Retiring in Corsica

Between Bastia and Porto-Vecchio, the choice really depends on what you're looking for in your daily life:

If you'd like to live near the coast I’d recommend Solenzara: It’s a pleasant small town with a real local vibe, the sea nearby, stunning landscapes, and a great balance between tranquility and amenities. Perfect for a peaceful retirement without feeling isolated.

If you prefer living inland I’d recommend Ghisoni (or the surrounding area): It’s an authentic village, cooler in the summer, very quiet, surrounded by nature, with a warm atmosphere and a true "Corsican village" spirit. Ideal if you love tranquility and the mountains while still being within a reasonable distance of the coast.

Hi Cyril,

Thanks so much for the info! I’m thinking of starting with a rental first so I can explore the area, soak up the local life (associations, clubs), and make a purchase once we’ve found a place we really love.

Best regards, Dominique

Hi Dominique, Did you think about the cost of living in Corsica? I find it pretty off-putting for retirees. As for fitting in, in thirty years, you’ll still be a *pinzutu*.

Hello, I’ve visited Corsica several times with our kids, and we loved the warm welcome and friendliness of the locals as we explored many villages. We’re originally from the JURA region. Now that we’re retired, we’d like to live somewhere between Bastia and Porto-Vecchio. Which village or town would you recommend for a peaceful and welcoming life?

Corsica is a bit like every country in the world. It’s fabulous for vacations, and as tourists, you’re always well-regarded by the locals. But everything changes when you become a permanent resident. You’ll always be seen as a *continental* in the eyes of the locals. Once you’ve accepted that, you’ll have a wonderful retirement in Corsica.

A free tip? Don’t get involved in local politics there! Let the locals handle it. 😉

Hi Alain,

Thanks for your message—I’d never heard the term PINZUTU before, which comes from the west. Over my working life, I’ve settled into several regions, most recently in Ain and Jura, where people can be just as cold and chauvinistic. Every region has its quirks, and you’ve got to adapt. You can’t have it all, and the south of France isn’t exactly cheap everywhere either.

Dominique

Hi Michel,

Thanks for your message. Anyway, we’re going to rent first and take our time without worrying, since we haven’t definitively decided on Corsica. Originally from the west, when I go to the Jura, I’m not a Jurassian either, but that hasn’t stopped me from making a circle of friends.

Dominique

good evening, so you prefer the blue waters of the Lavazzi Islands to the vast snowy expanses of the Risoux Forest then?

Hello Mathews, thanks for your message. We’ve been in this beautiful region since 1998 and have enjoyed all the activities with our kids—snow, hiking, and more. But now that we’re retired, we’re less keen on the cold and damp. Like many, we’re craving sunshine, a gentle pace of life, and making the most of our time together to explore the world as a couple.

Dominique

Hi there,

I have some friends (not Corsican) who retired and settled near L'Île-Rousse about fifteen years ago. They’ve adapted really well to life in Corsica. One thing’s for sure—if you want to build something, you hire Corsican craftsmen, not ones from the mainland.

Hi Jean Michel,

Thanks for your positive message! Did they buy a property or have one built? Either way, no matter the region, it's always best to hire well-established local craftsmen—or you might end up on Julien COURBET’s show (it could happen to anyone).

Dominique

They had it built. They never had any problems. Personally, I could’ve settled there for a few years—I really like Corsica—but I could never stay more than 7 years in the same place since I don’t have roots, and my wife wasn’t too enthusiastic...

Hi Dominique, good luck with settling into Corsica!

Which village or town would you recommend for a peaceful and warm life?

Hello Dominique,

I’m originally from Gascony and have been living in Corsica for 48 years (I’m 77 now). We had our house built near Ajaccio (by a Spanish company based in Corsica, chosen for the quality of their work and the skills they demonstrated on my neighbor’s house). I don’t get involved in politics (except for voting). Given the geopolitical climate on the island, I’ve often wanted to leave but never found anywhere else to go.

Here’s what—I think—you should know: - There’s a *world* of difference between spending a vacation in Corsica and living here year-round.

- The cost of living, or what we call the "household basket," is very high all year.

- Finding decent housing at a reasonable price is nearly impossible.

- If you want to travel, you’ll have to rely on planes or boats, and it’s VERY expensive.

- For the past few years, nationalist parties have been leading Corsica’s territorial government. This assembly has gained even more autonomy than before, and the Senate and National Assembly are expected to approve this soon. The powers granted to Corsican officials will soon go VERY far. But don’t be fooled—the autonomy sought by autonomist parties goes much further and aligns with the wishes of the independence movement (which is part of the elected assembly).

- Those of us from mainland France (the so-called *pinzuti*) are openly considered colonists (unwanted) by the two presidents leading Corsica’s assembly. (They speak openly about this.)

- For several years now—and increasingly—Corsica has been plagued by a number of "mafias." This is acknowledged by nationalist circles, police, and judicial authorities.

