Appartamenti La Bougainvillea

The apartment is spacious and plain, with an old 1980s feel. Parking outside is convenient, though the cleanliness is only just adequate and the outdoor areas could use some attention. The barbecue is there as described, but needs a proper scrub. It would be quiet around here if the wild boars and mouflons didn't wander beneath the balconies at night, though that's part of island life. The TV can be unreliable: traditional channels work one day and disappear the next. You can get Corsican TV, at least, if you want to follow what's happening in French overseas territories. A few shops are nearby, but they only have basic supplies, if you're lucky.

The apartment was very well kept, with new furniture, and I had a great two-week stay around the week of August 15th. It's in a peaceful spot away from the bustle, so you'll need a car to get to where things are happening. There are sea views from the terrace and both balconies. Outside, residents share a space with a table, chairs, benches, and a barbecue. There's also private parking. A small shop stocked with essentials is five minutes away on foot, and there's a café next door for breakfast. Garbage is sorted and collected from the home according to the pickup day, so there aren't bins left around. The downsides were the beds: the pillows were extremely soft, and the firm mattresses had springs I could feel. I woke up a bit sore. There's no air conditioning, but the weather was mild enough that we slept with the door open without trouble. In the evenings hornets gather around the outdoor lights, especially if you eat late on the terrace. There must be a nest somewhere, and some occasionally get inside. When the water pressure drops, take out the faucet filters. Ours were clogged with dirt and pebbles, even after the water had been cleaned, and the flow went back to normal once we removed them. I'd stay here again if I came back to the area.

The house has a lovely sea view and would work well for a large family with pets, thanks to its spacious fenced garden. The bedrooms, bathroom, and kitchen were clean and well laid out. It's 550 meters from the sea, and there are restaurants nearby where the food is really good.

Those sunsets over Corsica were unforgettable, and the view is what would bring me back. The place itself feels a little worn, though, and the furniture and fittings need updating. The Wi-Fi cuts in and out, and the TV needs improvement too.