Corsica has some of the loveliest beaches in Europe. It’s famous for gorgeous Mediterranean cities, dramatic mountains, wildly beautiful countryside and astonishing marine reserves. And, thanks to Gîtes de France Corsica, it may very well be one of the most affordable family holidays in France this year.
With over 500 properties listed in Corsica, several brand new for 2019, you can take your pick from beachy villas to cute cottages, historic village houses, city apartments, restored farmhouses or grand country houses. There’s even a great selection of Gîtes de France campsites – all up to the exceptional standards demanded by the camping-devoted French.
Plus all gîtes can now be easily booked online. And you can fly direct to Corsica from the UK in just over two hours – there are direct flights to all four of the island’s main airports.
But, with almost 400 gîtes to choose from, you could probably use some pointers. Have a look at the top 10 recommended for families by Gîtes de France Corsica, with a starting price of just £215 per week, for an entire gîte, for a family of four.
1/10 Gîte A Ripa, Solaro, Côte des Nacres
Sleeps six, private pool, 10 minutes from beaches
Set in peaceful countryside with views towards the Côte des Nacres, Gîte A Ripa is a charming, traditional stone farmhouse, thoughtfully restored to create a spacious three bedroom family home. The garden is perfect for kids, with plenty of lawn, shady trees and a private swimming pool surrounded by a sun terrace.
- Three bedrooms, two shower rooms – one en-suite.
- Open plan living/dining room, kitchen.
- Covered first-floor dining terrace with sea views and BBQ.
- Private swimming pool with sun terrace.
- Mature, landscaped garden with lawns and trees.
- Set in 2.8ha of enclosed, shared woodland.
- One hour, 10 minutes north of Figari Airport.
- Direct UK flights to Figari take from two hours, 15 minutes.
Solaro area
- Solenzara for local shops, tourist info and beaches – 10 minutes.
- Plage de Canella – 15 minutes.
- Fort de Matra, Aleria – 45 minutes.
- Porto-Vecchio – 50 minutes.
- À Tyroliana Adventure Park – 40 minutes
- Col de Bavella – 45 minutes.
Family activities near Gîte A Ripa
- Spend a day on Plage de Canella: crystal clear, shallow water is perfect for under fives.
- À Tyroliana is Corsica’s first treetop adventure park and great fun for older kids.
- Go wildlife spotting in unspoiled and peaceful Pinia Forest near Ghisonaccia.
- Visit Porto-Vecchio for its walled old town and chic waterfront.
- Take kids to the excellent Fort de Matra archaeological museum in Aléria.
- Head to Col de Bavella for mountain biking, hiking and climbing
From £645 for seven nights, based on a family of six
Find out more about Gîte A Ripa with Gîtes de France Corsica
2/10 Gîte Sas Campu Latinu, Lama, Haute-Corse
Sleeps four, sun terraces, sea views, historic village setting
Characterful gîte over two floors, with large sun terraces and outdoor jacuzzi. Just a few minutes away, the village of Lama is the only certified Green Resort (Station Vert) in Corsica, and it’s also included in the scenic Villages des Balagne walking route.
- Two bedrooms, two en-suite shower rooms.
- Open plan living/dining room, kitchen and laundry room
- Two large sun terraces with sea views across Ostriconi Plain.
- Chic contemporary interior with original features.
- Outdoor dining area and seating areas.
- Large, outdoor jacuzzi, seats up to six.
- 50 minutes west of Bastia Airport.
- Direct UK flights to Bastia take from two hours, 10 minutes.
Lama Area
- Village of Lama, Corsica’s only certified Station Vert (Green Resort) – 5 minutes.
- L’Île-Rousse – 30 minutes.
- Bodri Beach and Plage de Ghjunchitu – 35 minutes.
- Historic Calvi Town and Calvi Beach – 50 minutes
- Saint Florent and the Agriates Coast – 55 minutes.
- Asco Valley and Monte Cinto AKA Corsica’s Roof – 40 minutes.
Family activities near Gîte Sas Campu Latinu
- Take the charming beach train along the coast from L’Île-Rousse to Calvi.
- Go gorge walking in the awe-inspiring Asco Valley.
- Trek some of the wild and lovely Agriates Coast footpath from Saint-Florent.
- Visit Calvi Town for Quai Landry and water sports on lively Calvi Beach.
- Hike round the Villages of Balagne on the 9.5km Piève d’Aregno loop.
- Discover rare Hermann Turtles at Le Village des Tortues in Moltifao.
