Calenzana

Calenzana, a mountainside village…

Calenzana is a village located in a superb natural environment. First pass by the Plaine de Coucou, then keep going around the bend. Carry on and then you’ll finally catch a glimpse of the village, standing proudly at the foot of the mountain which backs onto it. Then, when you arrive in the village, stop near the fountain at the Place Saint Pierre. Here, you will be astonished by the view over the Gulf of Calvi.

Easy-going and unforgettable encounters…

Honestly, if we had to describe Calenzana in just one word, it would certainly be….  peaceful. More specifically that which is experienced by the people who live here, on top of their exceptional quality of life. The local people are very friendly and welcoming, and will be delighted to make your acquantaince at one of the public meeting places here, where they go about their daily life peacefully.

The square in front of the church, bars, restaurants and shops here in Calenzana are the perfect places to run into the locals. The atmosphere is lively and very welcoming. At the counter or terrace of a local café, you are likely to bear witness to the sound of traditional Corsican music and guitar playing. Likewise, the fascinating history of the village is often told here, with a few drinks…

A heritage of a multitude of flavours…

Calenzana is above all a traditional agro-pastoral land. You will be able to taste the diverse and rich selection of local products on offer. You will most certainly begin with the wines from the Figarella, Orsini, A Ronca, Camellu, and Cardi wine-growing estates. They will take you on an unforgettable journey of discovery of the wine industry, which will awaken your senses. Then, you will be able to taste the local honey, oil or even jam.

From very strong flavours, to sweet delights…

The highlight however will most definitely be the famous “calinzana”. This is an absolute delight made from sheep’s milk, guaranteed to tickle your taste buds. Lovers of strong and intense cheese will appreciate the spicy and powerful flavours. Finally, this gourmet experience will end on a sweet note; that of the famous cuggiulelle, the sweet scent of which fills the village, especially when they’ve just come out of the oven!
After this tasting session, come and discover the other treasures which await you in Calenzana.

Baroque and Roman arts …

First come and admire the Church of Saint Blaise, and just opposite, A Casazza, the Chapel of the Santa Croce brotherhood which is still a place of worship today. If you decide to head to the heights of the village, Saint Antoine will open the door to the GR20, whilst watching over A Petra Incatinata and A Costa. Now, go back down and carry on towards Zilia. Just as you leave the village, you will catch a glimpse of A Santa, Sainte Restitude, a sanctuary which is cherished by the local people of the village and region. Even though you cannot go into the chapel itself, you will feel the atmosphere of religious fervour and worship under the century-old olive trees. You can however, watch the renowned pilgrimage and attend the celebration if you are in Balagne around the 21st May.

… combined with music

At the heart of some of these buildings, culture is celebrated every summer in  Calenzana. Every year, in the middle of August, the village comes alive with the sounds of classic and contemporary music. During this festival you are also likely to meet the musicians, who love to mingle with the crowds. Also, at the end of each concert, everyone traditionally gathers in front of the church for a drink, under a clear and starry summer sky.

Push yourself to your limits!

Calenzana is especially well-known for the famous GR20 and Tra Mare è Monti trails which are an invitation to push yourself to your limits in the Corsican mountains. If you want to take on this challenge, come to the entrance to the village where you will find the Maison du GR20 who can give you all the information and advice you may need about this superb challenge. So, are you going to give it a go?