Located north of Corsica, 50 minutes drive from Bastia airport, Nonza is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.It is on the western coast of Cap Corse, about 15 km north of Saint-Florent.
The village is best known for its impressive location, with some of the ancient houses in the village perched atop sheer cliffs that plunge up to 100 metres to the sea below.The brightly pink painted 16th century Church of Saint Julie is the starting point for your stroll through the quiet surrounding village streets lined with traditional houses, along with the small chapel next door.
The classical style church, painted bright pink-orange, stands on the site of an earlier church built in the 14th century. Be sure to go in to the surprisingly light interior of the church to see the substantial decoration on the walls and several 17th-18th century paintings.
Walk up through the village to the Paoline Tower, built in the 18th century on the site of an ancient castle, and also dramatically situated above the water.On the edge of the village you can see the Fountain of Saint Julie*. To reach the fountain, and asociated chapel, follow the short path that descends a flight of steps near the northern entrance to Nonza.
* Saint Julie is the patron saint of Corsica, martyred here at Nonza in the early 4th century. After being crucified her breasts were cut off and thrown at the rock, which immediately and miraculously gave rise to the natural water springs at the site.
A few hundred metres south of Nonza and close to sea level you can also see the ruins of the 13th century Convent of Saint Francis.
