A city in the heart of Corsica
This discovery of Corte begins with a short train trip from Vizzavona to Corte in 45 minutes for 8 euros round trip. You can also take the same train from Ajaccio located 80 km away or from Bastia located 68 km away. Corte is 480m above sea level. Former capital of Corsica from 1755 to 1769, it was built in 2 stages. First in 1419 then finished in 1769. It is the only one of the 7 Corsican citadels to have been built inland. A trip to the heart of Corsica and photos will be part of my visit, which begins with my arrival at its small station...map in hand, I head for the town centre.
After a few minutes of walking, I cross the "Tavignano" stream. On my left on the other side of the bank, the University of Corte "Pascal Paoli" catches my eye. This university has nearly 4000 students, making Corte a lively and student city. I bypass the university on the left and I go up the avenue "Jean Nicoli". At the top of the avenue, you can park in the "Tuffelli" city center car park, you will be close to the city center or choose the "Citadelle" car park at 3 rue St Joseph. Having come on foot, I continue on the avenue J.Nicoli which leads to the "Cour Paoli", the main street of the city of Corte. This very commercial and lively street has many shops, bars, banks, pharmacy... I turn left, go up the street and arrive at "Place Paoli"
I turn right and walk through the alleys which brings me after a small climb to rue "Palais National". Going up this street, I discover the Tourist Office on my right and the Museum of Corsica a little further on the left.
For lack of time I decide not to visit the Museum. I retrace my steps and take a ramp that will lead me to the "Belvédère". A few more tens of meters in these narrow and colorful alleys... one last steep climb and I reach the top of the hill.
I'm finally there...bars and souvenir items are waiting for me...as well as a flag that reminds you that you are in Corsica :)
The belvedere is on the left. I can finally admire the citadel perched on its promontory.
From the Belvedere, the Citadel seems close at hand...What courage to build such a building on this peak!!...(Some would say that the Cathars had done the same a few centuries earlier). In the distance the Corsica mountain... magnificent, on the other side you can discover the town of Corte which extends in the valley. I don't regret my efforts and I'm very happy to be up here. As everything has an end...I ended up going back down after taking some photos that will remind me of this trip. I take another route...Rue du "Colonel Feracci" passing in front of the "place Gaffory" then the ramp "Sainte Croix" in order to cross the historic district of Corte. This route also allows me to pass in front of the house where Napoleon Bonaparte's brother was born...Joseph Bonaparte.
At the foot of the "Sainte Croix" ramp, a magnificent fountain sits at the foot of the stairs... Here I am back at "Cours Paoli"
It only remains for me to reach the station to return to Vizzavona, not without regret to leave this charming town. Count a good half day to visit the city and these districts as well as the Belvedere...Add a little more time if you visit the museum. Have a good trip and good photos
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