In the north of Corsica, Calvi and Ile Rousse are two of the finest seaside resorts in the Balagne area. In addition to their leisure-oriented infrastructures, gastronomy and sport, these towns are imbued with history going back to ancient times.
Calvi was built as a fortified citadel to counter barbarian invasions, then enriched by the Genoese and the Renaissance (former Governors’ palace, St-Jean-Baptiste cathedral, etc.).
Ile Rousse was for centuries a fishing harbour and dwelling place of peasants before its swift expansion under the aegis of Pascal Paoli. Vestiges of the Fort, Pascal Paoli Square and the covered, twenty-one column market place can still be seen.
