Discovering Corse-du-Sud (Department 2A)

Introduction

If you've ever imagined living somewhere with crystal-clear seas, dramatic mountains, historic towns and a Mediterranean lifestyle, Corse-du-Sud (2A) may well capture your imagination. Occupying the southern half of the French island of Corsica, this department combines French administration with a strong Corsican identity, creating a destination unlike anywhere else in France.

Whether you're considering moving to Corse-du-Sud, retiring in Corse-du-Sud, purchasing a holiday home or establishing a business, you'll discover a department that offers spectacular natural beauty alongside a relaxed pace of life. While tourism plays an important role in the local economy, many residents enjoy thriving year-round communities, particularly around Ajaccio and the larger coastal towns.

Life here is best suited to those who value outdoor living, warm summers, fresh local produce and a close connection with nature. However, island life also brings practical considerations such as seasonal tourism, higher transport costs and fewer specialist services than mainland France.

At a Glance

Feature	Information
Region	Collectivity of Corsica
Historic name	Southern Corsica (formerly part of Department 20)
Department number	2A
Department capital (Prefecture)	Ajaccio
Largest towns	Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio, Propriano, Sartène
Population	Approximately 175,000
Area	Around 4,000 km²
Climate	Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild winters along the coast. Cooler mountain climate inland.
Best suited for	Retirees, second-home owners, outdoor enthusiasts, remote workers, hospitality businesses
Is a car recommended?	Yes – highly recommended outside the main towns
English-speaking community	Moderate, with higher numbers around Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio
Lifestyle summary	Relaxed Mediterranean island lifestyle with beautiful scenery, excellent food and a strong local identity

Why Choose Corse-du-Sud?

Corse-du-Sud offers an enviable combination of Mediterranean living and authentic island culture. Unlike many coastal destinations, you'll rarely be far from mountains, forests or traditional villages.

Lifestyle

Life revolves around family, food and the outdoors. Long lunches, beach evenings and local markets remain part of everyday life rather than simply tourist attractions.

Community

Corsicans are proud of their heritage and traditions. While integrating into local communities may take time, newcomers who make the effort are generally welcomed. Many villages maintain active community events throughout the year.

Scenery

Few French departments can rival the diversity found here. White sand beaches, turquoise coves, granite cliffs, mountain passes and forests are all within relatively short driving distances.

Accessibility

Although an island, Corse-du-Sud is well connected through Ajaccio and Figari airports, alongside regular ferry services to mainland France and Italy.

Food

Fresh seafood, local cheeses, charcuterie, chestnuts, olive oil and Corsican wines are central to daily life. Seasonal produce is widely available from markets and independent producers.

Culture

The Corsican language, music and traditions remain strong. Festivals celebrating local history, religion and food are held throughout the year.

Property

The department offers everything from luxury coastal villas to traditional stone village houses and modern apartments. Coastal areas command premium prices, while inland villages often provide better value.

Pace of Life

People generally move at a slower pace than in mainland cities. Many who relocate appreciate the improved work-life balance and stronger sense of community.

Is It Right For You?

Lifestyle	Rating	Why
Retirees	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Excellent climate, beautiful surroundings and relaxed lifestyle. Healthcare is good in larger towns.
Families	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	Safe communities, outdoor lifestyle and good schools, although higher education options are limited.
Second-home owners	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Outstanding holiday destination with strong rental potential in many locations.
Entrepreneurs	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	Opportunities in tourism, hospitality, property services and specialist businesses, though the market is seasonal.
Remote workers	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	Increasingly attractive with improving broadband, although rural connectivity varies.
Outdoor lifestyle	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	One of France's finest departments for hiking, sailing, diving and cycling.
City lifestyle	⭐⭐☆☆☆	Ajaccio provides urban amenities, but this is not a department for those seeking large-city living.

Popular Places to Live

Ajaccio

The island's capital combines city conveniences with a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Ideal for

• Retirees

• Professionals

• Families

Advantages

• Largest range of services

• International airport

• Hospitals

• Shopping

• Marina

• Cultural attractions

Things to consider

• Busier traffic

• Higher property prices

• Tourism during summer

Porto-Vecchio

Known for stunning beaches and a lively atmosphere, Porto-Vecchio remains one of Corsica's most desirable towns.

Ideal for

• Second-home owners

• Entrepreneurs

• Retirees

Advantages

• Beautiful coastline

• Excellent restaurants

• Vibrant marina

• Good amenities

Things to consider

• Expensive property

• Busy in peak season

Bonifacio

Perched dramatically on limestone cliffs, Bonifacio is one of France's most spectacular towns.

Ideal for

• Lifestyle buyers

• Hospitality businesses

• Holiday homeowners

Advantages

• Historic centre

• Exceptional scenery

• Marina

• Tourism opportunities

Things to consider

• Seasonal economy

• Limited year-round employment

Sartène

Often described as Corsica's most Corsican town, Sartène offers authentic island living.

Ideal for

• Retirees

• Culture lovers

• Permanent residents

Advantages

• Traditional character

• Lower property prices

• Friendly community

Things to consider

• Fewer services

• Limited public transport

Propriano

A popular harbour town with excellent beaches and year-round facilities.

