Corsica-birthplace of Napolean

Calvi, Corsica France

 

Today, I enjoyed one of the most relaxing and peaceful days of the cruise in the small beautiful port of Calvi, Corsica.  I ran into fellow cruisers throughout the day and the consensus was that this is a special place.  After hustle and bustle of big cities such as Barcelona and Marseille, we welcomed this low-key, laid back visit.

Corsica coat of arms

I climbed up to the citadel that sits high above the harbor overlooking the immense Bay of Calvi and walked its ramparts Walking the ramparts is a great way to see the surrounding terrain and take some dramatic photos of the mountains, some high enough to have a snow dusting year round, and of the serene, turquoise sea below.

Next, I and descended the hill and strolled the warren of narrow streets filled with quaint shops and cafes (Some just opening for tourist season).  At a foot of the ramparts, is the Quay Landry that features a lovely marina and a café lined promenade.   I could have stayed longer soaking in the serenity.

 Corsica, is a French island in the Mediterranean Sea, (off the southern coast of Both France and Italy), famous for its climate, mountains (2/3 of island), and coastlines making it popular among tourists for snorkeling and diving opportunities along with parasailing and paragliding.  Calvi is a small port in a large bay on the northeastern section of Corsica.  We arrived on land by tender.

It is most widely known as birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and the town of Calvi claims to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

Corsica's culture contains both French and Italian elements, and its constitution while a Republic was written in Italian .   Corsica is one of the few regions of France that retains its own language in everyday usage: Corsican, which is more closely related to Italian than to French.

Here are some photos that remind me of this peaceful day: