Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / France / Corsica
 |  | Fact File : Corsica |
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| | | Corsica | | Did you know?
The island vegetation known as the maquis provides much of the flavouring used in Corsican cuisine.
Language
Corsu and French.
Visas
None required for UK citizens.
Getting there
Direct charter flights on select dates throughout summer. Scheduled flights from the UK are via France, usually Nice or Marseille. There are regular ferry crossings from mainland France, which take about six and a half hours, and from Italy, four to five hours. There are also express NGV boat services crossing between France and Calvi in 2hr 45min and from Italy to Bastia in only one and a half hours.
Flying time from London
Two to four hours.
Getting around
The Corsican narrow-gauge railway is the most interesting and comfortable way to tour the island. Hiring a car is convenient but driving can be stressful — roads are steep, winding and narrow. Bus transport is erratic and relatively expensive; hire a mountain bike for local transport.
Currency
Euro.
Costs
Litre of petrol 70p, moderately-priced restaurant meal with wine from £15, camera film £2.50, pint of beer £2, a four-mile taxi ride £4-6. All prices will vary.
Weather
Typical Mediterranean climate: mild winters, rarely dropping below freezing (32F) even in the mountains, and hot summers with highs reaching the mid-80s(29C) in July and August. May and June are cooler but sunny and clear; the sea warms up in late June to October. Spring and autumn temperatures are still pleasant, hovering in the 70s(20C-25C), though you'll need a sweater for evenings.
Time difference
One hour ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from the UK
00 33 4.
Voltage
220V, 50Hz AC. Sockets take round two or three-pin plugs; plug adaptors are necessary for UK appliances.
Opening hours
Similar to mainland France, with most shops opening around 9am-10am and closing at 6.30pm-7pm. Expect to find most places closed during the midday heat. Many shops and restaurants are closed from Sunday afternoon until Tuesday morning.
Health — before you go
Corsica comes under the reciprocal health agreement within the EU; emergency treatment is available free as long as you have an EHIC form, available from post offices. Travel insurance is advisable.
Health — when you are there
The ambulance emergency number is 15. Though France has a good public health system, you are usually expected to pay upfront for services and reclaim the fees later.
Warnings
Corsica has an active if small separatist movement but tourists have never been targeted.
Emergency
Dial 17 for police, 15 for ambulance, and 18 for the fire brigade. The nearest consular representation in France is in Nice: Honorary Consul, Le Palace, Entree A, 8 Rue Alphonse Karr, 06000 Nice. Tel (001 33) 04 93 82 32 04.
Customs
Most hotels, restaurants and tourist services operate seasonally; it's tough to find anything open before Easter.
Pets
Under the pilot Pet Travel Scheme you can take your dog or cat to France, but you must have all the paperwork and vaccinations: check with your vet as it takes several months to complete the procedures.
Tipping
Under French law, restaurants and hotels must include a 15% service charge on the bill, so it's not necessary to leave a tip.
Tourist office
French Government Tourist Office, 178 Piccadilly, London W1V OAL. Te: 0906 8244123. Calls charged at 60p per minute.
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