• ESCAPE TO THE HEART OF CORSICA
• LYON: CITE INTERNATIONALE

ESCAPE TO THE HEART OF CORSICA
The “Île de Beauté” of a thousand delights, flavours and splendours...
An overview of this idyllic refuge
By Laetitia Missir de Lusignan

Oh Corsica! Sensual, Mediterranean and aromatic... it doesn’t come to mind often enough when organising business travel, congresses, seminars or discovery and nature walks. But yes! The island is a real paradise on earth of sublime colours and scenery that is as diverse as it is spell binding: mountains, sea, cliffs andfragrances of shrubbery... fine foods, the clemency of the weather and an infrastructure of quality hotels, everything is available to make your escapade a real company success! On the condition that you have the right references, of course.

7000 YEARS OF HISTORY
Island of beauty, Kalliste (Greek for “the most beautiful”), island of fragrance, green island... from the very beginning Corsica has enchanted those who have inhabited it, who in turn have given the island charming names that publicise its multiple riches with characteristic pride: a pleasant climate all year round, beaches of fine sand plunging into warm, crystalline waters, freshwater streams and reddish coloured cliffs, gently swept by the wind... but also... enclosed valleys, coastal plains, traditional and authentic little villages built on mountainsides, wild hills dotted with tracks preserved from erosion and that bring to mind the mysteries of the passionate history of which ruins and vestiges are a living testimony (the ruins of Aléria or Cargèse)

Everywhere one looks there are churches, bridges, towers... One should remember the Phoenician occupation around the middle of the second millennium and how they established their trade on the island; the ancient Greeks who developed the production of resin, honey, wood and wheat. Later on, during the Middle Ages, there were the painful episodes of invasions by Ostrogoths and Byzantines. We’ll remember the prosperous period of the 10th Century when Pisa ruled and the Genovese occupation which lasted for almost 500 years. Then finally, appearing centre stage, the saviour of the island, Pascal Paoli “U Babbu”, proclaimed General of the Corsican Nation in 1755 but only for 13 years, as in 1768 the island is handed over to France. One can understand where the Corsican strength of character comes from, the island’s inclination for witchcraft (called “mazzerisme”), its temperament and its beliefs, its robust identity, its excesses and even its paradoxes.

FROM NORTH TO SOUTH: A PERMANENT OPEN AIR THEATRE
Quite a programme! Especially when one thinks of its 8,745 km2 with 1000 km of coastline, of its Monte Cinto, snow topped in winter at 2710 m high, of its fauna (tortoises, wild boar, sheep, mouflon, cormorants and crustaceans) and its scented flora (more than 2000 species!): “figuiers de Barbarie” (cactus ficus-indica), green oaks, chestnut and olive trees, eucalyptus, cedars, and the famous “pin lariccio” proud in appearance, eternal lord of the forests and symbol of Corsica since times immemorial.

What constitutes the strength and the charm of the friendliest island in the Mediterranean is not only the variety of the different regions of its countryside (from North to South and East to West) but also the beauty of perfectly preserved natural spots, an unfortunate rarity in this world astounding change. Nevertheless, to each place its charm and uniqueness.

While in the North, Corsica is revealed firstly via the port of Bastia (where one arrives by boat), a popular town of with a relaxed attitude, visited mainly for its historic and architectural treasures; the South of the country offers the stretch of Cape Corsica and the Nebbio region around the gulf of St. Florent sought after for its vast vineyards and olive groves (attention avid oenologists). It is usually from here where one can start a stroll towards the Agriates desert (13,000 hectares) full of little paths great for trekking or just wandering leisurely. And let us not forget the innumerable, little old “balanin” villages (Corbara, Aregno, Montemaggiore….) facing the sea, cherished in the Balagne region, known as “the garden of Corsica” (you will be surrounded by almond, orange and strawberry trees). A region that one goes through on the way to Calvi (why not take the renowned GR 20 road which crosses all 200 km of the island) and which is home to the exquisite little spa town l’île Rousse (www.ot-ile-rousse.fr).

