Corsican holidays in Balagne and perched villages
Break away from the endless South Corsica: head for the northern mountains!
Would you like to discover the depths of Corsica?
If the south of Corsica is famous for its Aiguilles de Bavella, crystal-clear beaches and must-see seaside resorts, the hilltop villages of the island's north-western hinterland will delight you with their authentic charm. Far from the crowded and sometimes inaccessible beaches, you'll revel in the charm of the most beautiful villages on the Ile de Beauté, between narrow streets brimming with heritage and historic monuments, wild nature and breathtaking sea views.
An inspiring getaway on a mountainside, all year round.
When to come to Haute-Corse?
Wherever you choose to visit in Corsica, you'll enjoy a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters. Temperatures range from 12°C in spring to over 30°C in summer. Although sunshine is at its best all year round, autumn and winter generally mark a break for bathing. However, if your vacation doesn't fit the ideal weather schedule for visiting Corsica, a wonderful trip away from the coastal area is perfectly feasible.
How do I get to Balagne?
Would you like to reach Balagne by ferry? There are several ferry companies that will take you to the port of Ile Rousse, departing from Marseille, Nice or Toulon. Some crossings take place during the day, others at night; depending on the length of your stay and your budget, you'll be able to adapt your boat trip.
Prefer to come by plane? Calvi Sainte-Catherine international airport is just 13 minutes from the center of Calvi and 30 minutes from the center of Ile Rousse. Choose from a wide range of domestic and seasonal flights to Calvi from your nearest airport!
Above the Gulf of Calvi, the most beautiful hilltop villages of Haute-Corse
Sant Antonino
Built on a 497-meter-high granite peak, the village of Sant'Antonino is a veritable ode to local stone and the Balagne of yesteryear. Ancient wine presses, bread ovens, ancient fortifications and countless vaults: here, the famous "eagle's nest" welcomes you to the Corsica of yesteryear, where the abundant cultivation of vines, olive and almond trees justified its nickname of"the garden of Corsica".
Pigna
For music lovers, the small village of Pigna is a treasure trove of traditional music. In July, the Festivoce festival (with its island sounds) resounds in the heart of A Vaccaghja, a former cattle pen transformed into an amphitheatre and listed as a historic monument. The local people's love of their roots can be seen in the persistence of certain craft trades; be sure to visit workshops such as that of luthier Ugo Casalonga, Scatt'à musica and its pretty music boxes, and Atraverre, magnified by master glassmaker Virginie Torrelli. In addition to these transmissions that history cannot abolish, everyone's attachment to the Balinese land is also symbolized by an auditorium whose particularity is to be built of earth. Home to a community of musicians, your ears will certainly blossom here.
Lavatoggio
Inherited from its famous lavatoghji (washhouses), the village of Lavatoggio is another worthy perpetuator of Balagne's agrarian origins. Known as i pumaghji for their potato cultivation, the locals invite you to chat in the village restaurant Chez Edgar. This former oil mill is a veritable breeding ground for the island's best: sharing. Here, take part in lively discussions, always full of sympathy and macagna. Taste local dishes spiced up with typical Mediterranean flavors. Something tells us that after your hearty lunch, a good walk up the path to the little Notre-Dame-de-la-Stella chapel won't go amiss...
Lama
Built on the edge of the "Canale" (inter-mountain corridor), Lama boasts an exterior abounding in vigorous palms, bougainvillea and flowers of all kinds. Classified as a 4-star village in bloom for the meticulous ornamentation of its mansions, it's one of the most beautiful the Balagne region can boast. And if all the hamlets you've visited so far have told you about the richness of our culture, the annual Film Festival will open your eyes to artistic productions from both the island and around the world, in magnificent surroundings.
Palasca
A village with many enchanting walks, Palasca dates back to the end of the 11th century. While the Balagne region is full of towns that the past has transformed into ruins (such as the village of Occi), it has not dried up the number of its villagers, who welcome you with a smile. In the church square, night is not an "end in itself", because when the sun goes down, it's time for pétanque, wild dances and warm evenings... The church? Let's talk about it! With its Baroque style, it was built in the late 16th century. The burial place of Pascal Paoli's sister, the church also houses an organ dating from 1833, built by the island's only organ builder, Anton Pietro Saladini.
The craftsmen's route for a holiday full of meaning
Of course, Corsica's pretty hilltop villages are not limited to the above suggestions. If the appeal of Balagne's heritage has inspired you to visit its finest treasures, don't hesitate to contact us to build an unforgettable stay.
Between breathtaking views over the Gulf of Calvi and the Bay of Algajola, amidst olive groves and rocky outcrops, other villages such as Monticello, Belgodere, Speloncato, Santa Reparata di Balagna or Lumio will familiarize you with the region's history and ancient techniques that the ages have not damaged. Afraid of missing out? Be sure to visit the Strada di l'Artigiani (Craftsmen's Route) website, which lists the various craftsmen who strive to make their skills immortal.
Interested in Balagne? Contact one of our advisors to design a customized tour to suit your needs and budget! And don't hesitate to sign up for our newsletter to benefit from our partners' best offers and deals. Our brochure is also available for download. Finally, with your Corsicard card, enjoy a relaxing vacation while saving on your leisure activities.
