audouin.

An original flora, composed of more than 150 species on Mezu Mare Island main, some rare or even absent from the rest of Corsica including the spectacular arum fly eats.

The bloody islands, it is also a rich and loaded with mysteries.

Many accounts of travelers, one of the most famous is that of Alphonse Daudet in "Letters from my mill" evoke traces of life in the wild islands. The human presence dates back to the sixteenth century with the construction of a Genoese tower at the location of the current lighthouse.

In 1806 Mezu Mare becomes a health post with the construction of a Lazaretto now in ruins, for the coral fishermen returning from Africa. The semaphore is commissioned in 1865 and decommissioned in 1955. The lighthouse was automated in 1985.

The archipelago is bought by the General Council of Corsica in 1973.

Practical information

To tread the ground, but you will need to book a boat tour. The tours usually start from Tino Rossi Port in Ajaccio, some may also start Moreover, as the dock of fishermen Parata point.

CCAS- Rates Activities Information office

World Heritage of Unesco, this prehistoric megalithic site, one of the largest in Europe, is famous for its rows of menhirs statues with carved faces.

The jewel of the island megalithic art and considered by scientists as one of the most enigmatic cultural site in the Mediterranean and one of the finest prehistoric art collections in Europe, Filitosa offers a panorama of 8,000 years of human history.

Filitosa presents a multitude of interests for all audiences, from the beauty of its archaeological remains to its rich natural environment.

The circuit in nature that is proposed is really exciting since it allows to observe the standing stones.

Practical information

Filitosa is open from 1 April to 31 October

Opening hours Doors

• Week: 9:00 - sunset-Around 1h30 visit
• Week-end: 9:00 - sunset-Around 1h30 visit

Public Degree Days: 9:00 - sunset-Around 1h30 visit

Rates Special out external visit museum

• Price normal -Adults 6 € (from 18 years)
• Price reduced € 4 - Handicapped * -Children and young people * (6-17 years)
• Price family € 18 -2 adults (+ 18 years) and 2 children (6-17 years)
• free-children under 6 years *

* Rates apply to presentation of a valid proof of identity, disability title

Overlooking the Gulf of Sagone and its marina, the village of Cargèse is known for its two beautiful churches, Latin and Greek, facing each other. Small squares with trees, multiple vegetable gardens and houses decorated with flowers also contribute to make this place a charming site.

Cargèse is a picturesque fishing port and marina. Its history was marked by the installation of a Greek colony in the seventeenth century.

From these influences, the village guard two complementary religious testimonies with two churches that face, one in the Latin rite, the other to the Byzantine rite.

This village is a pleasant seaside resort in the sea air and the Mediterranean atmosphere.

The Greek church- monument

Living symbol of tradition, it replaces the original church too narrow. Begun in 1852, it was not completed until 20 years later. The faithful were all working in this building every Sunday after Mass until the dusk. The sanctuary, as in all eastern temple is separated from the nave by an iconostasis or wooden partition covered with holy images. This iconostasis, for first the Convent of Grotta Ferrata near Rome, is a gift from the Congregation of Propaganda to the colony in 1886.

The Church of the Assumption called "Latin"

also known as St. Mary's Church, the Church of the Assumption (Santa Marìa Assunta) was built in the nineteenth century, from 1822 to 1828, to meet the needs of the Latin Rite Catholic population.

There are 5 beaches in the municipality of Cargèse:

South (up towards Cargèse)

• the beach of the Confina (instead of UCPA center)
• the beach of Porto Monaghi (or the Greeks who came to found Paomia landed in 1676)
• Beach Menasina.

North away north of Cargèse:

• The beach of Pero,
• then the range Chiuni to 7 km from the village.

Located on the west coast of the island, the town of Propriano is nestled equidistant between Ajaccio and Bonifacio. It is a famous sea resort.

Propriano and its region is the perfect combination between beautiful beaches and coves and lush bush where all leisure activities are possible.

History of Propriano

The history of Propriano is fairly recent.

Its population is made up of Greek communities, Pisan and Turkey.

Like all cities of Corsica, she suffered numerous invasions, as the Vandals in the fifth century and Saracens in the seventh century.

After the discovery of the ruins of two churches, the oldest date from the sixth or eighth century, attests to Propriano Christianization very advanced in Corsica.

On a more recent perspective, Propriano could develop through the creation in 1873 of a road between Ajaccio Bonifacio.

The port also begins to develop.

Vacation spot of choice

On the blue and refreshing waters and a mild climate all the year round, the former fishing village of Propriano has become a famous seaside resort. A resort popular with holidaymakers particularly for its ride on the port or to eat ice cream from the many bars and ice cream parlors that line the pier. This coastline shimmering is also a play area for refueling activities: scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, boat, jet ski, paddle, catamaran sailing, surfing... You'll be spoiled selecting.

