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ESCAPADE

Vous pensiez connaître ? Provence et touristes… à quelques pas de chez vous ou de votre hôtel se cache l’inattendu. Entre mer et sommets préalpins, littoral ponctué de baies, presqu’îles et terres ensoleillées, les palaces, les plages, les golfs et les balades vous réservent de belles surprises. Partez à la découverte de ces lieux remarquables.

April 2023

Bonifacio 

The city on the cliff

Bunifaziu, the must-go town at the island’s southern tip, is a surprising place. Perched atop an impressive limestone cliff, the medieval citadel had proudly preserved its remarkable historic heritage. The Bastion de l’Étendard (the tallest bastion in France), the royal staircase and the town ramparts bear witness to a rich past. As a cultural venue, it hosts the Art’e Gustu culinary festival, the light shows of the Festi Lumi and, this year, an exclusive collaboration with the Musée Beaubourg. The town has natural attractions too: the famous Grain de Sable sea stack, the Gouvernail headland, the Campu Rumanilu footpath and the lovely beaches looking out towards the Lavezzi islands and Sardinia. The marina is one of the world’s finest and many prestigious yachts can be seen there. This year for the second year it hosts two stages of the Pro Sailing Tour. Sailors can reach the marina by sea from the Bouches nature reserve.

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La cité des falaises vue depuis le Campu Rumanilu.

Where to stay

Version Maquis Citadelle & Spa Biologique Recherche 

This 5-star hotel is the place for a quiet, relaxed stay in a cosy atmosphere out in the countryside with a view of the city. Its 600mspa is the best equipped in Corsica.

Lieu-dit Pertuso

 

Centre Nautique & Spa Carré d’Or

The old harbour master’s office is now a hotel with four luxury suites and two restaurant bars. One is 

in contemporary yachting style, the other is a rooftop lounge much appreciated for evening dining.

Quai Nord, port de plaisance

 

Genovese & Spa Cinq Mondes

A bijou hotel in the heart of the uppertown. You’ll love the view of the harbour and citadel from the pool. If you prefer a marina atmosphere, ask for one of the three suites in the annexe at the harbour entrance.

1 place de l’Europe

 

U Capu Biancu & Spa Crenacare Cosmetics

The Limongi family have instilled their spirit into this independent luxury 4-star hotel. They have made it like a private holiday home that blends into the surrounding maquis. Everything here exudes Corsican soul, from the 100% natural spa designed like a beach shack to the siesta areas.

Domaine de Pozzoniello

 

Cala di Greco 

This boutique hotel is set in three hectares of Mediterranean woodland. Luxury here is eco-friendly all the way. Earth, stone, wood and water are omnipresent. Guests can enjoy infinity pools with sea views, solariums sheltered from public gaze and suites with private pools.

Bancarello

Where to eat

La Caravelle 

On the water’s edge by the marina you’ll find lusciously creative Mediterranean cuisine with revisited local specialities and fresh local fish. The sommelier will advise you on the best wines in the cellar, which is actually an old chapel.

35-37 quai Comparetti

 

A Cheda 

This place has been awarded the Maître Restaurateur label. Gastronomic fare with a menu featuring wild fish, organic Corsican meat and fresh vegetables from the permaculture garden. By reservation only. 

Cavallo-Morto

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© Michel Luccioni

Golfing passion

The Domaine de Sperone golf course has 18 holes, some of them among the world’s finest. Especially the 16th, where the player must drive over the sea. Clubhouse with restaurant and pro shop.

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CORSICA CLASSIC YACHTING

Sail away

Get on board or bring out your binoculars. The Corsica Classic Yachting association is holding three events in Bonifacio this year. While the Régates Napoléon (23-27 May) is based at Ajaccio, traditional yachts and sailing boats will also sail into Bonifacio. The third Régates d’Hippocrate (21-25 June), for sailors in the health professions, will bring a vintage touch to the marina. The 14th Corsica Classic will also stop in Bonifacio for two days between 22 and 30 August before offering participants cocktails at the prizegiving, and a gala evening at the Bastion de l’Étendard.

Corsican treats

Glacier Rocca Serra

/ The place to go for ice cream and sorbets with Corsican flavours. Make sure you taste the famous ‘Corail de Bonifacio’ confection. 

17 quai Comparetti

 

 Pâtisserie Sorba

Fans of local sweets and pastries flock here for the canistrelli, fugazzi, pains des morts, bruccio tarts and fritters, chestnut flour biscuits and more. 

24 rue Saint-Dominique

Shopping gems

Mer et Découvertes This marine antique shop tucked away in a 15th-century grotto is a great place for rare and unusual finds.

19 montée Rastello

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