Of interest to gourmets: do not miss the beach restaurant “A Siesta” (Tel: 04.95.60.28.74) by André Doriano, an expert in all the delicacies the sea has to offer: fish that is grilled, roasted or en croûte cooked in Guérande salt… you will be spoiled for choice. As for quality hotel infrastructure in Calvi there is the Hostellerie de l’Abbaye (3*, www.hostellerie-abbaye.com) built inside the walls of the former church of a Franciscan Convent and just a few metres from the centre and the Port de Plaisance. A charming place thanks to its 45 comfortable and elegant rooms.

A little further away from the centre, it is difficult not to mention the Relais & Châteaux La Villa luxury hotel (www.hotel-lavilla.com) nestled in an exceptional bucolic area in the heights of Calvi. A dream swimming pool, absolute tranquillity, fine gastronomy (1* Michelin) and a spa offering Anne Semonin treatments. Ideal for seminars counting around 40 people, for example. All the necessary infrastructure is available: business halls with nautical activities in an aromatic and luminous setting, bathed in sunlight reflected from the sea. Particularly enticing are the VIP suites with their beautiful views over the bay.

If you are looking for something more eclectic, surrounded by lush vegetation (century old trees), you should consider the Château Hôtel La Signoria (www.auberge-relais-lasignoria.com). It’s love at first sight with this ancient Patarella Genovese estate dating back to the 18th century and which boasts 24 unique rooms and suites.

Finally, a change of décor at the Best Western Premier Hotel Corsica (www.best-western-corsica.com) in Pietramaggiore. Perfect for those who value originality (rooms entirely decorated in Versace style), a warm welcome (surprise, the boss is Egyptian!) and a fusion of flavours from the middle-east.

ON THE ROAD TO AJACCIO THE IMPERIAL CITY…
Welcome to the land of Napoleon Bonaparte. Did you know that he was born on 15 August 1769 in a calm street right in the heart of Ajaccio? For the nostalgic and those passionate about history, cultural tours “in Napoleon’s footsteps” are organised daily… under the shadow of the plane trees. That’s one good reason to choose the western city as a starting point… but there’s more. Ajaccio has a superb Congress and Exhibition centre (www.palais-congres-ajaccio.com) which can satisfy the most demanding organiser (9 multifunction rooms with capacities ranging from 30 to 200 people, a 434 seat auditorium, a restaurant with views over the port that can feed 500, etc.)

All that is left is to choose whether you want to discover the city through its markets, its flower filled alleyways or its noble ochre coloured residences; or whether you prefer the Gulf at Porticcio or Bocognano; between a stroll on the beaches of pure white (one can even swim in Autumn!) or a sunset on local Tino Rossi’s beloved Sanguinaires Islands (on the way, drop into the Eden Roc hotel www.edenroc-corsica.fr).

And to rest after an intense day, to arrange a meeting or to set up presentations, the area also offers a variety of possibilities to match your tastes. The Sofitel Thalassa de Porticcio (www.sofitel.com) remains faithful to the hotel chain’s ideology of luxury and professionalism while excelling with its services, spa treatments (relaxing massages using essential oils from the local shrubbery and sea water), thalassotherapy (sea weed and essential oil wraps) and water sports (kayaking, scuba diving, water skiing, etc.)

The whole region is dotted with inns, little restaurants and other places offering Corsican specialties and delights: Swiss chard pasties, sea urchins, “ficatellu” (liver sausages), “aziminu” (lobster bouillabaisse), “ambrucciate” (lemon flavoured cheesecake) and “brocciu” (goat’s cheese) – Mmmmnnn – a pleasure for the senses; especially for the eyes and the palate.

BONIFACIO AND THE SOUTH SIDE
I must admit that this is possibly the area of Corsica that I enjoyed the most! And it is true, one can really lose oneself in the South, where the mountains plunge into the sea; and cliffs, inlets, creeks and islets decorate the landscape. On a good day one can even see the coast and beaches of Sardinia, making this spot even more enchanting.

