CORSICA

One or two things youshould know about her………………….

Press Book

An ISLAND and SO MUCH MORE

No one can deny that Corsica is the most rugged, the greenest, the most varied and finally, the prettiest of all the Mediterranean islands.

When speaking of Corsica, you cannot help but be generous with your superlatives. The geography, topography and natural heritage give the place an undeniable advantage over all the other islands of the Med.

A hundred nautical miles from the shores of Provence, or 100 minutes by air from Paris, Corsica is so close to the heart of Europe.

With the peak of Mount Cinto at an imposing 2,710m and an average island altitude of almost 600m, Corsica has the most dramatic profile

She has the luxury of a coastline that is not only the most varied and the richest, but stretching along more than 1000 km, it is also the longest.

Some 25 waterways ensure that her land is the lushest in the entire Mediterranean basin

With 4,100 sq km of forest and thick undergrowth (‘Le Maquis’) covering more than half the island, she is surely the greenest of the islands.

No wonder the Ancient Greeks, who knew the island well, crowned Corsica with the name Kalliste – the most beautiful!

Vital Statistics :

Area: 183km x 83km and 8,681sq kmPopulation: 281 000Highest point: 2 710 (mt Cinto) average altitude 580mMean Annual Temperature: 16 degrees cAverage annual Sunshine: 2 900 hoursAdministrative Departéments: 2Natural Reserves: 5 (Iles Lavezzi, Iles Lavezzi, Etang de Bigulia, Iles

Finocchiarola, Scandola)International Marine Park: 1 (Bouches de Bonifacio)Regional Natural park area: 3 500sq kmListed Sites: 20Wildlife Species: 2 500 (of which 250 are indigenous)

ISLAND OF MANY LANDS

Corsica is a mountain in the sea where landscapes of peaks, rocks and lakes alternate with vast tranquil plateaux;

Her southern and western coasts are a succession of wild and rocky bays and coves, fine sandy beaches and white chalky cliffs. Less wild are the eastern shores strewn with lagoons and long beaches;

A land of running waters with her rivers and fast flowing streams and cascades, and winding waterways, from 20 to 85 km long;

The corsican scrubland overflows with different varieties of heather, broom and myrtle. The richness of these fragrances lead Napoleon to say, that he could sense Corsica before her shores even came into view;

A land of contrasts, Corsica offers a stunning kaleidoscope of constantly changing landscapes;

Land of many lands. There is in Corsica something of Switzerland on the snow-capped peaks of Renoso, a hint of the Baie d’Along in the coves of Scandola and the gulf of Porto, and more than a touch of Tahiti in the turquoise waters of Santa Giulia.

ISLAND OF COLOURS

However far a Corsican may take his gaze, it will always get lost in the ever-changing

hues of blue of the Mediterranean, while a trace of silver will remind him of his forever

beloved homeland

That of a passion – at once sparkling and dark, like its history. A history written in the images of red and black, like the island’s Good

Friday parades, as in Cargèse, where the bright Easter sunshine of Holy Week lights a million colourful fires against the whitewashed walls.

The gentle pastels of winter follow the dazzling hues of summer which blend gold and light to create an exuberant, multi-coloured nature.

In the cool dappled shade of the churches or the filtered daylight of the museums, the island’s cultural heritage offers a sumptuous palette of colour contrived and inspired on works signed by the greatest artists of all time.

Outside, the ochres of the Genoese fortifications and watchtowers contrast with the shimmering slate rooftops of the Cap Corse, the flecks of granite, vast red rocks and white cliff faces.

All of this, on a canvas of the lushest and richest greens, framed as always, in silver and blue.

ISLAND OF THE PAST

After a prehistoric past, marked by megalithis, which remains can still be visited, particularly in the Istria and Sartenais areas, Corsica experienced a history as tormented, rugged and strong as its landscape.

The early invasions by the Phoeniceans, Greeks, Etruscans, Phoceans, Carthagineans and Romans, were followed, in the middle ages, by the Barbarian, Byzantine and Saracen conquests.In the same period, followed administrations from the Papacy, Tuscany, Pisa, Aragon, Genoa, Germany and England, amongst local feuudal factions

Then, in 1768, came the annexing of Corsica by France at the end of a 40 year war of independence.

