Villages &
Artisanat
May and June - 7 days, 6 nights - Private Tour only
Corsican
mountains are dotted with unspoiled pastoral villages. For centuries,
the gorgeous coastland was uninhabited, by fear of invaders
coming from the sea. Set high up in the mountains, the villages
are the refuge of the Corsican soul. Backed by dramatic
mountain landscapes, many of them have been continuously inhabited
for more than a thousand years.
Artisanat is a French word that describes altogether
traditional handicraft, dexterity and a sense of art and esthetic.
During this week, you are visiting Corsican artisans who
have made the choice to perpetuate the tradition and lineage
of their ancestors by working centuries-old traditional Corsican
arts and crafts. Some are reviving forgotten methods, while
others chose to express their personal creativity via the old
traditions.
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Pottery made before your eyes
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Master glass blower at work & guests admiring
the art
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9th century chapel built on
a temple of the Goddess Maia
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You are visiting and hearing the fascinating lore and secrets
of sacred sites and 11th to 12th
century Roman chapels as well as 17th century
magnificent Baroque churches nestled in
the mountains. Discover magnificent statues, unique
paintings and rare treasures of religious architecture
and art.
During these private visits, you may experience the
enveloping silence of ancient stones and the beauty of
these spirited places.
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Details of a 12th century
Roman chapel
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Ornate Carrare marble altar
inside a medieval chapel
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Delight in private organ concerts, played
on 1800’s hand-painted organs, in splendid baroque
churches.
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Stroll in the narrow cobbled-stoned
alleys of villages and their clusters of medieval
granite houses, where no cars are allowed, perched
like eagle’s nest high on the mountain.
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A private visit takes you to
a museum dedicated to Corsican antiques and rare objects
retracing centuries of local history, customs and traditions.
Escorted to some intimate local festivities
and cultural celebrations reserved for the inhabitants,
you are mingling within the small local crowd, and
receive, first-hand, a feel for the different way of life
and values of another culture.
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In Corsica, many
very ancient vestiges, spiritual places and legendary
sites, charged with lore and history, are hidden
and out of sight of most visitors.
Expect to suddenly turn onto a dirt road
to discover medieval monsters, fighting griffins, and
other magical wonders.
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This is also a week
of culinary delights and wine tasting, with
wine producers perpetuating the ancestral values of
the Corsican tradition of wine making. In Corsica,
wine making started 3000 years ago under the Greek
occupation.
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Each exquisite meal caters different
local wines and specialties with a strong emphasis
on the high quality of the ingredients and the traditional
culinary savoir-faire. We make sure
that you leisurely savor the finest gourmet
treats in the most gorgeous settings, with
the Mediterranean at your feet, with a panoramic view
of the mountains or under a canopy of trees.
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Corsican
olive oil is produced very carefully, respecting the natural
cycle production of the trees, once every two years. The olives
fall softly in nets and trees are not shaken by machines.
Since the producers let the trees “rest” between
crops, the quality of the oil is unparalleled. Taste different
amber jewels resulting from enturies of savoir-faire, and
unfiltered liquid gold from very small productions.
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The 18th century
architecture of your exquisite accommodation is kept
intact amidst modern luxuries and amenities. Appreciate
refined craftsmanship, local chestnut wood floors, Corsican
stonework, stylish ironwork and finely crafted antiques.
Relax on your private terrace, take your breakfast around
the swimming pool or stroll amongst private quiet gardens,
ancient trees and esthetic surroundings.
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A
beautiful walk in the mountains, along a river where aromatic
brush and wild flowers enchant with their fragrance and color,
gives you a touch and feel of the magnificent natural surroundings,
like this wild orchid.
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Sit on a tree lined
square plaza where locals play petanque
and watch life go by. Lie on the beach or go for a swim
in the soft blue Mediterranean.
Gather the goats with the shepherds and taste
fabulous goat cheese. |
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Not long ago, in Corsica, time was counted in centuries. Voluptuous
silence, profusion of landscapes, magic places, land of culture
and contrasts, Corsica appears to its visitors wrapped in mystery
and wild beauty.
It is said that some places
are “special places”. They harbor energy, a power, some kind of magic that
leaves visitors transformed and renewed. Corsica, the Granite Island, is
one of these places. Beware, this island is bewitching and soon, you will
long to return.
Before registering for our tours, we always
prefer having a conversation with you over the phone. We favor
human contact and personalized service and are glad to assist
you. For more details about the accommodation, pricing and conditions
about this tour, please contact
us.
