PORTO VECCHIO (20 mn)
Porto-Vecchio’s exceptional heritage and breathtaking scenery harmoniously combine sumptuous pine-fringed beaches, ancient Genoese fortifications and a magnificent mountainous hinterland.
Welcome to Palombaggia (Porto Vecchio) in South Corsica. A multitude of activities and remarkable sites await you in all seasons to punctuate your stay with unforgettable moments. Whether you're on your own or with a partner, family, friends or colleagues, your stay at Les Bergeries de Palombaggia is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of an authentic, unspoilt and preserved historical, architectural, cultural, natural and gastronomic heritage. It's a chance to suspend time, get together, recharge your batteries, share and experience exceptional moments.
Porto-Vecchio’s exceptional heritage and breathtaking scenery harmoniously combine sumptuous pine-fringed beaches, ancient Genoese fortifications and a magnificent mountainous hinterland.
The jewel of southern Corsica, the pretty village of Figari lies, between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, on a vast granite area. The village has everything to seduce you: majestic peaks, picturesque hamlets, a thousand-year-old vineyard, an 800-hectare nature reserve for hikers and a gulf for water sports....
Built in the 9th century, the surprising town of Bonifacio overlooks the sea and seems to be suspended on the cliffs, making it a unique town with a worldwide reputation. Bonifacio invites you to lose yourself in its picturesque streets and lively arcades. Bonifacio's rich natural, historical, cultural and architectural heritage offers over 40 listed sites to discover, including : The Staircase of the King of Aragon, the Lavezzi Islands, the marine cemetery, the Bastion de l'Etendard, the Corsican rudder, the port, the citadel, the paths, the beaches, the Saint Roch rise, the lighthouse, the churches...
This village between the mountains and the sea is the starting point for a number of trails that allow you to discover the wilderness and breathtaking horizons. This charming, picturesque village offers a wide range of walks on both the sea and mountain sides.
The village of Zonza offers magnificent views of the Aiguilles de Bavella and, on the horizon, a glimpse of the Plateau de Coscione. An authentic, timeless village with a friendly atmosphere. A village teeming with activities: canyoning, hiking, via ferrata, horses racecourse and adventure park....
The highest town in Corsica, Sartene is a fortified town to the south of Propriano. Once a veritable Genoese fortress, Sartene is an ancestral village for history buffs, with numerous archaeological sites.
A village full of surprises, its narrow streets make it one of the jewels of the RIZZANESE valley. SAINTE LUCIE DE TALLANO is famous for its olive oil, the result of centuries-old traditions. The olive festival is held every year at the end of May.
Less than an hour from LES BERGERIES DE PALOMBAGGIA, you can discover other nearby villages such as Lecci, Saint Cyprien, Sotta, Chera, Sainte Lucie de Porto Vecchio or Conca. They'll surprise you with their authenticity and unspoilt charm. Immerse yourself in timeless Corsica, in the heart of a preserved architectural heritage.
To the south-west of Porto-Vecchio, the Pointe de la Chiappa is a coastal zone from which you can admire its famous lighthouse and enjoy an exceptional view of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, the mountains, the Pointe de San Ciprianu and the Bay of Stagnolo.
Historical and natural heritage, these huge rocks carved out by erosion have served as shelters for mankind.
About 30 minutes from LES BERGERIES DE PALOMBAGGIA, discover two remarkable chapels.
Around PORTO-VECCHIO, you can also visit several prehistoric sites, including :
The famous PALOMBAGGIA beach is considered by tourism professionals worldwide (TRIPADVISOR, LONELY PLANET, GEO, travel operators and media...) to be the most beautiful beach in France, one of the three most beautiful beaches in Europe and one of the 25 most beautiful beaches in the world.
