Bastia (Bah-stee-ah) is the north east seaport town of Corsica. There is also an airport, Hector and Marg arrived by train from Ajaccio. Only three days may have been spent here, but there was the feeling that the people here were more – French – than their counterparts in Ajaccio.
Arriving at Bastia Gare, there was the immediate realisation that this was a much grander station than Ajaccio. The train penetrated to the heart of the newer part of Bastia. Hotel Posta Vecchio was only a ten minute walk through the new town and Place Saint-Nicolas which boats another statue of Napoleon. Here lies the ferry terminal taking people to mainland France and Italia, but at this time of year, not Sardegna.
To the south of the ferry terminal lies the Vieux Port Bastia which has a line of restaurants along the north, south-facing side. As one swings anti-clockwise around the Old Port, so the density of development diminishes. The Cathedral sited one street back from the Old Port dominates the skyline. Thereafter, one cannot help but notice the level of decay in the surrounding tenements. Having witnessed how lively Chania (Crete – Hellas) was in the past two summers, the Old Port of Bastia looked tired.
Behind the Old Port, a steep hill takes one up to the Citadel which from the distance is quite imposing. A few cafes line the street as one goes through the portal. The inner sanctum appears to be a conference centre or similar, that’s it. The remainder of the Citadel is residential, no more cafes, no shops, just a view to the beach which lies yonder.
Choosing a suitable place to eat each night was problematic. I am always put off by any venue which has a throng of staff and locals sitting smoking and blocking the entrance. Restaurant des Anciennes was a classic example. They simply sold sandwiches, so why call themselves a Restaurant. We walked out of the highly recommended Le Petit Zinc because the chap serving had no Menu to give us as he recited the drinks on offer. I am not buying a Bier if I don’t know the size, price and whether or not it is tap or bottle.
On the first night Hector resorted to ordering Pizza at Brasserie Columba at the Old Port. Pasta, Pizza and Burgers, the staple diet of Corsica? Thereafter we retreated to more humble establishments off Place du Marché: La Petite Marie and Pizzeria Spaghetteria La Siciliana. For nightlife, Black Sheep was close by our hotel – Hotel Posta Vecchia. Opening late and on restricted days, I thought it had gone. When finally found to be open, it was noisy and had nothing to offer. Le Robaina is where we ended up each night, very relaxing, but expensive. La Taverne was was a worthwhile discovery also. Stay away from Palais Des Glaces, €9.00 for a domestic Bier. I found – L’Oasis, a Kebap Shop which had no Donner.
The Cafe-Bars and Restaurants visited:
La Taverne – Quai des Martyrs de la Liberation, 20200 Bastia, Corsica, France
Bar Brasserie Le Robaina – 3 Rue Fontaine Neuve, 20200 Bastia, Corsica, France
Brasserie de la Place – Boulevard du General de Gaulle, 202000 Bastia, Corsica, France
Palais Des Glaces – 13 Boulevard du General de Gaulle, 202000 Bastia, Corsica, France
La Terrasse – Rue des Terrasses, 202000 Bastia, Corsica France
La Petite Marie – Google address and location does not match true locus.
Brasserie Colomba – 5 Vieux Port, 202000 Bastia Corsica France
Giacomelli – next door to Columba
Pizzeria Spaghetteria La Siciliana – 3 Place du Marché aux Poissons, 20200 Bastia, Corsica, France