Welcome to Corsica's Interior;
Lama Corte Restonica Valley Venaco Vizzavona Forest Vivario The Castagniccia Morosaglia	If you know the area you want to visit, simply click the link on the left and it will take you straight there. Alternatively, simply read on...

Lama
The mediaeval village of Lama hangs on the hillside overlooking the Ostriconi valley. Once home to some of Corsica's richest oilmen, many of their original 18th century houses still remain, giving the village an air of faded grandeur. More recently, a local association 'Les Terrasses de l'Ostriconi has undertaken a regeneration program to help restore the houses in villages like Lama, and assist the villagers to build a swimming pool and tennis courts to attract visitors. Now Lama plays host to a wonderful open-air film festival held in the village each August. Each year the theme is 'Le cinema a la campagne, et la campagne au cinema' with each of the films featured set in rural country locations. At 2000 feet above sea level, Lama is pleasantly cooler during the sweltering summer months, allowing you to wander the old stone footpaths catching glimpses of the sea, whilst a short 15-20 minute drive brings you to Ostriconi Plage - a lovely sandy beach and nature reserve.

Corte
Situated just above the geographical centre of Corsica, Corte was quickly recognised as a strategic stronghold in the struggle for independence. It was proclaimed the capital of the island in 1755 by Pascal Paoli, and the university - which still remains today - was founded in 1756. Corte epitomises l'âme Corse (the Corsican Soul), and its charm is concentrated in the old town with its maze of narrow streets. The Citadel, which is a popular subject of postcards, houses an amazing modern museum - well worth a visit.

Restonica Valley
Lined with some of the most spectacular glacier moulded gorges on the island, the Restonica Valley is a popular haunt with hikers. The name Restonica comes from the Corsican Resta Unica - she remains unique - and relates to the river that was the only one that continued to flow during a severe drought. Follow the valley through the forest away from Corte and a fairly strenuous hike will eventually reward you by opening onto the Lac de Melo, Corsica's largest glacial lake.

Venaco
Positioned on the lower slopes of Monte Padro, Venaco occupies an enviable position, looking out over the Tavignano Valley. The area is renowned for its local produce from the ewe's milk cheese to river trout, and the Vecchio river is a popular spot for local fisherman. Swathed in chestnut forest and slightly north of the Forêt de Vizzavona, the area is particularly popular with walkers, there are six routes that start in or near the village.

Forêt de Vizzavona
Set amongst the beautiful Forêt de Vizzavona is another of Corsica's natural wonders; the Cascade des Anglais - a beautiful waterfall about an hour's walk from Monte d'Oro. The waterfall is named after the days when Victorian visitors travelled to the interior of Corsica on mule or horseback

Vivario
Just south of the village stands the famous Pont de Vecchiu railway bridge which spans the gorge. Built by Gustave Eiffel, who also built the Eiffel tower, the bridge is one of the highlights of a train ride through the mountains, and this section is perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring.

THE CASTAGNICCIA

The Castagniccia region takes its name from the Chestnut tree (Castagna in Corsican), and the origin of these forests dates back to 1584 when the Genoese organised the systematic planting of precious tree species, in particular chestnut trees. Some of the best charcuterie comes from this area, where wild pigs have gorged themselves on the fallen chestnuts. Once prosperous for the flour, wood and furniture it produced from the chestnut tree, the area is now becoming increasingly depopulated. The region covers the three 'pieves' (ancient parishes) of Alesani, Orezza and Ampugnani, all of which are an ideal places for forest walks.

Morosaglia
Morosaglia is one of the largest villages in the Castagniccia, and is steeped in history. The birthplace of Pascal Paoli, Corsica's renowned freedom fighter, the village is justly proud of its heritage and there is a monument to Paoli, and a museum with many interesting artifacts. Just north of the village is San Tommaso di Pastoreccia where there are some 16th Century frescoes, although sadly some are now in very poor condition.

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