At the southernmost tip of the Isle of Beauty, PORTO-VECCHIO is home to magnificent fine sandy beaches, ideal for lazing around, swimming and water sports. Dream beaches with crystal-clear waters stretch along the coastline for your pleasure. With postcard-perfect scenery and crystal-clear waters, paradise is just around the corner. Among the most famous beaches, appreciated by locals and tourists from all over the world alike:
The beach at PALOMBAGGIA offers a breathtaking panorama of the archipelago of five deserted islands known as the CERBICALES. Classified as a “nature reserve”, they are part of the International Marine Park and boast a rich and rare biodiversity: posidonia meadows, silenas, velvets, Jupiter's beards, grey shearwaters, crested cormorants, giant limpets, groupers and other plant and animal species to the delight of divers, walkers and birdwatchers.
At the heart of the Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve, the Lavezzi Islands are an archipelago of 23 islands, islets and granite reefs. This escape by boat will enable you to discover an exceptional ecosystem: fauna, flora, heavenly beaches and underwater depths. Its maze of islets and reefs is ideal for a day's boat trip. The LAVEZZI ISLANDS are considered one of the most unusual islands in the Mediterranean.
L'OSPEDALE is above all a small mountain village at 900 m altitude, with a timeless, authentic charm. It owes its name to the former regional hospital that once stood here. Last but not least, there's a lake and dam (bathing prohibited) where walkers come to recharge their batteries for an exceptional natural interlude.
This is one of Corsica's most visited natural sites and one of the jewels of southern Corsica. The PISCIA DI GALLU waterfall lies in the heart of the OSPEDALE forest. It's the perfect opportunity to hike through the Corsican scrubland to the foot of this 80-metre-high giant. It's one of the 7 wonders of the ALTA ROCCA and a must-see during your stay at LES BERGERIES DE PALOMBAGGIA.
The Solenzara river is one of the most beautiful rivers in the Aiguilles de BAVELLA massif. If you like natural pools, the SOLENZARA Valley is the perfect place:
An ideal spot for refreshing swims, the river flows through the forest of the PULISCHELLU Canyon, with a unique view of the Aiguilles of Bavella. It's a unique spot for bathing in Corsica. It is particularly well known for :
Just 30 minutes from PORTO-VECCHIO, the FORET DE L'OSPEDALE is a sumptuous 733-hectare state-owned forest that is PORTO-VECCHIO's green lung. It's the starting point for numerous hikes and outdoor activities, including accrobranche (tree climbing), swimming in the waters of the lake, strolls or simply a summer siesta under the pines, lulled by the song of cicadas and birds.
45 minutes from LES BERGERIES DE PALOMBAGGIA is the village of CONCA, the starting point or end of the famous GR20. This long-distance hiking trail crosses CORSICA from north to south through the CORSICA REGIONAL PARK. The GR20 (the most difficult of the 304 long-distance hiking trails in France) attracts over 400,000 overnight stays per year in CORSICA. Beyond the GR20, the hikes around PORTO-VECCHIO will immerse you in majestic natural reserves and surprise you with their beauty and diversity.
Discover the villages, sheepfolds and magnificent landscapes of CORSE DU SUD by bike, mountain bike (electric or not), quad bike, buggy, SSV or 4X4. An ideal activity for fans of motorized sports, unusual rocky trails and wild, inaccessible landscapes! These machines combine flexibility and sensations, technology and safety. With a number of tempting options: sunset, meals, teenagers, children, baby...
There are 3 climbing sites around PORTO-VECCHIO:
Several equestrian centers in PORTO-VECCHIO offer unforgettable horseback rides through dreamy landscapes.
The LEZZA GOLF CLUB (20 MN away) lies on a hillside overlooking the magnificent bay of SANTA GIULIA. With 9 holes (Par 32) and a surface area of 11 hectares, the course is a soothing interlude and an invitation to discover a rolling landscape of cork oaks, olive trees...
The GOLF DE SPERONE in BONIFACIO will delight golf enthusiasts with its superb landscapes, between sea and mountains, and its ideal course for beginners and advanced players alike. Spanning 80 hectares, this 18-hole golf course is an invitation to “play and experience the exceptional” in unspoilt natural surroundings.
GOLF DE MURTOLI covers 12 holes, including 2 double greens. It offers 7 different layouts with holes ranging from 110 to 493 meters in length, from Par 3 to Par 5, a 9- or 12-hole course from 1520 m to 2915 m and access to the driving range with unlimited balls. Plunge into the heart of wild nature and a green, peaceful setting: residences, restaurants, farmhouse and unspoilt estate.
