Corte

Corte is the historical and cultural capital of Corsica, it was proclaimed the capital of the island (from 1755-1769 by Pascal Paoli). It is a lively, University town (the only University on the island is here), and is rather modern outside of the old town, but what makes its beauty, is the old village with its dramatic citadel sitting on top of a rocky outcrop above the town.

Explore the sloping streets paved with pebbles to the old town, dominated by the citadel, nicknames `the eagel`s next`. The facades of the houses are beautiful, rustic and colorful at times with clotheslines hanging from the windows and crumbling walls, that all add to the undeniable picturesque charm. There is plenty of restaurants here and many charming shops selling traditional Corsican products. The citadel is also home to the tourist office and a museum of Corsica. Make sure to stop at the viewing platform to take in the excellent views of the citadel and the town, as well as the stunning mountain scenery.

One of the liveliest parts of town is the area by the Fontaine des Quatre Canons and the wide steps, the Rampe Sainte Croix, that run up from here with a number of restaurants and bars along the way. At the top is the church of Santa Croix which has a very pretty interior.

As well as being an interesting town in itself, Corte is in a great location for exploring the surrounding area which is surrounded by numerous sporting activities, mountains, valleys and scenery of central Corsica and the surrounding Natural Park.

Venaco

Situated in the heart of the Corsican National Park, the Venaco region is a patchwork of villages set in a lush green landscape. Its territory extends from the forest of Vizzavona to the gates of Corte and is made up of 7 towns: Casanova, Muracciole, Poggio Di Venaco, Riventosa, Santa Petru Di Venaco (Saint Pierre de Venaco) and Vivario.

The municipality is naturally fortified by mount Rotondu and mount Cardu, stepped in pastoral tradition, the region still sees the seasonal migration of the flocks. Shepherds (and farmers) are the guardians of the region which is famous for its cheese, the most prestigious of Corsica. The history of the region apparent throughout; in its heritage, its baroque churches, and its stone shepherd`s huts. The area also boasts many rivers, lakes (lakes of Melo and Capitello) its exceptionally rich flora and fauna and wooded unspoiled environment, it is a haven for lovers of nature and the great outdoors.

Vivario

This village is hung on the mountain and located in the middle of prairies in terraces. It is encircled by the forests of Vizzavona, Sorba and Cetvello in the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, more than 50 miles from Bastia, it is close to Ghisoni and Bocognano. Vivario boasts a rich architectural heritage, as well as landscapes of great beauty. Between forests and mountains, the village is appreciated for its outdoor activities, as well as for the richness of its fauna and flora.

The municipality of Vivario has a significant religious heritage. While walking in the village, you will appreciate the church of Saint-Pierre-aux-liens and its bell tower with three floors, the chapel Notre-Dame-des-Neiges located on the Vizzavona pass, the chapel Notre-Dame-de -la-Forêt, or the San Petro chapel.

Several military buildings built in the 18th century by the French army are still visible at Vivario. Listed as Historical Monuments, the ruins of the Fort Vivario sit on a rocky peak at nearly 800 meters above sea level. Also classified, the Vizzavona fort, located on the pass of the same name, takes place at about 2,600 ft above sea level. Only a few remnants remain today.

Do not miss to admire the viaduct on the Vecchio built in the late 19th century and listed historical monument, or the fountain of Diane to the doe. Built in the second half of the 19th century, it unveils a cast iron copy of the ancient statue offered to King Henry II by Pope Paul VI. It is included in the general inventory of cultural heritage.

Due to its location and rich natural heritage there are many hiking trails that punctuate the territory. You will be able to cross the forest of Rospa-Sorba, the forest of Cervello, the forest of Vizzavona, or the neck of Campo di Lupo. Part of the GR20, a hiking trail known to great walkers, partly crosses the town.