Photo of the month: Bonifacio, Corsica

Corsica, an island in the Mediterranean sea which is actually geographically closer to Italy, has been part of France for centuries – apart from a few years under English rule and, during the war, German/Italian rule.

The diverse landscape of the large island caters for a host of activities. With roughly 300 days of sunshine a year and 1,000km of coastline, it is ideal for a spot of swimming, windsurfing and diving. Hikers and off-road bikers can explore a wide range of mountainous routes, such as the famously tough GR20.

Corsica has an eclectic range of events to enjoy: aside from many food markets, religious festivals and rural fairs, it also celebrates Napoleon’s birthday with eye-catching military re-enactments, musical parades and fireworks. It also has the highest concentration of protected Natura 2000 sites in France, meaning it is home to numerous rare animal and plant species.

Pictured: Bonifacio

August Events
August 3-6: MiMa Puppet Art Festival in Mirepoix, Ariège
August 4-13: Inter-Celtic Festival in Lorient, Morbihan (photo left)
August 09-14: Confolens Festival in Confolens, Charente. Folklore festival introducing its audience to dances and music from around the world
August 13-15: Les Fêtes Napoléoniennes in Ajaccio, Corse-du-Sud
August 28-September 3: Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in Chamonix-
Mont-Blanc. Extreme mountain race held throughout the high
altitude regions of the Alps in France, Italy and Switzerland