West side of Sant’Anghjulu

At an altitude of nearly 500 metres, Sant’Antoninu – Sant’Antonino – welcomes visitors with a breathtaking view of the Sant’Anghjulu ‘Pieve di ’. This centuries-old ‘eagle’s nest’, which has been awarded the ‘Most Beautiful Village in France’ label, can only be explored on foot: you wander through its winding alleyways, which lead to hidden stairways up to the highest point of the village. From there, the view takes in the Balagne and the horizon, where the sunsets are truly unforgettable. Whilst the effort is rewarded by the spectacular view, a refreshing break also awaits travellers a little further down, where they can savour the famous homemade lemonade made with local citrus fruits.

Based in the Reginu Valley, Avapessa has made a name for itself through olive cultivation and the production of PDO olive oil. Several farms in the area carry on this tradition, centred around a historic mill that has been in continuous operation since 1873. Processing takes place there as the harvests come in, combining traditional methods with high-quality standards.

Below the village, Avapessa is home to the educational fruit garden created by Robert Kran. This unspoilt space brings together a varied collection of rare fruit trees and species from various parts of the world, offering a unique botanical trail and intimate experiences.

In I Catari – Cateri – culinary traditions are deeply rooted in the area’s history. Since 1973, the Salvatori artisan biscuit factory has been keeping the tradition of making ‘cuggiole’ alive: these traditional white-wine biscuits are crafted using time-honoured methods.

In the centre of the village, the parish church stands out thanks to the distinctive silhouette of its Baroque bell tower. Topped by an openwork bell tower with ornate volutes whose lines evoke Roman influences, the building stands out as a remarkable example of the Balagne’s religious heritage.

Set amidst the pastoral landscape of the Balagne, Lavatoghju – Lavatoggio – upholds a tradition of hospitality deeply rooted in village life. Life in the village revolves around its culinary expertise, epitomised in particular by the farm-inn ‘Chez Edgard’. The cuisine here showcases local produce and family recipes, directly reflecting the rhythm of the seasons and the bounty of the surrounding countryside.