The actors in this historical drama were not all unknown. Among them were leading players, such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Pascal Paoli and Sampiero Corso, who in their own right, changed even the history of France and of the world.

Some dates:

1789 Corsica, department of France numbered 160 000 inhabitants1794 Return of Pascal Paoli and the constitution of the Anglo Corsican

Kingdom1796 The island returns to France, now with two departments le Golo

and le Liamone1811 Reunification of Corsica as a single department. Ajaccio

becomes the regional capital1970 Corsica becomes France’s 22nd region1975 Corsica is once again divided into two administrative

départements la Corse du Sud (2A) and Haute-Corse (2B)1981 Reopening of the University of Corsica, founded in 17651982 Laws of 2 March and 30 July establish the Statut Particulier de la

CorseElection of the first Corsican Assembly by universal vote

1991 13 May, Creation of the Collectivité Territoriale de Corse (CTC)

ISLAND of TRADITIONS

Just like the island that they call home, the people of Corsica have a colourful and varied image. Most celebrated of all, especially in the inland villages, is the renowned Corsican hospitality, a quality that is all but disappearing in the stressed daily life of the fast moving outside world. The irascible shadowy reputation of days gone by is but a historical image these days. The characters in the classic songs of Tino Rossi were inspired by the legendary outlaws of another time.

In recent years Corsican culture has rediscovered other sources of inspiration and other heroes. Today’s younger performers have found new veins of authenticity besides the folk tales and legends of their parents.

In the wake of this reclamation of cultural identity, these new messengers of tradition have given a new twist to their mother tongue, blending local dialects with modern european languages. This multilingual success story transcends mere island frontiers.

Metalworking, carving, basket weaving, knitting, pottery… The wide range of skills is matched by the quality of the craftsmen. These old talents refused to die out when the simple lifestyles that inspired them faded away. Around 30 years ago, a new generation rediscovered the talents of the past and breathed new life into the old crafts, combining traditional skills with modern ideas. Today’s artisans blend quality of technique, creativity and natural products.

The same period has seen a renaissance of the old brotherhoods, with rural, secular and religious festivities once again featuring on the popular calendars.

This movement to reclaim the culture and traditionnal values, marks Corsica’s very special fin de siècle experience.

ISLAND OF FLAVOURS

Between the contemporary and the traditional, Corsica’s art de vivre maintains these ancestral landmarks which never fail to lure tourists on the quest for authenticity and exoticism.

Fairs and festivals for olive oil, chestnuts, delicatessen (“charcuterie”), cheese and traditional handicraft have inspired a dynamic promotional and economic renaissance sharing local flavours with the world.

Traditional farming methods and fresh seasonal products on the menus contribute to the excellent reputation of Corsica’s honest country cuisine. Each season on the land is represented on the plates of Corsica. This gastronomy is the ultimate showcase for skills that begin tilling and toiling the land and climax in the kitchen. The tables of the island also show the colours and flavours of Corsican wines, many of which are gathering an international reputation.

Farming, breeding, fishing and hunting all play their part, throughout the year, in creating the special flavour of Corsica.

ISLAND OF NATURE

Respect is the key to good relations between man and his natural environment, and this is at the heart of perpetuating the protection and value of our natural heritage. In Corsica, various organisations, institutional partners and professionals combine to manage the open spaces and watch over their ecological potential, their wealth and fragility. Corsica is home to a good many classified sites and natural reserves of national importance, as well as one UNESCO world heritage site. The richness of island wildlife has already justified a list of protected species including the mouflon, 24 different bats, osprey, royal eagle and the sitelle, which is particular to Corsica, Canada and China.

Parc Naturel Régional and l’Office National des ForêtsThe Parc Naturel Régional, founded in 1972, is an agency of the Collectivité Territorial de Corse, the two administrative départements, and 143 communes. Spread over an area of more than 3 500 sq km, more than a third of the area of Corsica itself, it stretches around the mountain range from Calvi to Porto-Vecchio.

L’Office National des Forêts has laid out a number of discovery trails through key areas of 1 455 sq km of the forests which it manages. This public body organises a range of leisure activities in a natural setting for a huge number of visitors each year.

Sea ParksThe object of a parc marin is to preserve and manage the environment whilst protecting the ecological balance of the site. Corsica boasts two such sea parks.

