Haute-Corse Facts for Kids

Haute-Corse department

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Coat of arms of Corsica

Haute-Corse is a special area in the south of France called a 'department'. It's located on the beautiful island of Corsica. Its main city, or 'prefecture', is Bastia. Around 148,000 people lived in Haute-Corse in 2006. This department is known for its stunning mountains, clear blue waters, and rich history.

What is Haute-Corse?
Things to Do in Haute-Corse
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What is Haute-Corse?

Haute-Corse means "Upper Corsica" in French. It's one of the two departments that make up the island of Corsica. The other one is Corse-du-Sud (South Corsica). These two departments were created in 1976 when Corsica was split into two parts. Before that, the whole island was just one department.

Geography and Nature

Haute-Corse is famous for its amazing landscapes. It has tall mountains, deep valleys, and a long coastline with beautiful beaches.

Mountains: The island is very mountainous. The highest peak in Corsica, Monte Cinto, is actually in Haute-Corse! It's a challenging climb but offers incredible views.
Coastline: Along the coast, you'll find sandy beaches and rocky coves. The water is often very clear, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Rivers and Lakes: Many rivers flow from the mountains down to the sea, creating pretty gorges like the Restonica Gorge. There are also some mountain lakes.
Nature Reserves: A big part of Haute-Corse is protected, including the Parc naturel régional de Corse (Regional Natural Park of Corsica). This park helps protect the unique plants and animals that live here.

Climate

Haute-Corse has a Mediterranean climate. This means it has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The weather can change a lot depending on if you are by the coast or high up in the mountains.

Main Cities and Towns

The department has several important towns, each with its own charm.

Bastia: This is the largest city and the capital of Haute-Corse. It's a busy port city with a historic old town, a citadel, and a lively atmosphere. You can see many old buildings and churches here.
Calvi: Located on the northwest coast, Calvi is a popular tourist town. It has a beautiful bay, a large marina, and an impressive citadel that overlooks the town. Many people believe Christopher Columbus was born near Calvi!
Corte: This town is in the center of the island and used to be the historical capital of Corsica. It has a strong connection to Corsican history and culture.

Culture and Traditions

Corsican culture is very strong in Haute-Corse.

Language: While French is the official language, many people also speak Corsican (Corsu). It's a language similar to Italian.
Music: Traditional Corsican music, especially polyphonic singing (where several voices sing different parts), is very important.
Food: The local food is delicious! You can try things like Corsican cheeses, cured meats, chestnuts, and fresh seafood.

Things to Do in Haute-Corse

Haute-Corse offers many activities for visitors.

Hiking: With its mountains and forests, it's a fantastic place for hiking. The famous GR20 long-distance hiking trail crosses the department.
Beaches: Enjoy the sun and sea on beautiful beaches like those near Saint-Florent or in the Désert des Agriates.
Exploring Villages: Discover charming old villages, some of which are considered among the most beautiful in France, like Sant'Antonino.
Water Sports: You can go sailing, windsurfing, or diving in the clear Mediterranean waters.

Haute-Corse is a unique and beautiful part of France, offering a mix of stunning nature, rich history, and a distinct culture.