Scorching sunset sets mountains on fire, Calvi, Corsica
Stunning scenery, delicious cuisine, glorious beaches, and enchanting towns are all to be found on the Île de Beauté, the Island of Beauty.
Picture perfect pleasure boat port, Calvi
Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace duly impressed us earlier this month during our week-long stay in Calvi, in the northern sector–despite an island-wide, wildcat strike at airports and seaports two days before our departure, and Ralph’s altercation with a twin-engine Zodiac, an inflatable vessel. Luckily the grève ended in a day, not affecting our return flight to Marseille. And Ralph didn’t break any bones when he slipped while disembarking the cruise “ship” that had whisked us to the ultra wild Scandola Nature Preserve. (Though his hip bruise was a doozey.)
Swim the Med in early October? In Calvi, of course!
The fourth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, just seven miles north of Sardinia, Corsica became officially French around 1768. For the nearly 500 previous years, the ruggedly mountainous Île had been ruled by the Republic of Genoa. Consequently, the island radiates a unique blend of Italian and French flair.
Here, I’ll let the photos paint the picture:
Calvi from the Sentier de Douanes, Path of the Customs OfficialsSteep paths lead to small, inviting coves Walking the beach is a joy in CalviYacht “parked” in CalviQuiet paths crisscross Calvi’s CitadelPopular L’Île de Beauté brasserie on the waterfrontMaster pizza maker Emmanuel shows off his dough tossing skills, A Punta Belly up to the bar at friendly Italian restaurant, A PuntaFigatellu, a local sausage, spices up pizza, A PuntaHearty ham and cheese calzone, A PuntaMouthwatering moules-frites at Via MarinaDelicious saffron infused sauce enhances this fish dish at L’Île de Beauté Local looking for morsels at Via MarinaColorful Calvi cafe on the waterfront Big bonbon sculpture by Laurence Jenkell, Kasano Hotel & Spa, CalviL’Église Sainte-Marie de CalviDramatic cliffs of Scandola Nature PreserveA rare structure overlooks a small cove, ScandolaCruising through Scandola Nature PreserveWild goat poses outside its hilltop hermit abodeCharming L’Île-Rousse, north of CalviL’Île-Rousse outdoor market exceeds most garlic needsChurch of Immaculate Conception, L’Île-RousseA multi-generational roving band entertains during the 195th Fiera di L’Isula, L’Île-RousseA friendly Red Kite flew by almost daily.The bronze Marinella Mermaid by Gabriel Diana, L’Île-RousseMoody CalviCalvi shimmers at dusk
Take good care and all the best for health, happiness, and hope.
Bises, Gayle
A sweet beach discovery, Calvi
PS
As for Pleasures of Provence…the good news is that a manuscript resembling a full first draft is done—I think. But whether or not it is, forward I go into the editing stage–hooray! All positive thoughts you care to share are most welcome:)
Gayle Smith Padgett 