A Piece of Paradise, of "Corse!"

I just returned from four glorious days on the French island of Corsica, where one could easily dream of owning a second home…and I do know people who do. In the peak summer months, rental would be virtually guaranteed…but then again, that might be just the time when you would want to take advantage of it!
This island in the Mediterranean is one of France’s 27 regions. After rule from Genoa starting in 1282, Corsica was briefly an independent republic from 1755 until France conquered it in 1769. Napoléon Bonaparte was born in 1769 in the capital of Ajaccio and it is legend that Calvi is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Access is easy by plane to Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Figari, plus the ferry to Ajaccio, Bastia, Bonifacio, Calvi, Ile Rousse, Porto Vecchio and Propriano.
Corsica is a blend of both French and Italian cultures. The native Corsican language is recognized as a regional language by the French government. Cuisine is excellent, also somewhere between French and Italian, distinctly Corsican and unique to the island inspired by sun-loving fruits and vegetables, cured meats and cheeses. My favorite — Corsican wines, particularly the pale rosés.
The traditional “casa” is made of stones, mostly of granite and schist and can be a bit austere with no shutters or curtains. Village houses are built close to one another and generally have between three and six stories, with the stairs often being outside the house to save interior space. Windows are  small to protect the residents from the rigors of the Corsican weather. Because Corsica has such a gorgeous landscape of sea and mountain, many houses boast of outstanding views.
Property prices on the island are still reasonable — even the most expensive locations along the best beaches and coastlines command about one-third of Paris prices and continually rising:

                             Price m² apartment            Price m² maison
Price m² low                 1 793 €                            1 466 €
Price m² average          2 736 €                            2 917 €
Price m² high                4 577 €                            6 400 €
Not bad for a piece of paradise, is it?
A bientôt,
Adrian Leeds
Editor, French Property Insider
Email: [email protected]

 
 
 P.S. Today and tomorrow, we’re filming another House Hunters International! If you are currently in the process of purchasing a home anywhere in France (we are particularly looking for subjects in the south of France), are 45 years old or less, and interested in being a “star” of an episode, please contact me at [email protected]. And for more information about our episodes, visit Adrian Leeds on HHI.