Memories of Bonaparte fill the air along the paths of Ajaccio where he spent his childhood, and also those of Bocognano where he stopped on his return from Egypt to find refuge before going into exile in 1793; in Bastelica and Eccica-Suarella, the shadow of Sampiero Corso, whose story is said to have inspired Shakespeare's character, Othello, still looms.

With a rich historical past, from the Bay of Ajaccio to the Vizzavona Pass, via the Gravona and Prunelli valleys that are linked by ancient trails, the people in this region have always depended on mutual support and solidarity. Far from being a barrier, the duality of the sea and mountains has encouraged exchanges, bartering, trade and, in more recent times, the creation of federations working together to safeguard and pass on their savoir-faire. It is therefore not surprising that the mountain villages and their "beaches" share the production work: beech and pig farming in the highlands; sheep, goat and cattle farming, as well as viticulture and market gardening in the lowlands.

The region is also a perfect home for the "Apa nera", the small black bee whose ecotype is specific to Corsica, as well as numerous aromatic and medicinal plants and fruit trees. Partnerships have been created to preserve the rich natural heritage of the old fruit trees, in order to develop orchards with the aromas and flavours of yesteryear. Flavours such as those that characterise "Bastelicaccia", the famous soft cheese with a delicious bloomy rind that awakens the taste buds!