From £843 for seven nights, based on a family of four
Find out more about Gîte Sas Campu Latinu with Gîtes de France Corsica
3/10 Gîte Villa Diamanti, Porto-Vecchio, South East Corsica
Sleeps 12, infinity pool, sun terraces, sea views, minutes from beaches
A stunning, contemporary villa on three levels with pretty sun terraces on each floor and great sea views. The private infinity pool has a security shutter, and three of the five bedrooms are on the ground floor, so this is a good choice for kids of all ages, and ideal for two families holidaying together.
- Five bedrooms, four shower rooms – two en-suite.
- Kitchen/dining room, living room, TV room, gym, sauna.
- Sun terraces on all three levels, with sea views, outdoor showers and hammocks.
- Chic contemporary interior, light filled and airy rooms.
- Outdoor dining area with BBQ and sea views.
- Heated outdoor infinity pool with secure, rolling shutter.
- 30 minutes east of Figari Airport.
- Direct UK flights to Figari take from two hours, 15 minutes.
Porto-Vecchio Area
- Historic Porto-Vecchio, walled town and waterfront – 20 minutes.
- Sporty Plage de Santa Giulia – 17 minutes.
- Plage Polombaggio: Corsica’s most beautiful beach – 25 minutes.
- Dramatic clifftop town of Bonifacio – 40 minutes.
- Ospedale Forest – 40 minutes.
- Col de Bavella and Alta Rocca – 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Family activities near Gîte Sas Campu Latinu
- Visit charming Porto-Vecchio for its medieval old town and lively harbour.
- Cycle or drive the remarkable Col de Bavella.
- Try abseiling, canyoning or wild swimming in the Alta Rocca waterfalls.
- Sail from Bonifacio to Sardinia for the day.
- Go morning horse riding on Polambaggio Beach.
- Spend the day hiking and exploring in L’Ospedale Forest.
From £4298 for seven nights, based on 12 people sharing
Find out more about Gîte Villa Diamanti with Gîtes de France Corsica
4/10 Gîte Toussaint, Giuncheto, South West Corsica
Sleeps seven, extraordinary countryside setting, 25 minutes from beaches
This charming family gîte sits surrounded by a lush landscape of maquis (a scented mix of herbs and shrubs, native to Corsica). Views from the enormous sun terrace stretch all the way to the coast. And, along with the well designed indoor kitchen, there’s also a summer kitchen and BBQ outdoors.
- Three bedrooms, one bathroom, one shower room.
- Kitchen/living room, 30m² terrace with sea views.
- Light-filled interior with doors on to terrace from living room and two bedrooms.
- Air conditioning, WIFI, flat screen TV, DVD player.
- Summer kitchen with BBQ.
- Elevated position overlooking landscape of Corsica’s unique scented maquis.
- 40 minutes north west of Figari Airport.
- Direct UK flights to Figari take from two hours, 15 minutes.
Giuncheto Area
- The medieval village of Sartène – 20 minutes.
- Roccapina Beach: one of the loveliest on Corsica’s west coast – 25 minutes.
- Propriano beach resort – 28 minutes.
- Clifftop town of Bonifacio – 50 minutes.
- Les Bains de Baracci – 30 minutes.
- Bouche de Bonifacio Nature Reserve – one hour.
Family activities near Gîte Toussaint
- Visit Propriano for water sports on lively west coast beaches.
- Explore the 80,000ha Bouche de Bonifacio nature reserve, it’s the largest in France.
- Spend a soothing day in the thermal waters of Les Bains de Baracci.
- Head to gorgeous Roccapina Beach and walk the Roccapina Nature Trail.
- Discover myths, legends and fantastic summer festivals in historic Sartène.
- Catch a cruise from Bonifacio to the Lavezzi Islands.
- Learn to windsurf, kitesurf, paddleboard and sea kayak on La Baie de Figari.
From £805 for seven nights, based on a family of seven.
Find out more about Gîte Toussaint with Gîtes de France Corsica
5/10 Gîte I Castellucci, Mazzola, Haute-Corse
Sleeps four, private pool, spectacular mountain views
This unusual gîte is actually two interconnected apartments which, when added together, make a spacious and original holiday home. Kids will love the year-round swimming pool which is both heated and covered. Plus huge sun terraces and outdoor dining areas are perfectly placed to give you stunning views in almost every direction.
- Two bedrooms, two bathrooms.
- Two indoor kitchens, two summer kitchens, two living rooms.
- 113m² first floor terrace, 80m² ground floor terrace with jacuzzi.
- Heated, covered swimming pool, fitted with pool alarm.
- Air conditioning, several TVs, DVD Player, two fireplaces.
- WIFI, heating and end-of-stay clean, are included.
- One hour, 20 minutes south west of Bastia Airport.
