About Corsica (Corse)
Containing the departments of Corse-du-Sud (2A) and Haute-Corse (2B), the island of Corsica (population 260,000) covers an area of 8,721km2 (3,367mi2) with a coastline of around 1,000km (620mi). It's situated 160km (99mi) from France and 80km (50mi) from Italy, with which it has strong historical ties, having been an Italian possession until 1768, when France purchased it from the Genoese. Corsica is quite different from mainland France, not only in its geography but in its people, culture and customs. (Corsican men are reputed to be among the most chauvinistic in France - which is saying something!) The island even has its own language, Corsican, spoken regularly by around 60 per cent of the people, although it has no official status and French is also universally spoken and understood. There's a strong local identity (and independence movement) and Corsica enjoys a greater degree of autonomy than the mainland regions.
Corsica is sparsely populated with huge areas devoid of human life and has a stark, primitive beauty with superb beaches and picturesque hillside villages; it's considered by some to be the most beautiful Mediterranean island (it's known as the Ile de Beauté) and is a popular holiday destination (particularly the western coast). Mountains cover most of its surface, including some 200 peaks over 2,000m (6,500ft), the highest reaching over 2,700m (9,000ft) so that skiing is possible in the winter. Around half the island is covered in vegetation, including beech, chestnut and pine forests and the ubiquitous maquis, a dense growth of aromatic shrubs (heather and myrtle) and dark holm oak. Corsica also boasts some of Europe's most beautiful Romanesque art.
Tourism is the island's main industry (many French mainlanders holiday here), although it remains almost completely unspoiled and a haven for outdoor lovers (hikers and bikers) and those seeking peace and serenity. Not surprisingly, Corsica has a slow pace of life, which is epitomised by its ancient and spectacular mountain railway. The main towns include Ajaccio (the regional capital and birthplace of Napoleon), Bastia, Bonifacio, Calvi and Porto-Vecchio, all situated on the coast. It's popular with holiday homeowners, particularly Italians, and prices have risen in recent years following increased interest. It has, however, avoided the devastation wrought in many other Mediterranean islands by high-rise developments; buildings are restricted to two storeys and construction is forbidden close to beaches. Corsica has good air connections with France and most other European countries. Sardinia is only a short boat ride away.
©Text by David Hampshire, from Survival Books' Buying a Home in France