AJACCIO
“A rose-pink pebble on the
Mediterranean” is how Saint-Exupéry, astonished by
the
diversity of its landscapes,
described Corsica. The island’s capital Ajaccio is also
known as the imperial city, as it is here where
Napoleon 1er was born. Peacefully
established in the heart of a
tranquil gulf, the city is encircled by mountains, and
it is
this enticing combination of sea,
sun and hills that wins visitors over to a city
where
everyone lives out of doors in
the lively squares and streets.
BONIFACIO
Perched precariously on a high
rocky promontory, Bonifacio occupies a very
special
place in the Corsican landscape,
particularly when viewed from the sea. A fortress
city
atop white limestone and granite
cliffs that have been sculpted by wind and
waves,
Bonifacio’s historic medieval
heart of tall, narrow houses and winding
cobblestone
streets is protected by an
impressive citadel wall embellished with square towers:
a
beautiful sight.
PORTOFERRAIO
The island of elba is at the
heart of the Tuscan Archipelago and presents a finely
chiselled profile
sheltering numerous unspoilt
coves. Portoferraio is one of the oldest villages, the
Ligurians, Etruscans
and Greeks having shaped its
history before it became a Roman colony. Here you can
follow in the
footsteps of Napoleon as you wind
your way through the pastel-coloured houses protected
by two
Medicean forts to Palazzino dei
Mulini, the Emperor’s residence during his exile in
1814.
PORTOVENERE
Perched on a rocky peninsula in
the magnificent Gulf of Poets, this pretty medieval
port town is lined
with tall multi-coloured houses
and narrow streets leading to a castle on the hill
behind. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it dates back to
the 12th Century ans has retained all the charms
of a fishing
village. From here you will
venture out to discover the world famous Cinque Terre
National Park.
Five jewel-like villages
combining medieval architecture with a touch of the
Renaissance nestle into
a dramatic landscape that is
truly without equal.
May 2nd-7th, 2010
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