Ideal for

• Families

• Retirees

• Boat owners

Advantages

• Marina

• Shops

• Restaurants

• Healthcare nearby

Things to consider

• Seasonal visitor numbers

Zonza

Located near the Bavella mountains, Zonza attracts nature lovers.

Ideal for

• Outdoor enthusiasts

• Remote workers

• Nature lovers

Advantages

• Hiking

• Cooler summer temperatures

• Beautiful scenery

Things to consider

• Car essential

• Limited services

Cost of Living

Compared with many parts of mainland France, everyday living costs vary considerably depending on location.

Property affordability

Premium coastal locations such as Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio are among the most expensive in Corsica. Inland villages generally offer considerably better value and larger properties.

Shopping

Supermarkets are available in the larger towns, while village shops provide everyday essentials. Some imported goods cost more because of transport to the island.

Utilities

Electricity, water and internet are generally comparable with mainland France, although heating requirements vary depending on altitude.

Eating Out

There is a wide choice of cafés and restaurants. Prices in tourist areas rise during summer, while local establishments often offer excellent value outside peak season.

General Value for Money

Daily life can be affordable if living outside the major tourist hotspots, although transport and imported products tend to be more expensive than on the mainland.

Healthcare

Healthcare provision is generally good, particularly around Ajaccio.

Main hospitals

• Centre Hospitalier d'Ajaccio

• Clinique de l'Ospedale (Porto-Vecchio)

Healthcare availability

Doctors, dentists and pharmacies are available throughout the department, although rural areas may have fewer practitioners.

Access to specialists

Most specialist services are centred around Ajaccio, with some residents travelling to mainland France for highly specialised treatment.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are found in all larger towns, with emergency services available outside normal opening hours.

General healthcare considerations

Registering with the French healthcare system is important if becoming a permanent resident. Private health insurance can provide additional reassurance.

Education

Families relocating to Corse-du-Sud will find a range of educational options.

Schools

State primary and secondary schools are available across the department.

Colleges

Ajaccio offers further education establishments and vocational training.

International options

There are no large international schools comparable to those on the mainland, although bilingual education is available in some settings.

Language schools

French language courses for adults are available, particularly in Ajaccio.

Getting Around

Airports

• Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport

• Figari Sud Corse Airport

Both provide regular flights to mainland France and seasonal international destinations.

Rail

Corsica has a narrow-gauge railway linking Ajaccio with Bastia via Corte, providing scenic journeys but limited coverage.

Roads

Mountain roads are spectacular but often winding, meaning journey times can be longer than distances suggest.

Public Transport

Bus services connect major towns but are less frequent in rural areas.

Is a Car Recommended?

Yes. A car is strongly recommended for anyone living outside the principal towns.

Weekly Markets

Town	Main Market Day
Ajaccio	Daily produce market with larger market on Saturday
Porto-Vecchio	Sunday
Sartène	Saturday
Propriano	Friday
Bonifacio	Tuesday
Zonza	Wednesday (seasonal)

Local Food & Drink

Corse-du-Sud is renowned for its distinctive cuisine.

Specialities include:

• Figatellu sausage

• Prisuttu cured ham

• Lonzu pork

• Brocciu cheese

• Wild boar dishes

• Chestnut flour products

• Canistrelli biscuits

• Corsican honey

• Olive oil

• Clementines

• Fresh seafood

• Local rosé and red wines

• Myrtle liqueur (Myrte)

• Cap Corse aperitif

Things to Do

Historic Sites

• Bonifacio Citadel

• Napoleon's House in Ajaccio

• Filitosa prehistoric site

Outdoor Activities

• Hiking the Bavella mountains

• Sailing

• Diving

• Sea kayaking

• Cycling

• Horse riding

Museums

• Musée Fesch (Ajaccio)

• Maison Bonaparte

Festivals

• Ajaccio Jazz Festival

• Traditional Corsican music festivals

• Religious processions

• Village food festivals

Nature

• Scandola Nature Reserve

• Calanques de Piana

• Bavella Needles

• Nature reserves

• Beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia

Family Attractions

• Boat trips

• Wildlife excursions

• Beaches

• Adventure parks

• Coastal walks

Good to Know Before You Move

• Learning some French—and a few Corsican expressions—will greatly help with integration.

• Island life can feel slower, particularly during winter.

• Many businesses operate reduced hours outside the tourist season.

• Internet speeds are generally good in towns but vary in rural and mountainous areas.

• Summers are hot and dry, while winters remain mild on the coast but colder inland.

• Wildfire precautions are taken seriously during summer.

• Local relationships matter, and supporting independent businesses helps newcomers become part of the community.

• Ferries and flights should be booked well in advance during peak holiday periods.

Useful Biz Où? Guides

If you're considering relocating to Corse-du-Sud, these guides may also help:

• Buying a Home in France

• Moving to France

• Retiring to France

• Owning a Second Home in France

• Starting a Business in France

• Healthcare in France

• Tax in France

• Living in Rural France

Find Trusted English-Seaking Businesses

Whether you're planning a permanent move, buying a holiday home or simply spending more time in Corse-du-Sud, having access to trusted local professionals can make settling in much easier.

Biz Où? helps you find vetted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, healthcare providers, financial advisers, legal experts, home services and many other specialists. Browse our directory before you move and connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents and newcomers, helping you settle into life in Corse-du-Sud with greater confidence.