Discover the jewels of Balagne
Nearby Villages: Pigna and Sant'Antonino
The Village of Sant'Antonino
Ranked among the most picturesque villages in France
Sant'Antonino invites you on a journey through time. Leave your vehicle at the edge of the village and follow in the footsteps of Ugo Colonna, the renowned Roman count behind this haven.
Stroll through its narrow streets, discovering the 75 houses carved directly from local stone, which blend perfectly, forming a captivating labyrinth around the granite hill.
Around a corner, you'll be charmed by the authentic bread oven and the vintage press. Continue your ascent to the village's peaks to admire the remnants of ancient fortifications. Once up there, take a deep breath and let yourself be amazed by the splendid panoramic view of Balagne!
The Village of Pigna
Nestled in the heart of Balagne
The village of Pigna stands out with its houses adorned with blue shutters and its vibrant auditorium. A true hub of innovation, experimentation, and rehearsal, this space dedicated to singing and music perpetuates and shares a rich musical tradition.
If you have the chance to visit Pigna in July, the festival of voices, Festivoce, holds a place of honor there.
As you stroll through the village, let yourself be charmed by the artistic effervescence of the streets. Discover the shops and workshops where potters, jewelers, luthiers, engravers, and other passionate artisans work diligently, not to mention the delights of the delicatessen.
Hikes & strolls to discover the villages
Three perched villages: Corbara, Pigna, and Sant Antonino
Perched above the Aregno plain, Corbara the discreet, Pigna the artistic, and Sant' Antoninu the proud watch over the shore below. They can be connected by a network of ancient paths, which this circuit invites you to traverse.
Pieve d'Aregno Loop - Lavatoggio - Sant'Antonino
Starting from Lavatoggio - 2B - Upper Corsica
Sant' Antonino is located in the heart of Balagne, perched at an altitude of 500 meters on a granite peak near L'Île-Rousse and Calvi, between the sea and the mountains. The village overlooks the plain of Aregno on one side and part of the Reginu plain on the other. Like an eagle's nest, it consists of approximately 75 houses, tightly clustered together, winding around a granite peak, forming a labyrinthine layout to better resist any potential invader.
Walk in the undergrowth in Avapessa
Departure in Avapessa - 2B - Upper Corsica
This short and easy loop starting from the village of Avapessa is ideal for family walks, including with children. The fact that a large part of the route is shaded makes it perfect for summer strolls.
Please note: the route presented here avoids a section of road suggested by the IGN trail in favor of a wooded and marked trail, marked in red.
Loop of the three villages in Zilia.
Departure from Zilia - 2B - Upper Corsica
A loop that allows you to visit three villages in Balagne while contemplating, on two slopes, the plains of Réginu and Montegrosso. Between wooded sections and magnificent views, this hike is a beautiful way to discover this region. In the background, the magnificent Montegrossu overlooks the village of Zilia at the start.