As a kingdom of wind which blows nearly 250 days a year, the fun-board lover is king! Let us not forget Bonifacio (www.bonifacio.fr) itself, where going for a stroll to discover its churches, city walls, town hall, markets and gardens is a must. The Caravelle (www.hotel-caravelle-corse.com) stands out right in the heart of the Marina and offers 28 rooms as well as a piano bar decorated with a maritime theme and possessing an exquisite atmosphere. Just a few steps from the Sainte Marie Majeure’s church, the Stella d’Oro restaurant (Tel: 04.95.73.03.63) is an excellent hang out for those who wish to brush shoulders with celebrities (Yves Duteil, Johnny Hallyday…) while enjoying the best dishes in town (Aubergine “à la Bonifacienne”, “Fugazzi”, “mustacciori”).

As a place for seminars, this place, that was for a long time Italian, boasts the recently refurbished Saint Jacques centre (Tel: 04.95.315.608), adjacent to the chapel bearing the same name. Finally, on the road to Canetto, the U Capu Biancu hotel (4*, www.ucapubiancu.com) is certainly worth getting to know: a sea of tranquillity with an extremely refined décor and on a backdrop of cliffs bathed in sunlight and every shade of blue the imagination can muster.

Note: the region posses the most spectacular golf courses in Europe (www.sperone.com) designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., a magnificent site by the sea with 73 hectares and 18 holes that can play host to a competition for discerning colleagues. Nearby, the Sperone estate has apartments available to rent and a 100 bedroom upmarket, wood themed hotel is being conceived.

Not to be missed is an escapade to the Lavezzi Islands, famous rocky islets set in tropical blue waters and just 4 km away from the Pintarella coast; and to the island of Cavallo to visit its famous hotel and “Spa des Pêcheurs” (www.hoteldespecheurs.com), a little piece of paradise where time seems to stop (55 rooms with private terraces).

PORTO VECCHIO SIDE
This is the last stop on this overview of the land of a thousand flavours. Of easy access via Figari airport, 3 km away, Porto Vecchio (to the East) offers flamboyant backdrops. Most memorable is the old town, full of colour with its vaulted passageways, labyrinthine alleys and Santa Giulia beach (easy to imagine one is in the Seychelles!) lined with a few beautiful human sized hotels (see www.sud-corse.com).

For congresses and seminars, the Jean-Paul de Rocca Serra centre (JPRS www.idbvoyages.com) is a fully equipped, modern building with a capacity of 400 (www.casadilume.com). With this our journey is coming to an end. All that is left is to mention two places for discerning aesthetes: the legendary Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa at Lecci de Porto-Veccio (www.hotel-calarossa.com): delightful with its PV salt flower massages followed by a myrtle oil wrap… and with a more contemporary design, the Casadelmar (www.casadelmar.fr) which guarantees an unforgettable experience.

So as you can see everything is possible on the island of beauty! To organise a large scale event away from the beaten track, using the more than adequate infrastructures and conference locations offered by the cities of Bastia, Ajaccio and Porto Vecchio; or to set up an escapade on a smaller scale at hotels with their toes in the water (www.lespiedsdansleau.com) and other dream locations away from the stress of everyday life, all the time respecting the passions of each and every person. Trust me; you will come back astounded and completely renewed.

TOP 3 CHARMING SITES FOR MORE INTIMATE EVENTS (25-30 PAX)
Hotel la Roya in St Florent (www.hotelroya.com)
Something to get your teeth into! This little hotel (30 rooms) has been designed with real attention to detail: refined oriental style decoration, intimate courtyards, gardens with rare aromas and a kitchen garden of multiple flavours that serves up quality food.

Hotel Demeure Castel Brando (3*) (www.castelbrando.com)
Near the medieval village of Erbalunga (Cape Corsica), one of the most beautiful villages on the island, the Castel Brando is situated in a 19th century “maison de maitre”. Two minutes walk away is the small fishing port and Erbalunga’s main square where one can enjoy lingering for a while.

