Page 537 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

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1 The narrow streets of Calvi.
2 A beach on Corsica’s east coast.
3 A bustling market stall in Ajaccio.
4 The citadel and town of Corte .
5 Cows basking on a beach
in northern Corsica.

that haven’t had a dust down in decades. Day 6
Rogliano is ideal for getting your bear­ Rise early and make a beeline for Corte; for
ings, with stunning, wide­angle views of a short time during the mid 18th­century,
the coast. Finish your day with sunset this mountainous town was the capital of
cocktails and seafood at Le Pirate (p547) Corsica. Take a stroll to the National Palace,
in the village of Erbalunga, poised on a then visit the citadel, perched dramatically
natural balcony between sea and moun­ atop a rocky outcrop. Next, drive down to
tain on the Cap Corse (p542). Stay the Etang de Diane (Diane Pond), where tiny
night at the impeccable Hôtel Demeure islands made of discarded oyster shells
Castel Brando (p543). belie the long­time industry of the area.
Then it’s over to Porto­Vecchio to indulge
in a dinner of delectable Italian flavours at
Day 5 Michelin­starred Le Casadelmar (p547).
Defiantly Corsican – rather than French –
Bastia (p543) has plenty of spirit. To see a Day 7
snapshot of this northern stronghold at
its liveliest, check out the Terra Vecchia Corsica’s southeast coast is all about the
weekend market, which features stalls beach; build sandcastles and splash about
groaning with local cheese, wine and oils. in the shallows at Palombaggia, a gor­
As the day wears on and the crowds dis­ geous ellipsis of sea and sand. From here,
perse, make a beeline for the Musée de drive west to Bonifacio (p540), for an after ­
Bastia, which is located inside the city’s noon explor ing the limestone citadel and
stark Terra Nova citadel – it’s an excellent its jumbled array of fortress­houses and
spot for a history lesson. Later, saunter churches. Swing northwards along the
along the old harbour to admire the pretty coast to spend your final night in one of
quayside buildings and light houses. As the rustic shepards’ huts lining Domaine
the sun starts to set, grab a table at one de Murtoli (p543), a beautiful private
of the waterside restaurants or bars. beach overlooking the Strait of Bonifacio.
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