Guided tour of the Valinco region – with a vendetta theme +Added to my favoriteItem already present

Stéphanie, my guide for the day, meets me on the south shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio. We are a small group, curious to begin this unusual itinerary taking us on the trail of legendary Corsican women.

Today’s group is made up of Breton and Strasbourg people, eager to learn the history of these women with an exceptional destiny. Once introduced to each other, we take to the road in our own cars towards Sainte Marie Sicchè, half an hour’s drive from Porticcio.

At Sainte Marie Sicchè, we cross the village on foot to the house of Madeleine Ettori, who organised Corsica’s resistance during the Second World War. She shared a number of secret missions with her daughter Jacqueline, which led her to be arrested and imprisoned by the fascist police. Stéphanie tells us the story of love, honour and courage.

We then go down to the hamlet of Vicu and the ruins of the house of Sampiero Corso, an impressive and imposing building where this impetuous general lived. His wife, Vannina d’Ornano, betrayed her husband by approaching the Genoese enemy and experienced a tragic destiny. Her story is told with talent by Stéphanie, but I can’t reveal any more – the suspense must remain intact!

We take the road to Fozzano, village of the famous Colomba, the heroine portrayed in Prosper Mérimée’s novel. We first make a stop at Mario where a platter of charcuterie and cheese is served. The village inn is full of local products, and we continue our journey with satisfyingly full stomachs.

Stephanie takes us into the alleyways of the village, where two towers belonging to two enemy families stand. We learn a little more about Colomba and his terrible revenge.

The day ends gently in the naturally sulphurous waters of the Baracci baths, maintained at 38° both inside and outside. The key word by the end of the day is… relax!

©ATC

©ATC

©ATC