The CLAUDE PAPI stadium (PORTO VECCHIO) has a 1,200-seat covered grandstand on a 3-hectare site. The stadium and sports hall are home to a wide range of sports: soccer, rugby union, athletics, basketball, petanque, handball and a climbing wall.
Several fitness and bodybuilding clubs are available in PORTO VECCHIO
PORTO VECCHIO's waters are renowned for their diverse fauna. Come and meet them during a baptism or an aquatic hike. Sea sponges, peacock wrasse and Mediterranean grouper will be your diving companions. From 2 to over 20 meters deep, these recreational dives are carried out by local clubs.
Whether you use the sea breezes off the coast or the motors for your aquatic experiences, you're in for a thrilling ride! Break the generous waves of the Mediterranean at full speed, alone or in the company of a qualified instructor. Dive into the heart of the nature reserves of the CERBICAL ISLANDS opposite the PALOMBAGGIA and LAVEZZI ISLANDS. There's a wide choice of water sports here: jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, paddle, sea lobster, surfing, windsurfing, towed buoys...
Sea fishing trips are supervised by a team of experienced, qualified professionals on fully-equipped, safe boats in a paradise-like environment. These fishing trips last from a few hours to several days, depending on the weather and the season: Inshore fishing for sars, pageots and pagres with L'ESCALE, 1h30 from PORTO VECCHIO. Deep-sea coarse fishing for experienced anglers for squid, tuna and bream with ISULA FISHINT in SARTENE, 1h15 from PORTO VECCHIO.
Aboard a transparent-hulled boat, the only one of its kind in Corsica, explore the seabed in complete tranquillity. The guided tour gives you a broad view of the underwater world in and around PORTO VECCHIO. With its turquoise waters and exceptional flora and fauna, the underwater biodiversity here is magical and promises unforgettable moments in an activity that's simple, fun and accessible to all.
Canyoneering down cool local rivers in deep gorges between rock faces. Abseiling, swimming in white water, sliding down natural slides, jumping over waterfalls, nature opens its doors to you and its magnificently pure landscapes.
Fly over the unspoilt sites of PORTO VECCHIO and the surrounding area on a 360° aerial tour over the turquoise waters of Corsica's most beautiful beaches or the mountains of the hinterland. Enjoy an unforgettable aerial experience. By helicopter for a top-of-the-range experience with panoramic flights over mountains, islands and waterfalls (with HELI SUD CORSE or CAP ADRENALINE). Paragliding with SENSATIONS AIR LINE in LECCI or PINARELLO in ZONZA, or skydiving with CORSE PARACHUTE TANDEM or ECOLE DE PARACHUTISME VALINCO PROPRIANO.
LA FERME DE PADULA (13 mn) with its 7 parks on 3 hectares was founded in 2009. Here turkeys, goats, sheep, geese, ducks, turtles, blue peacocks, guinea fowl, chicks, miniature pigs, dogs and cats live in the wild. Guided tour, food and cuddles (1h30)
U PORCU RANGER (A 45 mn): Discover the Corsican maquis with a guided tour of our pig farm. The buggy ride around the 60-hectare farm is both family-friendly and fun.
The COMPLEXE GALAXY (30 minutes away) is a leisure and games complex open 7/7 all year round. Located in LECCI, it features 4 movie theaters, 1 10-lane bowling alley, 1 400m2 laser game and an arcade.
ALTA GAME (20 minutes away) is a gaming center for adults and children. Open all year round, the 1,500 m2 center offers a wide range of activities: escape game (3 rooms), soccer (FUTSAL), padel, squash, virtual reality with helmets.
PARC AVENTURE ACCRO BRANCHE DE PORTO VECCHIO (15 mn): 9 accrobranche courses, sea of nets, inflatables and karting for fun in the middle of the eucalyptus forest.
LUNA PARK CORSICA PARK - PORTO VECCHIO (17 mn): This amusement park (2 years and up) offers rides for the very young and thrill-seekers (Grand 8, flying chairs, etc.).
