About
Corsica is a mountainous Mediterranean island and territorial collectivity of France. It lies southeast of the French mainland and west of Italy, and it makes a distinctive destination within the country, with its own character set apart from the rest of France.
The landscape
Much of the island is mountainous, and the terrain is rugged and dramatic. Visitors can expect steep ridges and high inland country on one side, and coastline with beaches on the other. Dense forests cover many of the slopes, so the scenery changes quickly as you move from the sea into the hills. For walkers, drivers and anyone who enjoys wide views, the variety of the island is a large part of its appeal.
Culture and history
Corsica keeps a strong cultural identity of its own. The Corsican language is spoken alongside French, and you will notice this in local life and in the sense that the island has its own outlook. The island is also the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, which gives many visits a historical thread for those interested in the figure and his origins.
What a visit offers
- Mountain scenery and forest for walking and touring by road
- Beaches along the Mediterranean coast
- A regional culture and language distinct from mainland France
- Connections to Napoleon's birthplace and the island's history
Corsica suits travellers who want a mix of coast and mountains, and who are curious about a part of France with a identity of its own. Plan your route around the areas that interest you most, as the island's terrain means distances can take longer than the map suggests.