Corsica: Ajaccio

From Corte, we took the train to the southwest to Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon. There was so much Napoleon reference, John thinks they should just rename the city "Napoleon". While most of the businesses in city center are open, the tourist oriented pedestrian street is mostly closed.

We walked to the west of town a couple of times. First, the beginning of Sentier des Crêtes in Bois des Anglais, and enjoyed views to the city. Later, we took the bus to the headland, Pointe de la Parata, where the Sentier des Crêtes ends, and walked around the Pointes, and the beginning of Sentier des Douaniers, and enjoyed views of the Sanguinaires Islands.

SL et moi arrive at Gara di Corti; and soon we are underway.






We get our first view of the Ajaccio Ferry Terminal as we arrive on the train.


We walked up to the Grotto Napoleon above Place d’Austerlitz for some great views back to town, and the sea and mountains beyond.




On the way back we passed the monumental Grand Hotel Continental, Lycee Fesch, and the modernist, so-called Twin Buildings.






Ajaccio Cathedral - Where Napoleon Bonaparte was baptized on July 21, 1771.




Model ships abounded inside the Church of Saint Erasmus, aka Fishermen's Church,


For many years, trendy seaside resort towns in France have typically had a casino. The one in Ajaccio has just been refurbished.


The market hall in Ajaccio with signage in Corsican.


One day we walked a loop in the Bois des Anglais (English Forest) with great views of the sea and town, and we took the best selfie of the trip so far






Lunch at Green Farmer's.


We love to visit library reading rooms. Below is the reading room at Bibliothèque Fesch, founded by Lucien Bonaparte. The entrance is guarded by two lions.




And as SL said above: Later, we took the bus to the headland, Pointe de la Parata, where the Sentier des Crêtes ends, and walked around the Pointes and the beginning of Sentier des Douaniers, and enjoyed views of the Sanguinaires Islands.

Corsica: Piana

From Ajaccio we took the once daily, weekday only, overpriced bus to the village of Piana. I had wondered whether this special visit was worthwhile, as we just have to return to Ajaccio to continue our southward journey.

We quickly realized that much of the bus route is along the very scenic coast, through small coastal towns and villages. I was grateful there was a bus at all, since there were only four of us on the bus, or rather a Sprinter van. By the time we arrived in Piana, we were confident in our decision to visit Piana.

On the first we walked on trails directly from the village in the 1983 UNESCO Calanche of Piana to various view points. I'm not sure if we have been to a more enchanting coastal area.

On the second day, the weather forecast improved, we were lucky to catch a ride to the trailhead for Capu Rossu, had another wonderful day of hiking, except on the way back we didn't get a ride and walked uphill in a light rain for 6 kms. The ladies that gave us the ride think it's the most scenic road in all of Corsica.

We arrived in the town village of Piana late on a Friday afternoon after a scenic bus ride (1st below). Our accommodation was cozy, with a kitchen (2nd below). There was a Utile for groceries (3rd), and the views from town were very good (4th). Now, we just hope for good weather for Saturday and Sunday.










The first day's walk to the Calanques de Piana started on the old trail to Ota with some scenic views of Piana in the first kilometer.






Then to a view point adjacent to a grove of ancient chestnut trees.




Then down, down to the road and the famous rock, "Head of the Dog" (3rd below), that marks the start of the Calanques de Piana Walk.






On the way we saw more than one patch of Friar's Cowl, similar to the Jack-in-the-pulpit we have in our home in North Carolina this time of the year.


And the payoff view for the Calanques de Piana Walk. .




The walk back to Piana on the old mule track. First below is the wild Early Purple Orchid.








Day Two, Torre di Capu Rossu: Our goal is the round tower in the distance. That's a trail runner in the photo.




The trail passed by some mysterious rock circles. Probably constructed for shepherds and their flocks we guessed.




A Pink Butterfly Orchid along the trail.


We're at the base of the massive rocky Capu Rossu.




We were surprised to find neatly placed rock steps that led up, up, up to the tower.




Woohoo! The Torre di Capu Rossu. And we eat our picnic lunch with great views.




The walk back to Piana was a "long march" in the rain. with occasional great views, as our hitch-hiking attempts failed; granted, only 4 cars went by. ;-)