A Mandria France

Experience some of Corsica’s most stunning scenery from this charming village home in the beautiful Balagne region. Here you are surrounded by incredible mountain landscapes yet it’s only twenty minutes from the glistening beaches of the Mediterranean.
Meaning bergerie in Corsican, A Mandria was formerly a sheepfold, the origins of which can be seen in the characterful kitchen and dining area. The house was designed by the owner, an architect, with great love and care and he has created a welcoming holiday home with four air-conditioned bedrooms, each with their own bath or shower room.  
Authentic materials have been used to retain the period charm of the interiors whilst teak decking has helped to create terraces for al-fresco dining and relaxing in the sun. The inviting swimming pool is a delight, especially with such mesmerising mountain and village views of which you will never tire.
Wander into the village and you will find a boulangerie, small grocery store and two simple restaurants, one of which belongs to the owner’s lovely hotel, a 19th-century family palazzu; be sure to ask for a tour of the old chapel, original kitchens and impressive Napoleon III salon. You can also the family winery in the village to sample their excellent wines which are highly regarded in the area.
With such incredible landscapes around you, there are some magnificent walking trails both from the village and beyond in the Balagne countryside. Discover idyllic perched villages such as Speloncato, Pigna and Sant’Antonino. Make the most of the glorious scenery with horse-riding, rock-climbing and even paragliding across this spectacular region.
Yet despite this rural idyll, the sparkling seas of the Mediterranean aren’t far with northern Corsica’s wonderful coastline within a thirty-minute drive. Visit Calvi and L’Île-Rousse for relaxed lunches by the sea, discover beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water and take a boat excursion to the incredible Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether gazing out towards the mountains from your terrace and swimming pool or exploring the villages, towns and beaches, this is the ultimate Balagne experience in northern Corsica, an island also known as l’île de beauté. A Mandria enjoys a spectacular location in a mountain village in the Balagne countryside, an incredible region of mountainous landscapes, delightful villages and rolling hills.
The heart of the village only a short walk away where you will find a bakery, small grocery shop and a couple of simple village restaurants. One of these little restaurants is part of the owner’s village hotel, a charming 19th-century palazzu – make sure you ask for a tour of the old chapel, the original kitchen with its grand chimney and the beautiful salon. You can also visit the family’s own winery in the village which produces highly regarded wines.
There’s a lovely walking trail from the village up to the ‘Falcunaghja’ (House of the Bandits), from where you can enjoy the marvellous views. Indeed, the Balagne countryside offers a wealth of marked walking trails, some of which connect some of the wonderful villages dotted across the region. There is also horse-riding, golf, rock-climbing and even para-gliding nearby.
Sant’Antonino (10km) is one of the villages which is featured on many walking routes, one of Corsica’s oldest villages and now classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Wander along the steep lanes and find a restaurant where you can enjoy good Corsican food with mesmerising views. Pigna (12km) is also full of charm and features some lovely artisan shops selling local ceramics. There is a great community of artists and musicians across the village; look out for concerts in the village where you can listen to traditional Corsican chants.
Other incredibly beautiful Balagne villages include Speloncato (8km), Corbara (12km) and Lumio (16km) with its weekly market on a Wednesday morning. There is a walking path from Lumio leading to the abandoned village of Occi, yet another spot for panoramic vistas of the breathtaking scenery around you.
Drive along winding lanes, passing spectacular vistas, and within around 15km you will reach L’Île-Rousse, a charming seaside town. Visit the covered market, wander through the picturesque lanes filled with traditional restaurants and pretty shops, stop for a coffee on the main square as old men play boules then enjoy lunch in one of the beachside cafes. It’s not a huge town but there is always a lovely and relaxed ambience.
There are some wonderful beaches along this stretch of the Balagne coastline. Plage de Bodri is particularly beautiful or discover further coves and summer beach cafes all the way up to Algajola and Calvi. You will find a good range of watersports in both L’Île-Rousse and Calvi and you will also find scuba-diving, sea kayaks, windsurfing and snorkelling in Algajola (20km). In the other direction, Ostriconi beach (25km) is one of Corsica’s wildest beaches with white sands and grassy dunes, accessed via a remote and steep path.
There’s also the charming little train, U Trinichellu, which runs between Calvi and L’Île-Rousse via Algajola, stopping off at lovely beaches on the way.
Calvi is a very popular town to visit with its large sandy beach, historic citadel, atmospheric marina and a great choice of lovely restaurants and cafes with amazing sea or mountain views wherever you look. From Calvi you can take a boat trip out to the Scandola Reserve on Corsica’s west coast, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Maid service
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!