MANEGE DU PORT U GIOSTRA (20 mn): Carousel, buggy, trampoline, toboggan... in the heart of PORTO VECCHIO for a fun family activity.
In the evening, PORTO VECCHIO offers a lively nightlife to the sounds of local music bars, lounge bars and clubs. It's the ideal place to meet up with friends or as a duo, and to enjoy some great moments in summer and winter alike.
The LA GALERIE LA PORETTA shopping center is located in PORTO VECCHIO. Open all year round (7/7), its 14,000 m2 comprise 32 stores, 6 bar-restaurants and 1 hypermarket. PORTO VECCHIO also offers a wide range of stores and small boutiques: food, wellness, personal and household goods, telephony, florists, press, tobacconists...
Corsican fish and seafood are very popular with tourists. Fish is so delicious that it is often eaten simply grilled. During your stay you'll be able to savor a wide range of seafood: sea urchins, Saint Pierre, lobsters, denti, oysters from the Etang de Diane, river-fished trout, octopus salad, sardines stuffed with brocciu and the famous Corsican bouillabaisse (AZIMINU)...
Picked when ripé and distributed via short distribution channels, Corsican fruit and vegetables gain in flavor and freshness. Among the vegetables enjoy delicious tomatoes, zucchinis, lettuces, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, chard... Eaten fresh, dried, in juice or jam, Corsican fruit is rich in flavor: melons, peaches, nectarines, watermelons, apricots, strawberries, grapes, plums, apples, cherries, chestnuts, oranges, citrons, lemons, kumquats, clementines, mandarins, hazelnuts, pomelos, figs, tomatoes, zucchinis, salads, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, chard ...
Established almost 8,000 years ago, Corsica's scrubland covers the island from the seashore to around 800 meters above sea level. These wild plants, which make up the beauty of the regional landscape, are renowned for their culinary, medicinal and olfactory virtues. Among them: A NEPITA (wild mint), ARBRA BARONA (mountain thyme), rosemary, lemon verbena, lemon balm, sage, oregano, marjoram, basil, mastic, myrtle, rockrose, immortelle...
Corsican olive oil is the result of the island's thousand-year-old olive-growing tradition. The mild climate makes it the ideal place to grow this fruit. OLIU DI CORSICA is characterized by its extreme smoothness on the palate and its intense fragrance of the maquis. Production is carried out by 300 local growers on 2,000 hectares. Corsica's most famous variety can be found in the village of ALTA ROCCA, just a few minutes from the BERGERIES DE PALOMBAGGIA.
(AOP or AOC) offer a wide diversitý of aromas. From the sea to the mountains, Corsican beekeepers move their hives with the seasons. Spring honey is sweet, floral and fruity, while maquis honey reveals notes of caramel and cocoa.
Raised in the maquis, Corsican veal, goat and lamb have a typical taste and unique flavors. Whether sautéed, oven-roasted or simply grilled, these meats deliver their authentic, fragrant taste. Veal cooked with olives makes an excellent ragout. Lamb slow-roasted with garlic, fresh rosemary and potatoes makes an exquisite traditional dish.
You'll have to wait until the end of the curing process to taste the 5 flagship specialties of Corsican charcuterie:
Once known as “the island of shepherds”, Corsica has a strong tradition of breeding Corsican sheep and goats for dairy production. Some of Corsica's most famous cheeses include :
Immerse yourself in moderation in the heart of Corsica's vineyards. A journey through time, history, culture, terroir and the emotions behind each wine, in the company of the men and women who bring these lands to life. Two appellations make up the local vineyards:
In Corsica, when fruit isn't being enjoyed fresh, candied, in juice or jam, it becomes eaux de vie and liqueurs, to be consumed in moderation. Myrtle, arbutus, chestnut or limoncellu (lemon), these spirits reflect the richness of Corsica's flora and the skills of its distillers.
Drink in moderation. Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health.
Three varieties of beer can be discovered in Corsica through numerous local craft breweries:
The markets of southern Corsica are lively places where you can meet local producers and artisans. Mornings, evenings and even into the early hours of the morning, these authentic markets are part of the Corsican landscape and traditions.