BASTIA
FRANCE
Discovering Corsica: Bastia’s Blend of French and Italian Charm – From Napoleon’s statue to Terra Vecchia’s cobbled streets, Bastia offers a picturesque and historical experience amidst travel challenges and unexpected culinary delights.
Corsica: A Blend of French and Italian Charm
Corsica, an island in the Mediterranean, is one of the French regions with a unique blend of French and Italian influences. Having been under Italian rule for centuries before being annexed by France in 1769, Corsica embodies a delightful mix of both cultures while retaining its distinct Corsican identity.
In Bastia, the island’s northern gateway, a grand marble statue of Napoleon guards the city. Place St-Nicolas, the main square, faces the sea and is lined with elegant houses. The square buzzes with life, with numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants spilling onto the pavements. Though somewhat touristy, it’s a pleasant spot for an evening aperitif.
Exploring Terra Vecchia, Bastia’s old town, is like stepping back in time. The cobbled streets and historic buildings create a charming maze that’s enjoyable to wander through. The Vieux Port, or old port, is framed by colorful houses stacked up the hill, creating a picturesque scene. However, the experience is slightly marred by the heavy traffic in the narrow lanes—pedestrianizing the area would make it even more enjoyable.
Our journey began with a delayed flight from Toulouse, where EasyJet had trouble managing hand luggage on a full flight. This delay caused us to miss the “bus that meets the plane,” which, as it turned out, runs on a strict schedule regardless of flight delays. Consequently, we found ourselves among a throng of passengers stranded at the airport while waiting for transport.
We stayed at a hotel with an unexpectedly large bathroom, just a short walk from Place St-Nicolas. After arriving late, we dined locally with a decent bottle of Corsican red wine. The next day, we explored the old town and port, and discovered a charming Laotian restaurant on Place Marche in Terra Vecchia. Despite the oddity of eating Laotian food in France, it’s worth noting that Laos was once a French protectorate, and a few Laotian expatriates run this authentic eatery in Bastia.
Our initial plan was to spend a few days in Bastia before heading north to Cap Corse for a week in a quaint village. Unfortunately, we faced challenges with finding accommodation, as many establishments either did not respond or were fully booked. Additionally, the bus schedule to Cap Corse remained a mystery, with the tourist office closed for the long weekend. With no clear path to Cap Corse, we decided it was best to move on and took a ferry to Italy.
P.S. For science fiction fans, the new town in Bastia is named Terra Nova, which added a touch of amusement to our trip.
