Corte, the former capital of Corsica

The citadel at Corte is the only one of the island's six citadels to be located inland. Construction began in 1419 and the citadel is now a listed historic monument. The military buildings have been used as barracks and also as prisons, particularly during the Second World War, when many Corsican resistance fighters were imprisoned there.

The best views are from the old castle's battlements. From here, head for the citadel overlooking the Old Town, then visit the National Palace: this former Genoese palace housed the Paolian government in the 18th century. Finish off with a visit to the Church of the Annunciation just below the palace, and don't miss a visit to the Museum of Corsica.

When you visit Corte, take the opportunity to visit the Musée de la Corse and learn a little more about the island of beauty. Right in the heart of Corte's citadel, this museum of anthropology will help you discover traditional Corsica, as well as how it has evolved to the present day. You can enjoy temporary and permanent exhibitions, as well as a tour of the citadel.

The permanent collections on display at the museum are divided into two areas: the Doazan gallery and the "Museum in the making" gallery. The first presents the traditional life of shepherds and farmers and the evolution of customs and beliefs. The exhibition explores and presents the myths and mythical figures of an essentially oral society, the language, island culture and crafts (production, methods and uses). We can follow the daily life of the shepherds, their rules and habits.

The second area presents the "modern" aspect of Corsica, with attempts to industrialise the island, the promotion of a number of wine-growing businesses that have survived well, but also its spiritual aspect where religion is very strong.

👛 General price: €5.50

⏰ Opening times vary according to the season. Find all the information on the Museum website.

Corsica's landscapes are breathtaking, and Corte is no exception. The town's mountains, beaches and forests all offer sumptuous panoramas. Don't hesitate to put on your trainers and go for a walk through the Corte arch, the loop of the two valleys, or the cascade des Anglais, accessible via the Vizzavona forest. It is in this forest that an ancient fortress marks the boundary between Haute-Corse and Corse-du-Sud.

For the more sporty and outdoor enthusiasts, Corte offers a wide range of outdoor activities: mountaineering, hiking, climbing... all topped by magnificent scenery of pine forests, mountains and crystal-clear waters flowing into the Restonica gorges.

Make your way to the "roof of Corsica", Mount Cintu, culminating at an altitude of 2710 metres. The mountain range separates the Asco valley from the Golo valley. At certain waterholes, such as the Tavignano, you can abseil, dive and slide down these crystal-clear waters, but always accompanied by professionals.

And after all that effort, there's nothing like a few typical sweet treats to invigorate you. Whether you have a sweet tooth or a savoury one, there's something for everyone. In Corte, charcuterie such as coppa, Corsican sausage and lonzu, as well as cheeses (especially brocciu) are in the limelight.

Try fiadone, a cake made with brocciu and lemon, which Corsicans love, as well as brocciu fritters (which should be avoided if you're on a diet). Last but not least, chestnut flour is a much-loved local product here, and Corsicans love to make crêpes with it or add it to cakes.

If you want to stay in the heart of the citadel, just a 5-minute walk from the museum, we recommend the Hôtel Duc de Padoue, a 3-star hotel with charm and a warm welcome.

Apart from the citadel, the main attraction of the 3-star Les Jardins de la Glacière hotel is its pretty garden with swimming pool. A very pleasant setting for your stay!