‘Style ought to prove that one believes in an idea; not only that one thinks it, but also feels it‘ – Nietzsche’s statement couldn’t ring more loudly nor more clearly then at that moment when one meets an author who has in truth granted time, energy and sincerity towards the insight and comprehension of a chosen reflection.
In turn, this will be an important part of my encounter with Thierry Ottaviani recently in Ajaccio – but for now, let us reach out to the person himself, and hear what he has to say.

Originally from St Pierre de Venaco, having lived in Corsica up to six years of age, these days Thierry Ottaviani resides in Paris most of the time, returning to Corsica during the year when he can manage to do so.
I was interested to learn how he became a writer.
Having completed literary ...

A very quaint little village, just outside of Ajaccio, with narrow roads colourfully lined with neat and singular houses (very often flowered), greeting you as you make your way through the winding streets.
Over the XI century, and more recently during the 80’s, dozens of gold coins from the Roman period would have been found, on the Villanova banks of the Gulf of Lava – the famous Lava treasure.
Furthermore, and according to legend, during the XIV century Bianca Maria (widow of the Lord of Lisa) and refugees from Lisa, would have first founded the village around a spring ‘murgana’, which is the actual village fountain there today.
Occupied by the Italians in 1942, a resistance network develops. On two occasions, the Casabianca submarine will secretly land on the shores.
Earlier in history...

This reserve covers almost 40% of the island’s surface area, with an area of 365 000 hectares. One of the visible actions is the development of hiking activities, especially of benefit to the villages in the interior of the island. Classified for the first time in 1972, to be once again classified in 1999. With its rich and endangered natural and cultural heritage, it remains the subject of a concerted development project, based on the preservation and improvement of heritage carried out by all partners.

The project aims to protect and improve the natural, cultural and human heritage of its territory, by implementing an innovative policy of economic, social and cultural development, respectful of the environment.

Revitalisation of the rural area:
An essential approach is to ensure a new de...

This is a very pleasant and easy hike, count around 3h but you may wish to allow time for a picnic and swimming. A suitable outing for children too, the trail is marked with twelve informative and amusing signboards, about life within the chestnut grove villages. You’ll meet many animals that are free to roam around; pigs, cows, birds and sometimes even wild boars. The start of the trail is in the heart of the village of Evisa, just opposite the bar/restaurant ‘A Tramula’. The chestnut trail, which was a former transhumance path, will take you through the groves, bordered by some magnificent stone walls and pine forests, leading you to the waterfalls and natural pools of Aitone.

Source: Les Couleurs du Bout du Monde

There isn’t really a classic recipe for this type of soup, although you will find similar ones with basic choices. It’s a traditional recipe from the island, and following whatever family, friends and villagers had on hand, the soup could be made – vegetables, meat, pasta and rice remain the main ingredients.
It’s not difficult to prepare, and it remains a nutritious and tasty idea for the autumn and winter months ahead. So, keep it in mind.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:                                                                                  
– 2 onions
– 1 ripe tomato
– chard
– 2 leeks
– 2 carrots
– 1 celery stalk
– pancetta (bacon)
– 2 turnips
– 2 courgettes
– 5 or 6 potatoes
– 4oog red kidney) beans
– a handful of green beans
– basil
– salt/pepper

Preparation:
Fry some pancetta in ...