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The maquis is a broad collective term referring to any one of a
group of wild plants native
to Corsica. It can signify a flower, shrub, tree, even herbs. This
scrubby growth covers about a third of
Corsica, and its flowers can be almost any color, from white to
various shades of pink and purple. Herbes
de maquis are used in many Corsican dishes. Notoriously, maquis
growth has effectively hidden independence fighters and outlaws.
Details about the Island
Length of ride: 250 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. The route is almost never flat, but the terrain
guarantees as much downhill as up, and the climbs are usually not
too long. Where the area is: In the Mediterranean Sea, 110 miles
south of France and 50 miles west of Italy. I cycled the northern
half of the island in a roughly counter-lockwise circle. What the best time to go: Summers are very hot, but the dry
climate and constant sea breeze make for
pleasant cycling conditions. Late spring and early fall are good
times to avoid most of the tourists, although that wasn't a big
concern on my bicycle route, and infrastructure (campgrounds, hotels,
restaurants) greatly improves in the summer months. Winds throughout
the seasons can cause
fluctuations in climate, and the higher elevations are chilly with
a chance of snow even in the summer.
How to get there: By airplane from most European cities to
Ajaccio, Calvi or Bastia. By ferry from many harbors in Italy, Sardinia
and France. The cost of living is comparable to much of southern
Europe.
Campgrounds are plentiful and have many amenities, hotels in some
areas are rare. Corsica is very safe
for travelers, even women alone, although common sense applies,
like anywhere.
Rent a car in Europe:
