he birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Corsica is not short on either bonhomie or national pride. Balzac described Corsica as 'a French island basking in the Italian sun', but the island has a singular character that is entirely its own. It has been French for only 200 of its 4000-year existence, and has many indigenous traditions - gastronomic, musical and cultural. It is beautiful, wild, rugged, unspoilt and a touch old fashioned. It is the ultimate après outdoor destination - physical exertion in the elements by day, French wine and cuisine by night, and a peaceful night's sleep to boot.

Christopher Columbus was born in 1451 in Calvi (Corsica), northwest of the island, 200km from Ajaccio. He was the oldest of five children. As a child, he helped his father as a weaver. He always liked the sea.