Driving to this hotel from the airport in Figaro, I thought someone was playing a joke on me. Following the route suggested by Googlemaps, we ascended a mountain for what seemed like ages, navigating twists and turns and fearfully observing the landscape become increasingly rugged and wild. When the paved road came to an end and there was no hotel in sight, we considered turning back. Placing all of our trust in technology, we continued forward, bumping along the dirt road and scraping past uncleared branches.

When we finally saw signs for Les Bergeries de Piscia, it was like seeing a mirage after hours in the desert. We parked the car, and as we followed the signs to the hotel's entrance, we were delighted by exotic wildflowers, cactus and butterflies fluttering around our heads. The understated but chic hotel grounds compliment, while not overshadowing, the rugged landscape, while a turquoise infinity pool, perched dramatically on the edge of the mountain, provides a welcome reminder that, at last, you've reached civilization.

The restaurant, like the hotel's landscaping and decor, is elegant while remaining authentic and unimposing. There is no menu, table decorations or wait staff. When you're hungry, simply take a seat in the rustic dining room and the chef will fill you in on what is on the menu for the day (though it will likely include local boar, goat cheese and fig preserves).

The unparalleled tranquility of this rustic hotel provides an unexpected compliment to your your Corsican beach weekend and is surely worth a visit, even if only for lunch a quick dip in the pool!

More French summer weekends...