Heritage, Hams & Honey

Calacuccia Lake is a reservoir created in the 1960s by damming the Golo River. It is the largest source of hydro-electricity on the island and is also a popular fishing spot for trout. Sitting at an altitude of 793 metres, the lake is surrounded by mountains and makes a very scenic stop en route to Corte. The water is easily accessible for a morning swim (the water is very clear and inviting) and there’s a small sandy beach and snack bar.

Pick up the ‘Sentiers du Patrimoine’ (Heritage Trail) leaflet and map from here to do a short circular walk around the town, stopping at some of the best sights including the Genoese bridge and views of the citadel - the fabulous 2000 year-old mountain stronghold that sits imposingly over the town. During the 18th Century, the citadel housed most of the town’s population, to protect them from attacks by the French. And much later, during World War I, it housed German prisoners.
If you’re visiting during the weekend when the Tourist Office is closed, a copy of the leaflet (in French) and map is available online.

This is a great lunch stop for freshly made pizza and wood-grilled meats.
Note the restaurant is closed on Sundays.

This is a museum dedicated to all things ‘piggy’. It introduces the Corsican pigs, their history, breeding and feeding and their transformation into charcuterie. Fascinating if you’re a meat lover. Probably best avoided if you’re vegetarian.
Note the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Dume Cesari are specialist pork producers. Founded in the 1960s, their farm is home to 500 Nustral pigs which graze freely on the land, eating a diet of cereals, flour and chestnuts. Their charcuterie is also one of the best places to sample and buy some of their products. Try these tasty meats: Lonzu – a salted smoked meat that has been washed in wine, dried and peppered; Coppa – a dried, thinly sliced meat made from boneless, salted and flavoured pork loin; Figatellu – a dry sausage made from pork meat and liver flavoured with spices, garlic and red wine.

Corsican honey is one of only two honeys produced in France that has a Protected Designation of Origin and this farm is a wonderful place to try some. You can follow a self-guided tour around the garden which tells you everything you need to know about bees, including why they dance! At the end of the walk, you can visit the shop for a tasting of their 6 different honeys.
Note that the farm closes at 7pm

This trip has been a celebration of local food and producers and this family-run restaurant is the perfect place for a final meal. All the ingredients are locally sourced and there’s a gorgeous outside terrace to dine on. Try the wonderful tapas plates or the chard and brocciu pie. Reservations are recommended. Book online.
Note the restaurant is closed Monday - Wednesday.

It's been a 4-day foodie fiesta! Hopefully you've enjoyed some of your favourite food and drink and also tried some new dishes along the way.