10 ideas for a shopping spree in Corsica

The trendy shops of Porto-Vecchio, in the south of the island, offer an unmissable shopping destination on the island with its many boutiques – from the most handmade to the trendiest – and traditional markets. To get an idea of what the Corsicans are into, flit along the pretty streets of the old town that are just as much home to large fashion labels, perfumeries, interior design shops and jewelers as they are to the boutiques of the island's craftspeople.

The shopping streets even come to life in the evenings over the summer months with nighttime shopping, an event that's always very eagerly awaited.

Calvi's designer labels make a great addition to your wardrobe. Calvi, with its slightly Bohemian vacation atmosphere, is the ideal town to wander along shopping streets and unearth original pieces to add to your summer apparel. After a laze in the sun or a quick dip, swap your flip-flops and sarong for a town-goer's outfit and discover the creators' houses that are interspersed with famous names throughout the streets of the center, such as Boulevard Wilson, Avenue Cristophe Colomb and Rue Clémenceau.

If local goods and craftsmanship are what you're after, you'll find all of your souvenirs in the hidden narrow streets, which boast blown glass, olive wood decorations and even essential oils.

Handmade crafts in Ajaccio include cutlery, pottery, leather goods and paintings. Jewelers turn Ajaccio's red coral into necklaces, bracelets and earrings. You can also find it in decoration shops in the form of unique pieces and works of art to show off in your living room.

Just like in Porto-Vecchio, the shops in Ajaccio open their doors until midnight during the summer months so you can enjoy the sun during the day before treating yourself to a shopping trip in the hustle and bustle of the old town by night.

Shopping against the backdrop of Bastia is diversity personified, as the commercial offerings of this small town in Haute-Corse are both rich and varied. Meander around the center of this town that's charming enough to win over even the hardest of hearts and discover the perfect fashion item or ornament as you seep up the Corsican culture.

The shops of creators and craftspeople (which include wood engraving, blown glass, jewelry and cutlery) rub shoulders with large fashion labels, traditional greengrocers, local cheesemongers, quaint cafes and boutiques specializing in wines and spirits that feel more like the back room of an apothecary. In the summer, the streets remain full of life after usual closing hours so visitors can enjoy an after-dinner window-shopping session.

Traditional shopping in Corte, known as the paoline town, is all about meeting the locals. First and foremost are the craftspeople, such as cutlery makers, but there are also market gardeners and inhabitants sitting at cafe bars and on terraces. 2 boutiques with handmade products stand out specifically: U Granaghju and Poterie Leonelli.

Knock on the door, and you'll be sure to leave with your hands full. Don't miss the Friday morning market in the Tuffelli carpark under the main road in the town, where you can find cold meats, fruit and vegetables and local produce – a moment to relish.

Tempi Fà means 'from times gone by' in Corsican, and that's exactly what this greengrocer come canteen promises. Let the shop, on the main street in Propriano by the sea, invite you in just like the most originally decorated market hall as it imitates a village from the olden days, atmosphere included.

Cold meats and cheese, wines, liqueurs and brandies, handmade biscuits and jellies collapse the shelves as they wait to finish up in your beach bag or suitcase. If the atmosphere steals your heart, take a trip to the adjoining cafe to make it last longer and experience the pleasure of tasting the produce for sale, including a wonderful selection of local wines.

Nebbio Pottery in Oletta is on the road to Saint-Florent and is a handmade pottery workshop resembling Ali Baba's cave that's overflowing with treasures. The current premises stand in the place of Oletta's old pottery, renowned for its stoneware work. The craftsman who has picked up the baton loves what he does and would never deprive you of a demonstration of the production process by hand or a conversation about his materials and techniques.

Ornaments, including very expressing fish, have pride of place alongside crockery and other functional ceramic items. A lot of careful work always goes into these harmoniously shaped and sized objects.

Nighttime shopping to the music in Saint-Cyprien, a delightful fishing village in the far south of Corsica, breathes happiness with its laid-back atmosphere and numerous summer events. After a good day's relaxation at the beach, head toward the shopping street at 7 pm every Friday evening in July and August for a delightful moment between friends and locals.

The 30 or so exhibitors offer handmade jewelry, temporary tattoos, handmade cakes and pastries, and local produce in an event complete with children's games and concerts. Each week, a new group will give rhythm to your steps, get you dancing and anchor the evening in your sweetest of memories.

U Chiurlinu in Furiani is a food lover's paradise. Whether you're staying in Bastia, Borgo, Biguglia or Lucciana, or you're just passing, don't miss a trip to this Corsican gourmet den where wonderful quality cheese, cold meats, fruit, vegetables, wine, honey and jelly are carefully selected to favor regional farmers.

This establishment, founded in 1971 and partnered with a farm, has gained a reputation, and people come from far and wide to stock up on exceptional produce, sure of finding authentic flavors and flawless knowledge of the best the region has to offer. Try some homemade ice cream and freshly squeezed fruit juice to round off the experience.

The Vallée du Tavignano farmers' market (Le marché des producteurs de la vallée du Tavignanu) is a timeless place where you have the beautiful and rare occasion to stock up on both local produce and human experiences. Located on the banks of the river of the same name, it takes place every Saturday morning from May to the end of September and brings together sellers offering produce from the valley itself.

You can't get any more local. Honey, wine, cheese, chestnut flour, olive oil, cold meat, biscuits, homemade pies and wooden sculptures are presented in the idyllic setting of an olive tree field surrounded by unspoilt nature. Tastings and meeting the producers come as a bonus.