Carpe Diem Palazzu (www.carpediem-palazzu.com)
This pleasant 18th century abode in Eccica Suarella (South Corsica) has just been restored using the same materials as the original construction
(stone, wood, etc). There are only 6 suites and guaranteed serenity in this blessed haven cared for by its adorable and loving owners. A must: the hammam and other spa therapies, the Corsican brunch in the morning and the outdoor Jacuzzi at nightfall to admire the dance of the stars.

LYON: CITE INTERNATIONALE
By Samuel Maenhoudt
Lyon - June 1st saw the inauguration of the 3000-seat Amphitheatre at the Cité Internationale de Lyon, France.

The goal of the Cité Internationale de Lyon was to bring about the transformation of an emblematic site in the city -located between the huge green lung that is the Tête d’Or Park and the Rhône river- and be visible and recognisable for high-speed TGV trains entering the urban centre of the city.

The Cité is a relatively new district (on 15 hectares or 37 acres along the Rhone River) that brings together functions (both public and private) such as housing, culture, leisure, business and so on. The Cité marries a convention centre to the Museum of Contemporary Art, from cinemas to offices and shops, from an international luxury hotel to a casino and housing areas.

With the construction of Salle 3000, the showpiece of the convention centre, the Lyon conurbation will rival Europe’s largest convention cities. This intense event activity at the highest level will help to confirm the Lyon region as a leading business tourism destination. The desire to build at the Cité Internationale one of the largest convention and exhibition complexes in Europe is based on this realisation and on the certainty that the economic future of Lyon and its conurbation is closely linked to the conventions market.
The Salle 3000 hall has a price tag of € 139.2m and has as a goal to rival Europe’s largest convention cities. Greater Lyon has at the same time improved public transport to the site by building a major public transport connection, linking the convention site to Part-Dieu railway station and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, itself due to be extended.

Fifteen years after winning the first architecture competition to build the Cité Internationale, the Italian architect Renzo Piano was again the winner of the study contract launched by the City of Lyon with the assistance of the SEM.

Renzo Piano is a man whose work is reinventing architecture in projects scattered around the world - from a Mixed Use Tower in Sydney, Australia to the mile-long Kansai Air Terminal on a man-made island in Osaka Bay, Japan to the master plan for the reconstruction of Potsdamer Platz in Berlin or the Beyeler Foundation Musuem in Basel, Switzerland. Not to forget his partnership with Richard Rogers at Beaubourg in Paris where the Centre Georges Pompidou is world-famous. Even this skip around the globe does not indicate the full range or enormous output of this prodigious architect. Renzo Piano's projects include not only buildings that range from homes to apartments, offices to shopping centres, museums, factories, workshops and studios, airline and railway terminals, expositions, theatres and churches; but also bridges, ships, boats, and cars, as well as city planning projects, major renovations and reconstructions

Piano uses a protective finish in a terra-cotta covering that, as well as responding very well to the local climate, bestows a warm colour and delicate texture on the buildings of the Cité Internationale. The outer layer of the facing consists of glass panels. Some of these can be opened, turning on pivots like skylights. Between the two surfaces, a gap acts as a heat exchange, reducing energy loss. The reflections in the glass shells of the buildings cause the appearance of the constructions to change completely with variations in the strength, colour and direction of light. Since all the buildings in the complex are faced in the same way, it gives the complex the unity (but not uniformity) that is necessary for the place to have a strong and distinctive character.

The Salle 3000 amphitheatre itself is a magnificent hemicycle that opens onto its stage area and access passages. There is no partitioning between the different parts (hall, stage, access passages, etc.), and the idea is for it to be more like a stadium, or even a circus, than an Italian-style theatre. Priority has been given to conviviality and movement: the participants are together but are not in a fixed place. They share the space, but can come and go freely.
The amphitheatre should become a unique object that producers must comprehend. It must not be just another large hall among all the large convention and conference halls all over the world, but a remarkable venue on a par with the great innovative halls such as the Philharmonic in Berlin, Madison Square Garden etc. It simply has to put Lyon on the world map of convention cities…

Bonne chance Lyon!

http://www.cite-internationale-lyon.fr/
http://www.rpbw.com