- Direct UK flights to Bastia take from two hours, 10 minutes.
Mazzola Area
- Parc Naturel Régional de Corse – 33 minutes.
- Village of Moltifao – 25 minutes.
- Bastia – one hour, 35 minutes.
- Asco Valley – one hour, 20 minutes.
- Costa Serena – one hour.
- L’Île-Rousse – one hour, 15 minutes.
Family activities near Gîte I Castellucci
- Meet Hermann Turtles at Le Village des Tortues in Moltifao.
- Go hiking, walking or mountain biking in Parc Naturel Régional de Corse.
- Visit L’Île-Rousse for beaches and coastal train to Calvi.
- Discover the beaches and nature reserves on Costa Serena.
- Head to Bastia to see the Genoese Citadel and atmospheric Old Port.
- Spend a day gorge walking in the lovely Asco Valley.
From £1650 for seven nights, based on a family of four
Find out more about Gîte I Castellucci with Gîtes de France Corsica
6/10 Gîte 58811, Calenzana, Haute-Corse
Sleeps eight, 15 minutes from Calvi Town and Calvi Beach
Ideal for two families holidaying together, this prettily converted village house is laid out over three floors and has a kitchen and living room on the ground floor, and another kitchen and living room on the second floor. It’s also a good choice with older kids and teens as Calvi Town is just 10 minutes drive away for sporty beaches, lively Quai Landry, and plenty shops and restaurants.
- Four bedrooms, two shower rooms – one en-suite.
- Two kitchens, two living rooms.
- 6m² first floor balcony overlooking village street.
- Panoramic views of mountains and coast from 2nd floor living room.
- Air conditioning in bedrooms, TVs in all bedrooms and living rooms.
- WIFI and heating included.
- 15 minutes east of Calvi Airport.
- Direct UK flights to Calvi take from two hours, 15 minutes.
Calenzana Area
- Calvi Town – 15 minutes.
- Forêt de Bonifato – 30 minutes.
- Réserve Naturelle de Scandola – one hour
- Marine de Davia Beach – 30 minutes.
- Golfe de la Revelatta – 35 minutes.
- L’Île-Rousse – 35 minutes.
Family activities near Gîte 58811
- Visit Calvi Town for its Citadel, charming old town and Quai Landry waterfront.
- Spend a day on family-friendly Calvi Beach: great for water sports.
- Take the pretty coastal train from Calvi to L’Île-Rousse.
- Go exploring in 3000ha Forêt de Bonifato.
- Hire bikes and cycle to Pointe de Revelatta Beach.
- Take a boat trip from Port de Girolata round spectacular Scandola Marine Reserve.
From £644 for seven nights, based on a family of eight
Find out more about Gîte 58811 with Gîtes de France Corsica
7/10 B&B Casa Orsu-Maria, Campana, Haute-Corse
Sleeps 12, bed & breakfast, large country house, swimming pool
Casa Orsu-Maria gives you the independence of a gîte with the luxury of a charming French guest house. Breakfast and dinner is served family-style in the owner’s charming kitchen or on the pool terrace. Individually designed bedrooms and large comfortable lounges add to the warm, country-house charm. And kids will love the heated pool, pretty gardens and friendly atmosphere.
- Five bedrooms, all with en-suite shower or bathrooms.
- Large, comfortable lounges on ground and first floor.
- Heated and alarmed swimming pool with sun terrace.
- Outdoor dining terrace shaded by mulberry and plane trees.
- Terrace with mountain views, landscaped gardens.
- Breakfast and dinner served family-style on terrace or in host’s large kitchen.
- One hour south of Bastia Airport.
- Direct UK flights to Bastia take from two hours, 10 minutes.
Campana Area
- Bastia – one hour.
- La Côte Est beaches – 50 minutes.
- Parc Naturel Régional de Corse – 45 minutes.
- La Porta – 20 minutes.
- Terra Corsa – 40 minutes.
- Moltifao – 50 minutes.
Family activities near B&B Casa Orsu-Maria
- Spend a day in historic Bastia, explore the Citadel and Old Port.
- Head to the east coast for uncrowded family beaches.
- Go hiking, exploring or mountain biking in Parc Naturel Régional de Corse.
- Visit La Porta for historic architecture and amazing mountain scenery.
- Try anything from rafting to parcours, ziplining or kayaking at Terra Corsa.
- Eyeball the rare Hermann Turtles at Le Village des Tortues in Moltifao.
