They were always associated to attending a fair or some type of outing, and around Christmas time – until I arrived in Corsica

I really hadn’t the slightest idea as to their importance and representation here. Autumn is chestnut season, and when many people take the opportunity to spend hours collecting them in the surrounding woods. Towards the north of the island, there is a particular spot, the ‘Castagniccia’, and this is the heart of chestnut country in all its glory, where the hills are plainly covered with chestnut forests.

It was after the effects of the Middle Ages, and the great wars, that they were massively planted in Corsica under Genoese command...

Now, here is one of the most extraordinary places to visit – where nature and one of the oldest existing species flourish in perfect affinity

“Cupulatta” (turtle) – a unique park and breeding centre, situated just outside of Ajaccio, in a preserved, natural site, where one can literally spend the day visiting and admiring over 170 species, and 3000 specimens, originating from America, Asia and Africa – this is the largest European park of turtles/tortoises to see the day, and founded in 1993 in an instinctive setting of 2.5 hectares of land...

Personally, I have never, as yet, found a more fragrant and delectable honey

Certainly related to the vast, wild and rich flora that inhabits the island, literally sun-drenched, where the bees may choose at their leisure. The fact is, that you may find a texture and flavor suitable to each season, and the obvious distinctness here is quite noticeable.

Principally, there exists six types: Spring Maquis, Summer Maquis, Fall Maquis, Chestnut, Arbutus and Anthyllis, but I have also come across Honeydew and Tangerine – in fact, the producers sometimes like to label according to what is most representative, and this can very well vary, however the six categories stand for reference...

Classified prehistorical – when you decide to stroll through Filitosa, you are entering the Megalithic period and the beginning of the Bronze Age

Overlooking a valley (the Taravo), and situated on a hill, it was only in 1946 that this prehistorical site was discovered. Menhirs and monuments capturing full attention, as they impose their presence through this olive grove, where the remains and reminders of the past hover and dwell beneath a platform exhibiting the existence of a small Torrean village. Sensing the presence of the past, the imposing vestige suggests being guided by the menhirs which lead you to a central monument. It would seem that the pottery dates back as early as 3300 BC, whereas the first menhirs were erected around 1500 BC.

Sculpted human appearance and arms, composed o...

What strikes you first is certainly the patchwork of colour and as you advance, making your way through the growing crowd, straightaway you are confronted with a combination of ‘olfactive infiltrators’ – as I call them. Taste buds alight, from there onwards you are willingly prisoners of  your senses. Just spent a few leisurely hours here this morning and thought you might like to join me on my tour ..