Le Parc Marin de Corse stretches from the Presqu’ile de la Revellata, south from Calvi, to the gulf of Porto, an area of 1 500 sq km of sea and 117sq km of land.

Le Parc Marin International des Bouches de Bonifacio covering a area of 800sq km of French waters from the Ile aux Moines to Pointe de la Chiappa in the gulf of Porto Vecchio.

ISLAND SANCTUARY

There are five nature reserves in and around Corsica – each one complying with strict laws regarding the protection of wildlife. Government regulations from 1976 ensure the safety of animal and plant species, stopping points on migratory routes, and areas of geological importance. The reserves also contain sites of specific interest for scientific and technical research and permit public access for educational visits.

Les Iles CerbicaleNorth east of Porto-Vecchio this reserve embraces five islands. The principal role is to guard the presence of nesting seabirds including crested cormorants, puffins, petrels, Audoin gulls and reptiles including species of lizard.

Les Iles LavezziAn archipelago of six islands situated at the extreme south of Corsica, in the Bouches de Bonifacio. 68 species of fish are listed and protected. The most spectacular area being Merouville where undersea hunting of Merou – an endangered species, is strictly prohibited.

Les Iles FinochiarolaFound at the far western point of Cap Corse these islands are part of the commune of Rogliano. The reserve was essentially created to protect the Audoin seagull.

Scandola – the doyenne of reservesFrance’s premiere nature reserve is to be seen in the commune of Osani. Scandola is in fact two nature reserves in one, a sea reserve and a land-based park. The jewel in the crown of the regional natural park

is a registered UNESCO world heritage site, covering 9 sq km of land and 10 sq km of the sea.

Etang de BiguliaThis lagoon south from Bastia covers the largest wet zone in Corsica, covering an area of 18sq km. Not interrupted by the sea or bathing areas, it is home to 127 species of aquatic birdlife.

ISLAND OF THE GRAND BLEU

Underwater diving has long been considered as a privileged elite’s sport. Today everyone can enter the enchanted world under the waves, as sea diving becomes a major tourist attraction and a limitless opportunity for Corsica.

The quality of the sea beds, the purity of the waters and the presence of some remarkable undersea sites, including wrecks and reefs, all combine in the irresistible lure of a dive into another world.

To dive off Corsica is to discover the abundance and glory of the Mediterranean’s secret flora and fauna.

Over recent years many new diving clubs have grown up on the island, and are now affilliated to the French underwater sports federation, the Féderation Française d’Etudes et des Sports Sous-Marins. Today around 30 diving clubs may be found all along the coasts, offering a full range of activities.

A regional committee based at Ile Rousse is responsible for co-ordinating the various clubs. Among the duties of the committee, the most important of all, is that of quality control, effectively overseeing the training packages and maintaining standards of divers. Thanks to the basic training other subaquatic activities may be enjoyed around the island.

Aware of the importance of this activity for the promotion and development of tourism, modern diving clubs offer a first rate welcome, safe and supervised dives, with additional options of transport, lodging and dining as well as organised excursions.

Some clubs notch up as many as 15 000 dives each year and the island as a whole, inspires an annual total of nearly 200 000 dives.

Initiation into the secrets of the underwater ecosystem and training in undersea photography are among other specialist activities offered by experienced professionals.

ISLAND PLEASURE PORT

If the saying is true that true happiness is to be found on the water, then Corsica is unquestionably a paradise for all lovers of the sea and its sports. Firstly, of course, for boating holidaymakers. Each year more and more people choose to drop anchor in the ports and island coves. The figures for visitors from overseas speak for themselves.

MarinaCorsica’s marina are well equipped to welcome pleasure boats of all sizes. The island boasts some 16 ports with more than 6 200 berths, of which 30% are reserved for visiting vessels representing more than 60 000 calls each year.

The pleasure fleetThe leisure armada registered in Corsica numbers 16 000 vessels, of which 4 000 are over 2 tons. Each year sees a further 1 000 boats registered on the island.

Boat hireBoat hire is a key local activity. An annual total of 6 000 weeks sailing out of Corsican ports is the equivalent of 210 000 holiday nights per year. Many hire companies offer a wide range of pleasure craft from yachts to motorboats.