Propriano area boasts beautiful beaches and sandy coves and turquoise waters:

• Plage Taravo
• Page Baracci
• Plage Capu Laurozu
• Plage Portigliolo
• Plage Campomoro
• Plage Tizzano
• Plage Porto-Pollo

Propriano beach -Large

The Valinco Region

The destination has an exceptional natural heritage that contributes to its identity: rocky mountains, forested hills of Olmeto, damaniale forest... scrub covered, oaks, olive trees, and immortal embellish the decor. But also protected sites as the mouth of Rizzanese river which flows to the beach Capu laurozu, spectacular scenery that changes with the seasons. A magnificent wild kind!

On foot, free or with a guide, discover an unspoilt nature on the coastal path at Campomoro, an endemic wildlife of Corsica: myrtle, asphodel, a tortoise Hermann... earth unforgettable hikes.

Sartène the Corsica's oldest cities as Prosper Mérimée is a cultural must.

And for good reason. Its large houses light granite, narrow streets and picturesque, medieval neighborhood, its troubled history, gives it an austere and authentic.

Perched on its rock, the medieval town overlooking the valley Rizzanèse. His watchtower dating from the sixteenth century is the last remnant of the wall that once was there. The arched passages are picturesque and the streets are paved with beautiful granite slabs.

His place, lined with cafes, is a meeting place for young and old, making the village endearing and charming.

Giuncheto, Grossa Bilia, Foce, Granacce are authentic villages, rich in heritage, part of this vast territory.

# "A journey to the heart of the origins! #

In the plain, the territory has an archaeological heritage site Cauria, with the presence of menhirs. It also contains a dolmen which is the best preserved of Corsica. These alignments are evidence of prehistoric human occupation.

The Museum of Prehistory and Archeology in Sartène reinforces this position, in the heart of a cultural trip, featuring many artifacts from prehistory. Not to many heritage treasures such as the Tower and the lighthouse Senetosa Tower of Roccapina, Romanesque churches...

Religious fervor very present!

Religion is a highly respected tradition in Corsica and especially in Sartène, where it makes sense on the evening of Good Friday.

The "Catenacciu" travels the Way of the Cross through the village, which symbolizes the rising of Christ at Calvary while singing "Perdono, me dio", a song of forgiveness. This procession brings together thousands of people every year both the faithful and tourists.

The A.O.C Vin de Corse Sartène

The A.O.C Vin de Corse Sartène starts the Taravo river and ends near the Lion of Roccapina, at the southern boundary of the territory of the AOC Ajaccio. Unlike most of the Corsican vineyards, grape growing in Sartène began only in the late eighteenth century.

The soil of this land of 163 hectares, located on the slopes of Ortolo or Rizzanese, consists of granite materials. It is airy, porous and highly appreciated by the vine for its humidity, in an arid climate zone and windy that leaves little room for precipitation.

The A.O.C Vin de Corse Sartène offers expanded wine and a remarkable smoothness, revealed by the particular personality of the granitic soil of its terroir.

The village of Piana, ranked among the most beautiful in France, overlooking the Gulf of Porto. How enchanting!

As its name suggests, Piana is built on a plateau 438 meters above sea level and majestically overlooks the Gulf of Porto in dealing with peninsulas Senino and Scandola.

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, picturesque with its white houses and an amphitheater dominated by the beautiful church of Sainte-Marie, Piana serves as backdrop to an exceptional site offering countless discoveries, visits and excursions.

Piana is of course famous for its beautiful creeks. Pikes, columns, figures gnawed by wind and sea, the creeks of Piana (in Corsican language: Calanche di Piana), about ten kilometers south of Porto, are considered one of the wonders of Corsica. Slow work of erosion has given these jagged rocks overlooking a 300-meter deep blue sea, strange shapes and sometimes fantastic.

Classified world heritage of UNESCO, the Piana creeks offer a wonderful spectacle rock piles, peaks, mineral sculptures, needles and red granite cliffs.

Overlooking the sea, this extraordinary site multiple forms invites the viewer to dream. Some rocks evoke very different forms as the dog's head, the heart or the bishop. The colors are beautiful, especially at sunset! And what a contrast with the blue of the sea!

For hikers

Piana forest and its footpaths can combine nature and discover the site of the creeks, from a different angle:

• The castle (easy, 1h AR)
• the mule trail (easy, 1h AR)
• the path of chestnut (easy, AR 2:30)
• the way the Capo d'Orto (difficult, 6h AR)
• the Capo Rosso (moderate, 3h CA)

Remember to wear good walking shoes and take at least 1.5l of water per person.

The Alta Rocca is a mountainous area bounded by the mountains of Bavella, Ospedale and plateau Cuscionu culminating Alcudina is at 2134 meters altitude.

The diversity of landscapes that make up this region offers a flora and fauna of exceptional richness.

With 9000 years of history, this kind of paradise is one of the oldest inhabited places in Corsica. Many archaeological sites bear witness to human presence.

