Things to see and do in Viggianello

The church of Saint-Sauveur: A typically Corsican place of worship, with its simple architecture and peaceful setting. The panoramic views from the village: Admire the breathtaking views over the Gulf of Valinco and the surrounding mountains. Hiking trails: Explore the surrounding area on foot to discover the local flora and fauna. Stroll through the village to observe the traditional architecture of the stone houses and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.

Things to see and do in Arbellara

The square tower: This ancient fortified house, dating from the 16th century, is a symbol of resistance against the barbarian invasions. The narrow streets of the village: Take a stroll down the steep, narrow streets to discover the traditional architecture and incredible views. The church of Saint-Gavin: Another example of Corsican religious architecture with a magnificent stone façade. Visit a cheese dairy to discover the flavours of the island.

Things to see and do in Fozzano

The fortified houses: Explore the imposing, robust structures, remnants of the ancient Corsican vendettas. The Carabelli house, known as Maison Colomba: a mythical place linked to Prosper Mérimée’s famous story. The Church of the Annunciation and its 17th-century chapel, home to some very fine frescoes. Visit the Legnu Nustrale workshop to discover traditional Corsican crafts made from wood from the maquis. Take a stroll through the village, admiring the scenery and learning about the history of the area via its steep streets.

Things to see and do in Sainte-Marie-Figaniella

The church of Santa Maria Assunta in Sainte-Marie-Figaniella: A little jewel of religious architecture, dating from the 12th century. Vadde Mala State Forest: An ideal spot for nature lovers, with hiking trails offering spectacular mountain views. Panoramic views from the hamlet of Burgo: Admire the views of the surrounding mountains and valley. For thrill-seekers : Canyoning in the Baracci gorges. On the way back down to the plains, stop off at the Sant’Armettu wine estate for a taste of Corsican wine history.

Things to see and do in Baracci

The natural setting: The thermal baths are nestled in calm, green surroundings, perfect for a relaxing experience in the heart of nature. Les Bains de Baracci: Enjoy the modern facilities and warm waters of Baracci for wellness treatments. Stroll around the baths and enjoy the tranquillity of the landscaped grounds.

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House Colomba Fozzano
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OT SVT @S.Leroy

Journey to the heart of historyItinerary in the Sartenais Valinco Taravo area

The hilltop villages route

Discover an authentic itinerary in the heart of Valinco, where time seems to stand still. The Route des Villages Perchés offers a beautiful exploration through picturesque landscapes. Enjoy the panoramic views from Viggianello, discover the history of Arbellara and Fozzano, continue your journey to Sainte Marie Figaniella and then take the narrow road to the state-owned forest of Vadde Mala and the charming hamlet of Burgo. On your return to the plain, we recommend an epicurean break at the Domaine Sant’Armettu, followed by a wellness stop at the Baracci thermal baths.

Contents

An itinerary rich in culture and scenery.

In the heart of Corsican villages

🏴 Start your journey in Propriano, heading towards the Santa Giulia roundabout, and join Viggianello on the D19.

Estimated time between each village is around 10 minutes by car.

🕙 duration: 2H / break time included

Viggianello

A village with exceptional views.

This small village on the outskirts of Propriano overlooks the magnificent Gulf of Valinco like a balcony over the Mediterranean Sea. Viggianello is famous for its carved stone houses facing a spectacular panorama, offering uninterrupted views of the mountains and the sea. It’s the perfect place to take a moment to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Sartenais Valinco Taravo.

Things to see and do in Viggianello
- The church of Saint-Sauveur: A typically Corsican place of worship, with its simple architecture and peaceful setting.
- The panoramic views from the village: Admire the breathtaking views over the Gulf of Valinco and the surrounding mountains.
- Hiking trails: Explore the surrounding area on foot to discover the local flora and fauna.
- Stroll through the village to observe the traditional architecture of the stone houses and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.

Arbellara

A historic village set between valleys and mountains.

Continuing on, you’ ll reach Arbellara, a village perched between two valleys, steeped in history. Its authentic character is revealed by the steep streets and granite houses that bear witness to centuries of Corsican history, marked by the barbarian invasions in 1583. Don’t miss the famous square tower : this ancient three-storey house, built as a defence against pillage, still has loopholes visible on its walls. Arbellara is the ideal place for lovers of history and military architecture.

Things to see and do in Arbellara
- The square tower: This ancient fortified house, dating from the 16th century, is a symbol of resistance against the barbarian invasions.
- The narrow streets of the village: Take a stroll down the steep, narrow streets to discover the traditional architecture and incredible views.
- The church of Saint-Gavin: Another example of Corsican religious architecture with a magnificent stone façade.
- Visit a cheese dairy to discover the flavours of the island.

Fozzano

The legendary village and its story of vendetta.

Continue your journey to Fozzano, a picturesque village with a special character. Fozzano is a place where the stones tell legends and every nook and cranny bears witness to its tumultuous past. Discover the imposing granite walls of the fortified houses, reminders of a tragic vendetta between two Corsican families. As you wander through the narrow streets, you can also discover the story of Colomba, the famous heroine of Prosper Mérimée’s novel, who was born in this village. Take the opportunity to meet Jeff, the last remaining pipe-maker in Corsica, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of traditional Corsican craftsmanship.

Things to see and do in Fozzano
- The fortified houses: Explore the imposing, robust structures, remnants of the ancient Corsican vendettas.
- The Carabelli house, known as Maison Colomba: a mythical place linked to Prosper Mérimée’s famous story.
- The Church of the Annunciation and its 17th-century chapel, home to some very fine frescoes.
- Visit the Legnu Nustrale workshop to discover traditional Corsican crafts made from wood from the maquis.
- Take a stroll through the village, admiring the scenery and learning about the history of the area via its steep streets.

SAINTE-MARIE-FIGANIELLA

A haven of peace and culture.

Take the road back to Sainte-Marie-Figaniella, a village nestling on the heights of Baracci. Surrounded by mountains and forests, this small hamlet offers a haven of calm and serenity, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Explore the 12th-century Romanesque church, an architectural gem that bears witness to Corsica’s rich history. Next, drive through the Vadde Mala state forest to reach the hamlet of Burgo, a place where nature seems to melt into a spectacular backdrop. The majestic trees, mixed with the ochre rocks, create a breathtaking landscape at every turn. It’s the perfect place for a nature hike, where the pure air and the beauty of the surroundings will captivate you.

Things to see and do in Sainte-Marie-Figaniella
- The church of Santa Maria Assunta in Sainte-Marie-Figaniella: A little jewel of religious architecture, dating from the 12th century.
- Vadde Mala State Forest: An ideal spot for nature lovers, with hiking trails offering spectacular mountain views.
- Panoramic views from the hamlet of Burgo: Admire the views of the surrounding mountains and valley.
- For thrill-seekers : Canyoning in the Baracci gorges.
- On the way back down to the plains, stop off at the Sant’Armettu wine estate for a taste of Corsican wine history.

The BARACCI baths

To end your day on a high note

To bring this journey to a gentle close, a stop at the Baracci thermal baths is a must. These sulphurous waters, known since ancient times for their relaxing properties, are ideal for a moment of relaxation.