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- Destinations
- Europe
- France
- Corsica
Corsica
The island of Corsica is France's 'little bit of Italy', it
being close to that neighbouring country and therefore long
influenced by the language, architecture and cuisine of the Italian
mainland. The local language, for example, is Tuscan-inspired.
Corsica has been under French rule for only 200 years after being
sold by Genoa to Paris in 1768. Before that happened, this island
that rises majestically out of the Mediterranean, belonged by turns
to the Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Moors and Lombards,
each conquering nation leaving their mark and influence to be added
to the Corsican melting pot. Corsicans today tolerate French rule
unwillingly, but radicals are tempered by the realisation that the
island economy is heavily subsidised and islanders enjoy generous
tax concessions.
Today the invaders of this island, which gave birth to Napoleon
and Columbus, are thousands of holidaymakers who flock particularly
to the east coast, with its long sandy beaches and pretty fishing
villages, for activities like scuba diving, sailing, kite-surfing
and hiking. The west coast has awe-inspiring scenery with cliffs
and rocky inlets, while the mountainous interior remains largely
wild, in between cultivated groves of olives, pine plantations and
cork forests.
Corsicans maintain their independent ways, and you'll find a
strange mixture of French and Italian culture that is both and yet
neither. In Corsica you'll find local beers and soft drinks not
found anywhere else, and unique cuisine including locally-produced
chestnuts, olive oil, pastries, and boar meat.
Information & Facts
Climate
Corsica features a Mediterranean climate which is characterised
by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters with the north of the
island being hotter than the south, and the east wetter than the
west. The weather is influenced by the winds and the temperature is
moderated by the mountains. Average summer daytime temperatures
reach around 77°F (25°C) and can climb to as high as 95°F (35°C) in
July and August.
Language
French is the official language.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency can
be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels,
though you will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major
credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques,
particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not
accepted.
Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and
last Sunday in October).