Named "land lords" in the Middle Ages, the area is marked by a tragic past of feuding between Corsican families and resistance against the Genoese power.

The area currently consists of 16 villages all more attractive than others. Many natural resources, heritage (ovens, bridges, mills, fountains...) and whose history has marked the diversity of styles (Romanesque churches, chapels, convents...), have been preserved.

outdoor activities in Alta Rocca

The Alta Rocca is part of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica.

Protected territory, it contains multiple wonders recognized worldwide including several notable sites their wild beauty.

These natural areas are the Alta Rocca privileged setting for long walks rich in discoveries. So many marked trails and practicable are proposed to discover the territory. Including country trails, ancient mule tracks have been preserved and re-open to tourist routes. But also the Mare a Mare, passable all year, which runs through the region.

The Alta Rocca also reserves you a range of outdoor activities guarantee thrills and entertainment such as canyoning, climbing, biking, aquatic hiking, climbing etc.

Culture and Heritage

In the village of Levie you can visit the Museum of Alta Rocca is renowned.

High place of resistance, micro-region also hosts a museum of the Resistance in Zonza reflecting the history of the 1939-1945 war.

The Alta Rocca, who is the subject of archaeological investigations, has several prehistoric sites which the best known are Cucuruzzu Capula. Located on the Levie plateau there you'll mystical discoveries that will transport you in time. More recently, the site of Cuciurpula Serra-di-Scopamena and Sorbollano, revealing exceptional discoveries.

The area also has a remarkable architectural heritage that can be discovered through the "heritage trail" at Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano and Serra-di-Scopamena.

The different stages of the relief have always welcomed a pastoral that forged the culture, gastronomy and crafts that are still today the richness of the Alta Rocca.

Throughout the year, you will discover his farm inns, Zonza, Quenza Levie and taste the very famous local specialties: olive oil, wine, honey, meats, cheese etc.

Between authenticity and quality, the Alta Rocca has maintained its traditional skills. The cutlery in the village of Levie is a prime destination and upholstery. Not to make a detour at Stéphane Degilhene working woodcarving Levie. Finally you can taste the olive oil directly from the mill of St. Lucia Tallano and Olmiccia.

World Heritage of Unesco, the Gulf of Porto is magnificent with its red granite cliffs overlooking the sea.

On top of a large rock, a square Genoese tower overlooking the small resort Porto. At sunset, the colors of the Bay of Porto, particularly in its large rock, are conducive to beautiful photos.

The beautiful beach of gray pebbles next enhances color contrasts visit is required!

Boat rides from the small port allow you to discover the remarkable sites of the cove south of Piana and Girolata peninsula and the Scandola Nature Reserve, north.

This massif is known for its beautiful pink granite peaks which can measure up to 900 meters high. At the foot of the needles, the forest of Bavella is mainly composed of pine and fir.

Needles Bavella: the appointment of the hikers of all levels of 7 to 77!

Tens of course a stroll to a great hike with fabulous scenery await you!

Ideally located in the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, needles have amazing shapes and colors that range from red to gray, all sprinkled with immense forests.

From the Bavella pass at 1243 meters, you can take several hikes:

• The famous Hole of the Bomb: about 3 hours to / -Hiking very accessible.
• Cross Leccia: 2 hours to / -Attention hiking difficile- Good shoes are recommended.
• Refuge Paliri: 4 hours round / easy back-Hiking.
• Alpine variant of the GR20: 4 hours to / for the Punta di u Pargulu and 7 hours for the complete loop with the return by the GR20.

In winter, you are sure to find snow! Snowshoeing, snow snowman and snowball battles, wonder and fun garabtis!

The massif of the Ospedale

A half an hour from the city of Porto-Vecchio and its gorgeous sandy beaches, massive del Ospedale opens the gates of paradise and offers sumptuous and surprising places.

Authentic village perched 850 meters above sea level, the Ospedale offers stunning views of the Gulf of Porto Vecchio. The village is named "uSpidali" a former hospital which hosted since the fifteenth century travelers and shepherds on the way to the mountain. Fountain, sundial, grand staircases and stone houses remind us of the old life.

Intact natural sites

Around the village, a beautiful pine forest and beech lariccio houses fauna and endemic flora. A little higher, nestled in the heart of the forest, the artificial lake del Ospedale draws a beautiful setting and is a refreshing break. A few steps, a marked trail takes you to the waterfall Piscia di Gallu, a spectacular waterfall gushing from a mineral wall.

Outdoor sports

Be tempted by a walk or riding on the trails of the Mare a Mare. Across the lake, a per course in the trees you provide as many pleasures as sensations with monkey bridges, zip lines and Tarzan vines. Finally, for the more energetic, the canyon Piscia di Gallu: a very technical descent with a final vertical booster 70mètres.

Ideal for hiking, the mountains of Ospedale is an alternating rocky slopes and pine forests and cork oaks. This sector is also characterized by the presence of a lake and a waterfall that can be reached by a marked trail.