Planted in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Corsica is a beautiful island with a fascinating heritage.

Pick up your Avis hire car from Figari Airport to discover the wonders of this French island paradise for yourself.
 

The vibrant and idyllic island of Corsica blends French traditions with a Mediterranean lifestyle. To explore this intriguing destination, simply collect your Avis hire car from Figari Airport (at the southern end of the island) and start your journey across Corsica.

From the airport, it’s just a 30-minute drive to Bonifacio – a beautiful town nestled on the southernmost coast of the island. Bonifacio boasts Corsica’s most striking port, set below limestone cliffs and surrounded by azure waters. The city’s old town sits beside it and is a labyrinth of narrow streets and charming buildings. Founded in 828 AD by Count Bonifacio of Tuscany, the town was built by the Genoese.

Medieval houses perched on limestone cliffs provide an impressive backdrop to the port. Walk from the port, via montée du Rastello and montée St-Roch, to the citadel’s 16th-century drawbridge. Inside the citadel is the 13th century Église Sainte-Marie Majeure, which houses a history museum.

The southern end of the island is also renowned for its immaculate beaches. The white sand and crystal clear water entices sun-worshippers to sit back and unwind. Swimming, snorkelling and diving are popular activities here, while the windy tip of the island is superb for windsurfing.

Figari Airport is the perfect place to begin your Corsican road trip. Pick up the keys to your Avis rental car and explore this idyllic island at your leisure.

With its intriguing blend of French and Mediterranean cultures, Corsica is a fantastic holiday destination. Offering must-see attractions at every turn, Corsica is easiest explored by car. Take in the very best of its stunning beaches, ancient architecture and delicious cuisine at your own pace.

Ajaccio
Two hours north of Figari Airport, along the N196, the island’s capital city awaits. Ajaccio has all the glitz and glamour of a classic French Riviera town, with a wide promenade lining its beautiful beach, plus plenty of luxurious shopping opportunities. This is also the birthplace of Napoleon and visitors can tour the house, Maison Bonaparte, where he spent the first nine years of his life. Another must-see is the Palais Fesch – Musée des Beaux-Arts. Set up by Napoleon’s uncle, the gallery exhibits a spectacular collection of Italian paintings.

Porto Vecchio
Corsica’s oldest established resort, Porto Vecchio, boasts 13km of paradise beaches. Just a 20-minute drive north of Figari along the D859, Porto Vecchio offers stretching sandy bays, an impressive marina and a picturesque old town. The horseshoe-shaped bays of Santa Giulia and Cala Rossa attract beachgoers and water sports lovers, while the local restaurant scene thrives.

Corsica is a charming destination in the Mediterranean. Discover it for yourself from the comfort of your Avis hire car.

Which side of the road?
In France, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device. Do not use headphones or earpieces
• In towns and rural areas, on minor roads and where there is no clear indication of right of way, it may be prudent to give way to traffic coming from the right (“priorité a droite”)
• Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles
• It is recommended that drivers use dipped headlights at all times

Speed limits

All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailer:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Rural areas: 80 km/h (50 mph)
• 4-lane expressways (rural areas): 110 km/h (68 mph)
• Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 10 and weighing less than 36kg must be seated in appropriate child restraint
• Children weighing up to 9 kg must travel in a rear-facing car seat, in the back of the car only

Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.