Corsica

Corsica is the perfect place for a wedding in Corsica or a romantic honeymoon but still a perfect choice for a family beach holiday.
Corsica lies in the Mediterranean Sea, a territory of France, it covers an area of 8,680 sq km. The Strait of Bonifacio separates Corsica from the Italian island of Sardinia to the South and the French Riviera; just 160 km southwest of the island. Corsica has 1000 kms of the coast, of which 300 are beaches.

Corsica’s coasts are relatively unspoiled and jealously guarded. The coast is rocky in the west; in the east, the coastal plain of Aleria is dotted with lagoons and swamps. Corsica is mountainous and its highest point is Monte Cintu at 2710 m. It has twenty other mountains of over two thousand meters and the average altitude is 560m. Corsica has the highest mountains and the most rivers of any Mediterranean island and is often described as the Rocky Paradise.

The island’s capital Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, is one of Corsica’s most visited locations, the French-Mediterranean city is a delight, especially the narrow streets that wind through the older parts of town. There is plenty of opportunities to visit the monuments and museums devoted to Napoleonic lore, but Corsica’s real attraction lies in nature, not in artifacts

Family holidays in Corsica

Corsica is perfect for a family holiday with its wonderful beaches, water-sports, hiking, walking, mountain biking and golf to name just a few.

Honeymoons in Corsica

Corsica is a perfect destination for a honeymoon as it is renowned for its romance. Some of the world’s true loves honeymooned in Corsica such as Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, Even Elizabeth Taylor had a honeymoon in Corsica with one of her husbands. Whether you opt for a mountain retreat or one of the boutique hotels on the coast you will not be disappointed with Corsica as a honeymoon destination.

Weddings in Corsica & Getting Married

As Corsica is very much French the rules apply as per marriage in France. The biggest problem for non-residents is the minimum residency time required. If Corsica is your preferred destination you could consider a wedding on a beach in Sardinia then the honeymoon in Corsica. Laws for weddings in Italy are a little easier for non-residents. If you do wish to marry in Corsica then all weddings take place in a French city hall.

If you do not have French citizenship then you will have to show the civil authorities in several documents in order to marry in France. Some of the documents that you will need for a wedding in France are as follows; your passport or French residence permit, birth certificate, a medical examination certificate from a French doctor and a certificate of celibacy and a document drawn up by a French lawyer attesting to your right to marry.

You will also need to have been resident in France for 40 days prior to the wedding and show proof of residency by means of a French telephone bill, water bill or similar documentation. All documents in English are required to be translated into French and in some areas it may be necessary to have a French translator at the ceremony as most ceremonies are conducted in French.

Events and What to do in Corsica

Corsica is a country of cultural festivals and country fairs. For information on upcoming festivals and events please go to the Corsica Tourist Board

Accommodation in Corsica

There is a wide variety of holiday accommodation available. There are hotels from the luxury class to one star. There are not many B&Bs, though there are some, there are also chambres d’hôtes, which are pretty much the same thing.

There is also self-catering accommodation; gîtes, usually converted houses or barns although some are privately owned many have been state subsidised and are therefore highly controlled. Villas, and apartments, are available, both with and without pools some in complexes.

Weather & best time to visit Corsica?

Corsica has a Mediterranean climate – at least at coastal levels. Prevailing winds are southwesterly, westerly and northwesterly. This is of course, varies considerably with altitude and mountain forms. At about 1500 meters it becomes alpine.

The best time to go to Corsica really depends on what you wish to do on the island. Spring time is a wonderful time to visit the island with many flowers in bloom and the temperatures pleasant if a little wet. April and May can see rainfall but it is uncommon for there not to be a day of sunshine.

June to October are the warmest months with July and August being the hottest time. In June and October the temperatures are perfect and a little quieter than in the high season of July and August.

Restaurants And Food in Corsica

Corsican cuisine offers a broad variety of dishes combining contemporary Mediterranean food with traditional dishes; polenta made with sweet chestnut flour and specialty cheese made with ewes milk and well as a variety of game, and fresh seafood. There are a variety of restaurants in most major cities, or small family-run inns in the small villages where the more traditional fare is available.

Driving tips in Corsica

The roads in Corsica can be quite narrow and twist through the mountains. In the remote areas you may find the roads not as well maintained so drive with caution.

Unless indicated otherwise, the following speed limits are applicable: 50 kph in urban areas, 80 kph on the Paris beltway, 90 kph on roads, 110 kph on fast roads and 130 kph on highways. A valid drivers’ license, an international insurance card and a vehicle registration card must be produced upon request during traffic stops.

Always carry your valid identity papers on your person. Your papers can be checked in the street or while you’re driving. In order to drive in France you must have your EU driver’s permit (or an international driver’s license), the registration papers of the vehicle (carte grise) and proof of insurance coverage. If you plan to stay less than 6 months, you are free to travel in France without restriction.

Car Rental Corsica 

Use our online car hire booking system for the best available rates 

In case of an Emergency

There are two main types of French police – the Police Nationale and the Gendarmerie Nationale. For all practical purposes, they are indistinguishable; if you need to report a theft, or another incident, you can go to either. You can be stopped anywhere in France and asked to produce ID, so always carry it with you.

Emergency Numbers

European Emergency Number: 112

Police: 17

Fire Department: 18

SAMU (medical emergencies, accidents) : 15

S.O.S. (English Language crisis line): 33 (0) 1 47 23 80 80

Country Corsica

Languages spoken: French, English
Currency Euro
Visa requirements Nationals of the EU, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Israel do not require visas to visit France as tourists for up to three months. Except for people from a handful of other European countries, everyone else must have a visa.
For more information on Corsica please See the Corsica Tourist Board