Janine Marsh purchased a property in Pas-de-Calais two decades ago and split her time between London and France for years.
In the last five years, however, she decided to take the plunge and move to Pas-de-Calais permanently, speaking exclusively to GB News about her own experience moving from the UK to France.
As someone who has fallen totally in love with her new home, Janine is speaking to GB News about the best places to visit in France.
While Paris is on many of our travel bucket lists, the self-confessed Francophile revealed that there is so much more to explore.
‘I have no idea why people don’t go there – it’s absolutely amazing’
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The expat previously spoke to GB News about the city in France you need to visit – it was so beautiful it made her cry – plus the train trip that promises out-of-this-world cuisine.
She said: “Every book I read is about France and French history, where to go, that sort of thing. So I am kind of making myself a little bit of an expert. It’s such a big country though, you can’t be a total expert.”
This time, Janine urged Britons to visit Corsica, France’s “best-kept secret”.
According to the expat, Corsica, an island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of France’s regions, is a “must-see” destination.
Corsica
According to the expat, to be in and amongst the French, Corsica is the place to be.
She told GB News: “Some 80 per cent of the visitors to Corsica are French, so it’s one of their best-kept secrets.
“I have no idea why people don’t go there – it’s absolutely amazing. Beautiful weather, for a start. The Greeks called it ‘The beautiful island’.
“It’s covered in wild lemon trees and fig trees and olive trees. The island is so flowery and smells wonderful. And there are all of these historic little villages and hamlets.”
Lovers of gastronomy will adore Corsica, as it is home to some “amazing food” – think charcuterie, tangy cheese and Mediterranean seafood. Make sure you sample the local olive oil and excellent local wines.
Janine continued: “It’s a cross between Italy and France, and it’s probably my number one at the moment.”
On The Good Life France, where Janine shares all she knows and loves about the marvellous country, the Francophile said: “The island offers visitors an amazing variation of landscapes; a rugged sea-swept coastline with more than 200 beaches, mountains, deep forests, glacial lakes, gorges where you can walk, maquis-covered slopes and snow-capped granite peaks, and wilderness areas that attract walkers and nature-lovers – all this on an island of no more than 8,680 sq km.
“Tiny villages cling to the mountainsides like barnacles on a whale, exceptional baroque style churches abound, fortified seaside villages and cobbled streets combined with glorious sandy beaches and crystal clear water – Corsica is a holidaymaker’s paradise.”
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‘Every book I read is about France and French history, so I am kind of making myself a little bit of an expert’
Janine Marsh
What to do in Corsica
- Sample some delicious cuisine – Civet de Sanglier (Wild boar casserole usually served with pasta or polenta), Veau aux Olives (Veal with olives), Agneua Corse (Corsican lamb stew), Salade de Poulpes (Octopus salad with lemon and garlic) and Omelette aux Asperges Sauvages (Omelette with wild asparagus) are all excellent local options
- Explore the island by train – Janine recommends hopping on the mountain train to get from one town to another (Bastia, Ajaccio and Calvi)
- Check out Bastia – Corsica’s economic capital – as the place is designed for its 52,000 inhabitants rather than tourists, so it has an authentic feel – check out the bustling market ‘u mercà’
- Receive an education at The Museum of Corsica
- Take a dip in the sea and a stroll on the sand at one of Corsica’s renowned beaches: just a handful include the stunning Plage de Palombaggia, Plage de Santa Giulia, Plage du Grand and Petit Sperone, and Plage du Lotu
- Peruse quiet, sleepy mountain towns and fishing villages
Corsica is a rather expensive destination with prices comparable to the elegant South of France.
But for those who want to explore Corsica without breaking the bank, Cool Corsica shared an important tip: “The island offers an incomparable diversity of charge-free attractions that include some of the world’s most renowned natural landmarks.”
For a cheap day out, head to one of Corsica’s stunning beaches. Check out Citadelle de Bonifacio for the perfect photo-op and experience more gorgeous views at Citadella di Calvi. And hikers and cyclists will love Gorges de la Restonica, one of the scenic highlights of the island.
For “everything you want to know about France and more”, Britons can check out The Good Life France, Janine’s passion project-turned-incredibly successful platform.
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