Page 256 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France

254 BACK ROADS FRANCE

Right Cobblestoned street in Pigna on the 5 Algajola
Strada di l’Artigiani Below left View of Haute-Corse, Corse; 20220
Algajola from Pigna Below right Busy port The town of Algajola was founded
and promenade of Calvi by the Phoenicians. The Romans
later made use of it as the base for
their legions. Algajola then came
WHERE TO STAY into the hands of the Genoese, who
consi dered it to be a vital possession
ALGAJOLA because of its central location
Camping de la Plage within the region. The tiny town
inexpensive–moderate was des troyed by pirates in 1643.
Tents and caravans sit under a 100- The cita del’s structure was rebuilt
year-old wood at this family-friendly by the Genoese by the end of the
camp site. The Arengo Plage is 50 m
(165 ft) away, while Algajola centre is 17th century. Algajola is also home
5 minutes on foot. Bungalows and to the Église Saint-Georges, which
small studio cabins are also available. houses a 17th-century Italian
N197, 20220; 04 95 60 71 76; www. painting of Descente de croix. These
camping-de-la-plage-en-balagne. days one of Algajola’s main draws is
com; closed Oct–Apr
its 2-km (1-mile) sandy beach, just
AROUND STRADA DI L’ARTIGIANI east of the town centre. The bay is
Casa Musicale moderate also a haven for activities such as the island’s northern coast, swooping
A colourful eagle’s nest of a hotel with windsurfing and snorkelling. from Occhiatana in the east to Calvi
seven guest rooms ranging from the fig ª Take the N197 back east to the in the west. Pigna, at the route’s centre,
tree-shaded Bassa to the family-sized right turn for Corbara, where the D313 nurtured a successful artisan revival
Sulana. It hosts Pigna’s best restaurant.
Pigna, 20220; 04 95 61 77 31; www. leads to the D151, which loops past in the 1960s; today the town is filled
casa-musicale.org Corbara, Pigna and Aregno. At Cateri, with workshops producing musical
turn right onto the D71, down to instruments and sculptures. Nearby,
CALVI
Lumio and the N197. This route is pretty Corbara is particularly famed
Clos des Amandiers moderate part of the Strada di l’Artigiani. for its artistic sandstone pottery,
This is a scattered array of bungalows
on Calvi’s outskirts. Simply furnished, original tableware and crockery.
each features an outside terrace. 6 Strada di l’Artigiani Lumio boasts cutlery-makers, a small
Route de Pietramaggiore, 20260; 04 95 Haute-Corse, Corse; 20256, 20214 family-run production of essential
65 08 32; www.clos-des-amandiers. Officially designated as the Strada oils and wineries producing
com; closed Nov–Apr
di l’Artigiani in 1995, this “Artisans’ appellation d’origine protégée red,
The Manor expensive Road” was established to preserve white, rosé and muscat wines.
One of Corsica’s few hip hotels, the and encourage the creation of ª Once back on the N197, follow the
Manor consists of two exclusive guest traditional Corsican crafts. It covers busy road west to Calvi’s town centre.
rooms and one family suite.
Chemin Saint-Antoine, 20260; 04 95 the most characteristic craftsmen’s Park in the car park located at the
62 72 42; www.manor-corsica.com workshops as it weaves inland from base of the citadel.

Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €70; moderate, €70–€150; expensive, over €150