Idyllically set at the confluence of several rivers and surrounded by towering mountain peaks, Corte is a commune in the geographical heart of the French island of Corsica. The town served as the island’s political centre from 1755 to 1769 when Pascal Paoli made it the capital of his short-lived Corsican republic. A number of historic monuments from this period still exist today such as the National Palace, the lovely Paoli Square, an impressive hilltop citadel, and Paoli’s university which was remains active to this day. Visitors can look forward to wandering around cobblestone streets lined with quaint old schist houses, as well as an array of lively bars, restaurants and cafes. In addition to its many historic and cultural sights, Corte boasts a number of natural attractions such as the scenic Restonica Valley, featuring the beautiful Restonica River, which winds its way through some impressive glacial gorges carved into granite cliffs, forming an ideal environment for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking and swimming.