5th day : from the citadel of Corté to the roman vestiges of Aleria or the Castagniccia and Bastia

Corté Aleria

Discover this town steeped in the omnipresence of Pascal Paoli, the national hero, an emblematic figure of Corsican nationalism, and after whom the university was named.

Once you have visited the former capital of the island, take the RN 200 to Aleria. This road winds its way along the Tavignano river and Genoese bridges, good for a stroll, and comes out on the flat open country of the east coast, one of the most cultivated regions in Corsica, with its orchards its vineyards and olive trees…

Aleria, an ancient and famous Roman city, with its museum located in the beautiful fort of Matra and with archeological excavations still being carried out.

Don’t hesitate to go and have a look at the “Diana” and “Urbino” ponds where aquaculture farming has been renowned from very ancient times for the quality of its oysters and mussels, which you can try out on the floating restaurants.

The following day head for Bastia by going along the Costa Serena, the Costa Verde and the Casinca region.

Or

The Castagniccia region and Bastia

From Corte, take the main road in the direction of Bastia as far as Ponte Leccia. After the bridge, turn right towards Morosaglia and enter into a region which treasures its traditions : the Castagniccia (chestnut grove) for an experience out of time…..In this chestnut forest where some trees are over five centuries old, there are numerous villages in the mountains and valleys, each with its own little Baroque or Roman church.

In Morosaglia, known for its Corsican national hero Pascal Paoli (XVIII° century) : you can visit the house where he was born and which has now been transformed into a museum.

Go over the Prato pass (985m) a start for a magnificent hike

(a 6-hours walk) to the peak of the Mont San Pedrone 1767m overlooking the green Castagniccia. What a sight when you reach the top with this overwhelming view of the region and the Tuscan islands !

Then set off for La Porta, a ‘must’ as far as villages to visit are concerned in the Castagniccia, with its Saint Jean Baptiste church and its impressive bell-tower of 45 metres high... An exaggeration of the movement, over-embellished decorations,exuberance, a beautiful piece of Baroque work on the island reminding us that this region was one of the richest in Corsica.

Then go back up to Croce then Campana in the direction of Piedicroce, and discover a real gem of the Baroque structure with its Saint Pierre et Saint Paul church. Take the time to have a look inside and admire the abundance of stucco, the sculptures and frescoes.

Not to be missed:

You’ll probably be a little bit thirsty after such a tour ? That’s why we recommend you a refreshing break at the Orezza spring, an ancient spa of ferruginous water with healing properties that are known throughout Corsica. Then go back to Folelli and Bastia.