Passing TrafficOvernight berths from passing boats and ships represent more than 60 000 casual layovers and a daily summer presence of around 1 800 foreign vessels. More than 600 non-resident boats berth at the island all year round.

ISLAND OF FUN

Sailing ClubsThere are some thirty sailing organisations affiliated to the Ligue Corse de Voile, which means that independent and club sailors may enjoy the sensations of life under sail all year round and all round the island.

Sea KayakSea Kayaking is an up and coming sport in Corsica. The coastal circuit is accessible to all throughout the year. On site, equipment hire units provide meeting points for visitors.

Waterskiing, Jet Ski And InflatablesFor fun or competition, the spin off motor-water-sports can be enjoyed individually. Training and equipment hire are offered at pleasure ports and supervised beaches, and provide even more alternative coastal excursions.

Fishing on the High SeasThe Corsican coastline is the perfect vantage point for fishing trips on the high seas. Many successful national and international competitions have been based here.

Surf’s UpFunboarders and surfers may be found all round the island’s shores. The major venues for serious sportsmen are nonetheless the Extreme-Sud and la Balagne, combining the very best conditions for lovers of Slalom and Waves. Every year, these world reknowned spots attract funboarders of all levels from all over the globe. Serious surfers know that Corsica holds the geographical and meteorological trump cards for the best conditions in the Mediterranean. The island’s coasts offer every configuration and wave type for Beach Break, with breakers crashing on sandy shores, rocky reefs or in natural harbours.

ISLAND OF LIVING WATERS

Back in 1970, Corsica’s first two canoe kayak centres opened for business. Since then, many clubs and associations have sprung up to provide training, navigation and equipment hire.

Besides Canoe-Kayak, watersports on Corsica include canyoning, white-water rafting, hydrospeed and swimming in fast flowing waters. All equipment and special clothing is available from the various watersport centres.

With 1 375 km of waterways, from fast flowing rapids to tranquil pools, Corsica offers every natural condition to get the best from all the sports available. The longest intermediate flows take the form of natural gorges.

Thanks to a delayed low water season and an abundant supply from the high-altitude waterways, Canoeing, white water rafting and swimming may be enjoyed from February until the end of May, whilst canyoning is possible from mid-April until November.

ISLAND THRILLS

GR 20Without doubt the best known path in Corsica, and certainly one of the toughest routes in Europe, the GR 20, known locally as Fra I Monti, is a 15 day expedition crossing the high mountains of the island from Calenzana in the Calvi region, to Conca in the region of Porto-Vecchio). The itinerary demands a top level of physical fitness and a good knowledge of mountain terrain. It is most practical from mid-June to mid-October. Accommodation along the GR 20 is in mountain refuges.

Camping is strictly prohibited on the route, although tents may be pitched around the refuges.

Hang glidingTo discover Corsica from the skies above the island is a fascinating and unforgettable experience. Seven clubs offer hang gliding from numerous sites on le Cap Corse, le Nebbio,la Castagniccia, le Niolo and la Balagne.

ClimbingCorsica offers many natural challenges to climbers. Around thirty such sites are prepared and serviced with professional climbers, supervisors and instructors on hand to assist climbers of all abilities.

4-wheel driving and bikingThe opportunity to meander through the winding paths on a motorbike or in a 4x4, following strict rules regarding safety and protecting the environment. Many forest routes offer the possibility of supervised rallies.

ISLAND ESCAPES

HikingA wide selection of hiking options is available. Teams of accredited guides guarantee assistance and security to hikers on Corsica. Among the various organisations involved in providing the service are the Parc Régional Naturel and the Office National des Forêts. Varied itineraries are offered, tailored to walkers and hikers of all levels.

Mountain Bikes and CyclotourismCorsica is an ideal location for year round mountain biking along woodland trails, footpaths and byways. From cycle hire to guided excursions, clubs and local organisations offer a full range of services.

Horse riding1 900km of bridle paths are open to riders. They wind through the island past picturesque villages and breathtaking scenery otherwise inaccessible to traffic. Following all four seasons, the Association Régionale du Tourisme Equestre (ARTEC) is keen to promote a full range of activities and services.

An introduction and training for children and young people, refresher courses for teenagers and adults, guided or unaccompanied hacks through the forests, bareback or saddled, children’s trekking holidays and donkey rides.

