Bonifacio, Corsica

Bonjour mes amis! Sunday, May 15, Lee and I drove along the west coast of Corsica. The views while driving were spectacular. We traveled Route 196 from Propriano to Bonifacio which is the main highway on the island. It consisted of numerous "twists and turns" while having views of the beautiful Mediterranean and mountains en route. The drive took about one and a half hours to reach Bonifacio. Bonifacio is a stunning medieval town which is located on a striking promontory and was developed by Bonifacio. Bonifacio, Marquis of Tuscany, passed by Corsica upon his return from an expedition in Africa in 828. For three centuries this fortified harbor sustained itself on fishing and piracy and was partly under the rule of Pisa. In 1195 Bonifacio became a Genoese colony, then a republic and, at that time, began construction of its massive walls. Although the town fell under French rule in the 18th century, it has kept an Italian flavor and a certain isolation from the rest of Corsica. We first visited the Marina. The quays of the old port of Bonifacio are a popular promenade filled with cafés and restaurants. After getting our café au lait et pain au chocolat along the harbor, we walked up the stairs, called the Montée Rastello, which lead to the old town and the Bastion de L'Étendard. This Bastion towers over the port and was built in the 16th century. Its function was to house heavy artillery and make the walls of Bonifacio impregnable to outsiders. Lee and I hiked to the upper platforms of the Bastion which afforded a magnificent panoramic view of the inlet of Bonifacio and the Marina below. During Genoese rule, the Porte de Gênes was the only entrance to old town Bonifacio. Surrounded by ramparts, this gate gave access beyond the walls to old town. We meandered through old town, exploring this very charming medieval village. The narrow streets afforded such character to old town Bonifacio.

Mme. Wallace