- Drug and arms trafficking/consumption is steadily rising, as is the number of murders (which is very high relative to the island’s 360,000 inhabitants).

My advice—take it or leave it—is this: don’t move to Corsica if you’re looking for serenity and don’t have Corsican ancestry. In my humble experience, the island’s future isn’t "calm" (Keep in mind what happened in Algeria)...

Best regards,

...

Hi Alain,

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Hello,

The "situation" in Corsica is progressing slowly but surely. A first "nationalist INDEPENDENTIST" mayor has just been elected in Sartène. As expected, he refuses to wear the tricolor sash...

https://www.corsematin.com/article/elections/4912654959296514/sartene-paul-felix-benedetti-officiellement-installe-a-la-tete-de-la-commune

...

Hello,

Worth reading and knowing, because the extreme wealth of a small number of people has a huge impact on the daily cost of living for all other residents!

https://www.corsenetinfos.corsica/La-Corse-est-la-deuxieme-ile-la-plus-riche-de-Mediterranee-par-habitant-selon-l-Insee_a90007.html

Best regards.

...

Hello,

Worth reading and knowing, because the extreme wealth of a small number of people has a huge impact on the daily cost of living for all other residents!

https://www.corsenetinfos.corsica/La-Corse-est-la-deuxieme-ile-la-plus-riche-de-Mediterranee-par-habitant-selon-l-Insee_a90007.html

Regards.

...

As for declared income, that’s another story. For everything else, it’s first place. But shhhh... Il silenzio.

Worth reading and knowing, because the extreme wealth of a small number of people has a huge impact on the daily cost of living for all other residents!

Hi Puma, you shouldn’t just look at the financial side of things. Otherwise, you might as well stay on the mainland and take a job as a trader on the Paris stock exchange—there, you’ll make money 😉 If you want to settle in Corsica and be self-employed—and my point applies to living on the mainland too—you’ll need to start a business. A business, not a "short supply chain." I know an IT services company headquartered in Bastia. This company is based in Corsica, likely for tax exemption reasons 😛

As for settling in Corsica if you want to be independent—and my remark also applies to living on the mainland—you need to set up a business. A business, but not a "short supply chain." I know an IT services company whose headquarters is in Bastia. This company is based in Corsica certainly for tax exemption reasons 😛

Hello, For 48 years that I’ve been in Corsica, I’ve seen dozens of businesses destroyed by fires or bomb attacks (businesses owned by Corsicans or mainlanders).

So personally, I’d advise against someone from the mainland coming to set up a business in Corsica. But that’s just my opinion...! A specific Corsican mafia is at work and is corrupting everything.

Also read:

https://www.corsenetinfos.corsica/En-Corse-la-societe-tente-de-s-organiser-face-a-une-mafia-qui-tue_a87744.html

Regards.

...

For 48 years I’ve been in Corsica, I’ve seen dozens of businesses destroyed by fires or bomb attacks.(businesses owned by Corsicans or mainland French). ...

And unfortunately, the trend continues!! In recent days: https://www.corsematin.com/article/faits-diversjustice/56630645261477/incendie-a-biguglia-6-a-8-camions-de-livraison-brules

...

Bonjour, je suis venu a plusieurs reprise en corse avec nos enfants, nous avons adoré l'acceuil et la sympathie des habitants au cours de nos découvertes de nombreux villages.Nous sommes originaires du JURA . Maintenant nous sommes a la retraite et nous aimerions habiter entre bastia et porto vecchcio . quel village ou ville recommanderiez vous pour une vie paisible et chaleureuse.

La Corse, c'est un peu comme tous les pays du Monde. Fabuleuse en vacances, toujours bien considérés par les autochtones en tant que touristes, et tout change lorsque l'on devient un résident permanent. Vous serez toujours un continental aux yeux des locaux. Une fois que vous aurez accepté cette situation, vous passerez une belle retraite en Corse.

Un conseil gratuit ? Ne vous occupez pas de faire de la politique là-bas ! Laissez faire les locaux.😉

Bonjour Domnib et Mitch, mes parents se sont installés en Corse il y a... plus de 50 ans. D'abord pour les vacances, puis pour leur retraite. J'y passe maintenant (je suis à la retraite depuis peu) plusieurs semaines, ou mois (toujours en dehors de l'été), pour rendre visite à mon père qui y vit seul, et s'il séjourne encore de temps en temps en région parisienne, il passe le plus clair de son temps dans sa résidence principale entre Ajaccio et Propriano. Tout n'a pas toujours été facile (la maison a sauté en 1988 lors d'une nuit bleue), mais nous adorons la Corse, ses paysages si variés propices aux belles randonnées, ses petites routes sinueuses, je crois les avoir presque toutes sillonnées. Les corses peuvent être très accueillants, mais jamais nous ne serons assimilés et resterons toujours des Pinzutu ! nous les respectons, ils nous respectent. Oui, une belle retraite en Corse est possible !