Villa Motif

Villa Motif is in north-west Corsica’s Balagne region, close to a pretty hilltop village and with glorious sea views of the coastline below.

With other villas scattered around, just off a country road, it’s a 2.5km drive up to the nearest village where there are a couple of restaurants and amazing vistas towards the Mediterranean.

Heading towards the coast, L'Île-Rousse (4km) is a delightful town dating back to the 18th and 19th century with a lovely town beach and an old quarter with charming shops and authentic restaurants. Look out for the covered food market that sells local specialities such as cheese, honey and charcuterie, watch old gentlemen play boules on the main square accompanied by a coffee or chestnut beer, enjoy freshly caught fish at one of the town’s beachside restaurants and then walk up towards the lighthouse for the most wonderful views, especially at sunset.

There are plenty of other beaches within a short drive, the nearest being Plage de Ghjunchitu which enjoys such a scenic position backed by a couple of beachside restaurants, whilst neighbouring Plage de Bodri is another favourite amongst locals. If you are seeking a range of water-based activities, check out Plage d’Aregno by the small seaside town of Algajola (5km) or spend the day by Calvi’s glorious long beach.

Indeed, Calvi (20km) is a very beautiful historic town with an especially captivating citadel. From the marina, hop on a boat for a tour of Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site only accessed by boat or via the incredible hiking paths of this dramatic coastline.

If you find the time, drive through the remote Désert des Agriate to the handsome harbourside town of St Florent (49km), perhaps stopping off to walk down to the remote and idyllic beach at Ostriconi.

Not forgetting the enchanting villages of the Balagne countryside including Pigna, Monticello and Lumio, all reached within a short drive, as well as Sant'Antonino, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. There are so many glorious walking trails, horse-riding opportunities and cycling routes, all perfect ways to appreciate the magnificent beauty of this part of Haute-Corse.

Read more about Northern Corsica

Northern Corsica offers diverse landscapes, idyllic beaches and picture-perfect villages where you can truly appreciate the Corsican way of life. From delightful seaside towns to rugged cliffs and mountains, Haute-Corse is an ideal holiday destination for keen hikers, nature enthusiasts and gastronomes as well as couples, friends and families seeking beautiful beaches for swimming, snorkelling and watersports.

Backed by mountain peaks, Calvi is so loved for its  Genoese citadel, charming old town and long sandy beach. Enjoy lunch on a restaurant terrace overlooking the rose façade of Église Sainte Marie Majeure or by the vibrant marina with its seafood restaurants and bars. Boat trips depart to the Scandola Nature Reserve where you can admire some of the most incredible coastal scenery on island.

The beaches between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse are fantastic – favourites include Plage de Sant'Ambroggio, an idyllic spot for snorkelling in the crystal-clear sea, and Plage de Bodri with soft white sand backed by wild maquis. The Balagne is also renowned for its characterful hilltop villages and the countryside is criss-crossed with walking paths where donkeys once roamed. Amongst others, visit ancient Pigna for its pottery and Corsican music, Monticello for its olive groves and perched Sant’Antonino for its rich history and panoramic views.

Soak up authentic island life in L'Île-Rousse as you watch locals play boules on the main square near the beach accompanied by an apéritif of local beer flavoured with maquis herbs or a glass of Cap Corse. The town hosts a lovely covered market every morning selling delicious Corsican delights and there are many restaurants along the narrow lanes – specialities include wild boar and chestnuts, Corsican lamb with rosemary and Cannelloni au brocciu. As the sun sets, follow the coastal promenade towards Île de la Pietra for romantic red-hued vistas.

Meanwhile, the little train, U Trinichellu, chugs along the coastline between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse with wonderful views - hop on early as it can get very busy, especially when coming home from the beach.

That said, a car is essential when exploring northern Corsica. When leaving L'Île-Rousse towards the north-east of the island, detour to Plage de l’Ostriconi, a wild beach on the edge of the remote Désert des Agriates. Follow the winding road to the attractive seaside town of Saint-Florent backed by the impressive mountains of the Cap Corse. Visit the vineyards of Patrimonio before venturing to little fishing villages and more outstanding landscapes of the Cap Corse.

Whether travelling with friends, loved ones, young kids or teens, a wealth of outdoor activities await across northern Corsica from watersports in Calvi, Algajola, L'Île-Rousse and Saint-Florent to quad-biking, horse-riding and even donkey rides in hilltop Balagne villages. Golf-lovers can play at the 18-hole Golf Reginu whilst there are so many hiking opportunities across the Balagne countryside, Désert des Agriates and Cap Corse landscapes.

Our carefully curated selection of villas in northern Corsica allows you to experience the many pristine beaches, characterful towns and stunning scenery in this mesmerising part of Corsica, the fourth largest Mediterranean island so lovingly referred to as l'Île de Beauté.