Off-the-beaten-track must-go venues in Corsica

Where to go this Summer despite the constraints? More than ever, Corsica seems to be the wildest, most off-the-beaten-track and Made in France holiday vacation spot or then ideal for an easy short weekend facile. Here is a quick tour of the most magical places to check out around Ajaccio or in High-Corsica, the two destinations highlighted by Air France Travel Guide

For whom? Aesthetes of minimalist highs.

It’s a paradise on earth to slip into the meditative vibes of a happy-go-lucky- monk. Here is the setting: a 15^th century building where Capuchin monks lived recluse in the Corsican backcountry, known as the maquis, and the freshness of the mountains with a stunning view on the. It is now possible to come stay in this former convent taken over by Emmanuelle Picon where the bells for the Angelus prayer still ring, with WiFi as an added plus. Here one celebrates sophisticated simplicity, the pleasures of reading, hiking, local cuisine and tranquillity—between a monastic room, a splendid garden and an elegant pool. Simple pleasures are also cultivated here: a chic picnic or an exquisite dinner around a communal table. The dream anti-burnout trip.
Starting at €140 per night. Couvent de Pozzo, 20222 Brando, 04 95 60 39 11

To do and see:

• A stroll and drinks on the waterfront at Pirate, in the port of Erbalunga, an authentic and timeless fishermen’s village.

• The path of Customs Officers for hikers seeking sensational views.
• A paddle outing to the wild coves of Mare e Monti.

For whom? Chic Robinsons.

A true ode to Corsican bohemia, this vintage club born in the 70’s keeps its promises regarding “nature”: wooden cabins on the beach, fine sand and turquoise waters, pine trees, available paddles, yoga courses. You also can benefit from full board and lodging, blind tests at happy hour, the kids club. Here, you run into the Parisian bobo jet-set (Izia Higelin, Romane Bohringer and her gang, an editor in chief of Télérama) to recharge your batteries and feel totally at ease to hang out in a family spot in the best of taste with a fab view: the roots Club Med of chic people.

Full room and board starting at € 420 per week. Co Calvi, route de la Pinède, 20260 Calvi, 04 95 65 00 60

To do and see:

• Tapas and Corsican wines at happy hour in the most buzzing eat-in cellar of the moment: Ebbrezza, on the port of Calvi.
• A seafaring escapade in the wild peninsula of La Revellata, making a pit stop on the beach of L’Alga to take a dip in the turquoise waters before reaching the beacon and taking advantage of the sunset on the horizon.
• A pampering treatment at the spa and lunch at La Villa, the amazing 5 star of Calvi, for a little upscale change from the more roots spirit of the club.

For whom? Architecture buffs.

You certainly have already heard of it. Recently rewarded with the Architecture Prize in Corsica, up and coming designer Amelia Tavella just opened Casa Santa Teresa, on the route des Sanguinaires in Ajaccio. This house dating back to the 50s was imagined like a dream resort to spend time with a gang of buddies and chic families, facing the sea. Interiors and exteriors are dedicated to swimming, swivelling doors, a large living room with secret alcoves, high rooms and vegetation. A dream come true.

Casa Santa Teresa, 5,900 € the 5 nights for 12 persons.

To do and see:

• A day at the Capo di Feno beach, punctuated by a light lunch or a happy hour in the sand, at the Le Pirate beach hut, on the Route des Sanguinaires, the hot spot of it-girls and surfers from Ajaccio.
• Must-stop over at the Bilboq, a local institution where Jean Jean serves the best crayfish pasta in the world.
• And for a totally unusual night or a fab beach day restaurant, be sure to go to the Domaine de Lagnonu.

For whom? All those who enjoy barefoot luxury.

A true wild eden in the maquis along a cliff of the Cap Corse, the Domaine de Misincu has everything it takes to please in an environment that happens to be beyond spectacular. And they keep the green promise! Check it out: an olive orchard, a river, gardens and patios, without forgetting a permaculture farm for the local market-driven cuisine of chef Paul Bertheau that is creating the buzz. Last but not least, there is an access to a deserted each where you can sunbathe quietly while reading a book. And for those who want a deluxe parenthesis without setting down their suitcases: it’s also possible to come have lunch or have a drink in front of the sunset while taking advantage of the pool, the beach and the domain all day long.

Rooms starting at €330. Domaine de Misincu, 20228 Cagnano, 04 95 35 21 21

To do and see:

• A visit to the family vineyard of 14 hectares Domaine Pieretti and its cellar, with owner Lina Venturi.
• A boat outing with a skipper to the idyllic coves of the Cap Corse or even as far as Italy from the small port of Santa Severa, alongside Manon from Cap Corse Location.
• A horseback riding experience in the maquis from the Cavallu di Brando Nicoli Stella ranch at Pietracorbara.

More info and addresses on Air France Travel Guide in the region of Bastia and Ajaccio.