For me the word 'Maquis' conjures up the brave French Freedom Fighters of World War II.
They adopted the word maquis from the landscape of shrubs and herbs in which Corsican bandits once hid. When touring the Corsican maquis it is easy to see what a great hideaway this is.
As our coach climbed away from the coast at Ajaccio we drove through woods and areas of shrubs, arbutus (the strawberry tree, so named for its red berries), myrtle, honeysuckle, laurel, thyme, rosemary, fennel and lavender. Very aromatic.
The first turning we made off the highway was onto a two lane road with room for vehicles to pass - later we ended up on a very narrow road but, fortunately, didn't have to do any reversing. From here on in the roads twisted and turned, going ever higher and we eventually stopped - in a small lay-by - to take photos of some clear waterfalls splashing over rocks at the head of the Prunelli Gorge through which the River of the same name flows.
As we wound our way along the side of the gorge there were cliffs along one side and the steep gorge on the other. Quite scary. Scared? Me? Nope. I thought it was fabulous.
Gradually the Tolla Lake came into view between the tree and shrub clothed foothills. (This is a man-made lake to provide water for Ajaccio.) Here there was another photo stop before driving up to the village for a rest break and a drink. I'm not sure whether the break was for the coach, the driver or so that passengers could fortify themselves ready for the drive down and back to Ajaccio. Whatever the reason the peace and quiet of that mountain village was magical.
As was the tour. I really felt that by taking this excursion I was seeing and experiencing the real Corsica. Its heartland. Yes, I was on a P&O cruise but this time on the Aurora - lovely ships.