ISLAND OF SNOWISLAND OF SNOW

Snowfall in Corsica is excellent every year above an altitude of 1 800m, and during the season from 1 400m. All winter sports may be enjoyed from December – April, with the resorts just an hour’s drive away from the coast.

100 km of mountain ranges, with around 40 peaks above 2 000 metres, create a skier’s kingdom for both adrenalin sportsmen and laid-back winter ramblers.

Snowshoe hikesSnowshoe hikesCorsica offers many options for hiking across unmarked routes. Guidance from professionals is strongly recommended.

Ski expeditionsSki expeditionsSome of the toughest courses are strictly reserved for the braver and more confident skier. The best known area is the Haute Route à Ski which winds through the highest peaks, following the notorious trail of the GR 20. Many other itineraries are possible. As with the hiking tours, participants are urged to consult professional guides.

Ice cascadesIce cascadesThe extreme sport of the mountains for the seasoned sportsman.

Cross-country skiingCross-country skiingA vast expanse – the Plateau du Cuscione – on the mountain range of Sud de la Corse, offers cross country skiers a range of marked and serviced pistes

Alpine Sking and SurfingAlpine Sking and SurfingThree snow stadia, Ghisoni, Bastelica (Val d’Ese) and Vergio, in a unique environment, welcome experienced skiers and novices alike.

SUPPLY AND DEMANDSUPPLY AND DEMAND

All year round, Corsica is accessible by air and sea, from the major French and European capitals.

Around 22 airlines provide scheduled and charter flights serving the island’s four airports Ajaccio Campo dell’Oro, Bastia-Poretta, Calvi-Ste Catherine and Figi-Sud Corse.

Eight shipping lines regularly ply routes into the seven ports of Ajaccio, Bastia, Propiano, Calvi, Ile Rouse, Bonifacio and Porto-Vechio.

Daily links between Corsica and mainland France arrive and depart from the various ports and airports around the island. The frequency of services to and from other European cities varies with the seasons.

The ResponseThe ResponseListed accommodation on Corsica can host 140 000 people in 1 800 establishments as follows:

450 hotels 190 campsites 120 résidences de tourisme 40 holiday villages and centres 900 gîtes and chambres d’hôtes

OUR VISITORSOUR VISITORS

ProfileProfileThree out of ten visitors come from outside France. Italians and Germans account for nearly three-quarters of all foreign overnight stays.

Of the domestic market, most French visitors come from three main regions Ile de France (around Paris) Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Rhône Alpes.

Year on year, the make-up of the clientele remains loyal and stable. Traditionally a family choice for holidaymakers with children, there is an equally strong base of couples, making up almost a third of the tourist trade. Around the same proportion of visitors are aged between 34 and 45, and two-fifths would be categorised as well-off. The average length of a stay on the island is a fortnight.

MotivationMotivationThe principal factors behind the choice of Corsica as a holiday destination are: The island’s natural beauty The agreeable climate The diversity of the island

Visiting family or friends in Corsica Native Corsicans returning home

When asked, tourists say that they know of Corsica through: Personal recommendations from friends and family Having grown up on the island travel agents guidebooks previous visit the media official organisations or associations tourist offices

THE CORSICA TOURISM AGENCY:A TOOL FOR DEVELOPMENT

The Agence du Tourisme de la Corse (ATC) is a public body created by the island’s governing body, the Collectivité Territorial de Corse (CTC), by the law of March 13 1991. Under the auspices of the CTC, the agency is responsible for co-ordinating a wide range of tourist development projects in Corsica.

The promotion of tourism on the island To turn ideals into reality by modernising and developing the land

and its infrastructure according to state and regional tourist action plans.

The ATC also involves itself, through research, in working towards a better understanding of tourism and its effects.

With the CTC’s authority, The agency initiates and puts into practice any action necessary to enhance the development of tourism on the island.

With a Corsican Executive Councillor as president, the ATC is administered by a 27 member council, composed of elected members, representatives of institutions and professionals. As principal project of the Observatoire du Tourisme de la Corse, the agency has the support of a management team and administrative services, and is divided into two major sections: Development and Marketing & Communication.

INFO TOURISME

+ 33 (0)4.95.51.00.00

www.visit-corsica.comemail : info@visit-corsica.com