An Old Citadel and a Mountain Valley

From here it’s a short walk to the Citadelle de Corte.

Straddled across a jagged hilltop, this 2000-year-old mountain stronghold is both imposing and quite spectacular. Built between the 15th and 18th Century, it was once, in 1755, the capital of Corsica and housed the majority of the town’s population. It was also here, in 1769, that French invaders devastated the town, causing the residents to flee, including Napoleon’s mother, pregnant with the future emperor. Today, it’s a fascinating site to explore. Entrance to the site is through the museum which is housed in the former barracks and focuses on the ethnography of Corsica; including the arts, agriculture, and music – worth checking out.
Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance. Please note that the citadel and museum are closed on Mondays (between October and May).

Return to your car and continue the journey.

This is a very winding but absolutely stunning drive along the Restonica river valley, with plenty of viewpoints along the way. At the end of the road, Bergeries de Grotelle is a simple restaurant serving hearty food – cheese and charcuterie plates, omelettes and salads. Have a look at the cheese shop next door.

Drive into town. Corte has its very own beach. Plage de Baliri is a small but nice sandy beach on a river bank with plenty of shady places to relax.

A delightful seafront position in the laid-back beach town of St Florent for the next overnight stay.
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It’s a pleasant walk, through the narrow medieval streets of the town. From the restaurant, there are wonderful views of the citadel and, if you time it right, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Return to the hotel for a good night's sleep.
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