From £1623 for seven nights, based on a family of four
Find out more about B&B Casa Ursa-Maria with Gîtes de France Corsica
8/10 Gîte 21221, Valle di Mezzana, Sud Corse
Sleeps 4, country cottage close to Ajaccio and west coast beaches
This little countryside gîte sits in a lovely garden planted with mature trees and flowering shrubs. Several south west coast beaches and beach resorts are within easy driving distance, and Ajaccio, Corsica’s historic capital, is less than half-an-hour away.
- One double bedroom with en-suite shower room.
- Double sofa bed in living room.
- Open plan kitchen/living room.
- Fully enclosed 20m² private garden, parking.
- Outdoor sun terrace with garden furniture and BBQ.
- Heating and WIFI included.
- 25 minutes north of Ajaccio Airport.
- Direct UK flights to Ajaccio take from two hours, 10 minutes.
Valle di Mezzana Area
- Vizzavona – 48 minutes.
- Ajaccio – 32 minutes.
- Agosta Fun Beach – 35 minutes.
- Lac de Tolla – one hour.
- Tiuccia – 40 minutes
- Golfe de Sagone – 40 minutes
Family activities near Gîte 21221
- Visit Ajaccio, the Corsican capital and all round fascinating Mediterranean city.
- Spend a day on Agosta Fun Beach for water sports and family activities.
- Head to Lac de Tolla for all things nautical from sailing to windsurfing.
- Find summer festivals and family beaches at Tiuccia.
- Discover Ancient Roman history and fabulous beaches on the Golfe de Sagone.
- Go exploring in the forests and hills of Vizzavona.
From £223 for seven nights, based on a family of four
Find out more about Gîte 21221 with Gîtes de France Corsica
9/10 Gîte Pianosa, Cervione, Haute-Corse
Sleeps 4, historic village setting, 15 minutes to beaches
A quirky and original conversion of a traditional village house, Gîte Pianosa is ideal for small families. Historic Cervione is famous for its Baroque cathedral, but also has a handy bakery and small supermarket. Sandy and sheltered east coast beaches are just 15 minutes away, and the city of Bastia is under an hour’s drive north.
- One double bedroom, sofa bed in living room.
- Shower room, open-plan kitchen/living room.
- Pretty balcony with table and chairs.
- Charming village setting with sea and countryside views.
- Less than 0.5km to bakery and supermarket.
- WIFI, washing machine.
- 50 minutes south of Bastia Airport.
- Direct UK flights to Bastia take from two hours, 10 minutes.
Cervione Area
- Bastia – 50 minutes.
- La Côte Est beaches – 15 minutes.
- Village of Cervione – 0.3km.
- La Porta – 50 minutes.
- Parc Naturel Régional de Corse – One hour.
- Costa Serena – 35 minutes.
Family activities near Gîte Pianosa
- Visit fascinating Bastia for the Citadel, museums and Old Port.
- Explore Cervione: famous for fabulous views and its Baroque cathedral.
- Go hiking or mountain biking in Parc Naturel Régional de Corse.
- Visit La Porta for breathtaking mountain scenery.
- Discover Costa Serena’s peaceful beaches and nature reserves.
- Take a picnic and spend a beachy day on the nearby east coast.
From £240 for seven nights, based on a family of four
Find out more about Gîte Pianosa with Gîtes de France Corsica
10/10 Gîte U Forno, Venaco, Haute-Corse
Sleeps 4, fantastic central location
Warm and cosy inside with a huge sun terrace outdoors and a peaceful village setting, Gîte U Forno is perfect for exploring Corsica’s legendary seaside cities and towns, adventuring round spectacular countryside and spending lazy days on west and east coast beaches.
- One double bedroom, sofa bed in living room.
- Shower room, open-plan kitchen/living room.
- 64m² enclosed, sun terrace with outdoor furniture.
- Right at the heart of the village, next to church.
- WIFI, washing machine, air conditioning.
- One hour, 15 minutes from either Ajaccio or Bastia Airports.
- Direct UK flights to Ajaccio or Bastia take from two hours, 10 minutes.
Venaco Area
- Vizzavona – 25 minutes.
- Parc Naturel Régional de Corse – 15 minutes.
- Ajaccio – One hour, 15 minutes.
- Bastia – One hour, 15 minutes.
- Calvi Beach – One hour, 30 minutes.
- Agosta Fun Beach – One hour, 20 minutes.
Family activities near Gîte U Forno
- Visit Ajaccio, Corsica’s capital and birthplace of Napoleon.
- Go walking, hiking and biking in Parc Naturel Régional de Corse.
- Trek the scenic hills and valleys of Vizzavona.
- Test out the water sports and family activities at Agosta Fun Beach.
- Spend at day on famously family-friendly Calvi Beach.
- Head to Bastia and see the atmospheric Old Port.
From £215 for seven nights, based on a family of four