We have enjoyed our week hanging around the apartment and the immediate area. Very relaxing! The aesthetic of the accommodation is appreciated; so much art – even the walls are signed – spanning many decades. I am sure that everyone using La Maria Venezia has been drawn partially by its obvious charms; high ceilings, lovely terraces, artwork and closeness to bars, beach, restaurants. This is our first time in Corsica and it is an impressive island.
Alan & Hilary
June 2025
All round, a great experience. A stunning apartment, every bit as good as the photographs sugggest. Debbie, the local concierge was great - friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and offered great advice and tips to enhance our stay.
Dr Peter Rees
September 2024
Loved the apartment at 1st sight on the website & knew nowhere else would do. Sitting on the terraces watching the world go by. The sunrise, the sunset, the moon & stars was a delight.
The beach bar was perfect after a day on the beach enjoying a Capo Spritz & a Pietra. The drive to the villages was well worth my fear of sheer drops & heights when enjoying coffee overlooking the view from Pigna.
Simon & Lorna
September 2024
A quality experience in a well-equipped, convenient and breathtaking location, perfect to explore the northern region. Ile Rousse is a delightful town with cobbled streets with the medieval feel.
Gio & Anna
June 2024
We really liked Le Maria Venezia. The views from the balcony make the stairs worth it. Ile Rousse too is a lovely spot with many good restaurants. Debbie was brilliant throughout - helpful in the background whenever needed but never intrusive.
Tim and Dawn
May 2024
A wonderful week for us - our first in Corsica. What an unspoilt treasure in the Med this part of the island is! We'll definitely be back! There are no great words for this lovely apartment other than those already used... quirky and idiosyncratic. It has real charm and we loved both balconies - breakfast and evening drinks downstairs, and sunbathing and reading upstairs. Debbie's advice and help was there right from the start. She was unobtrusive but we sensed that nothing would be too much trouble for her.
Sarah and David
May 2023
A beautiful and unusual apartment. We absolutely loved the views and there is loads of space. Debbie was great. She supported us really well throughout our stay. Nothing was too much trouble. The highlight of our stay was our drive to Cap Corse. The curves and bends are very challenging but if you are patient you can enjoy the drive and the views are breath-taking.
Sheila and Bob
May 2023
We have loved this beautiful apartment! So spacious and quirky. Wonderful views and always something to watch, from ferries to fire-fighting planes to swifts. Debbie was very helpful in helping us decide on which walks and restaurants. Best walks were Ostriconi for the maquis flowers, perfumes and views, and the village walk around Pigna etc. We love Corsica and will hope to return to this fab apartment.
Victoria & Toby
May 2023
A lovely week in Le Maria Venezia! Very quirky and well equipped. Such a great location, very central for all your needs – could look over balcony/terrace and see the covered market setting up. What great product. Good weather apart from one storm when it brightened up afterwards so haven’t strayed far apart from little train to Calvi. Had a good look around and a pleasant lunch. Ile Rousse is a lovely town – little markets. Have had great meals each day – very well presented – good food. Many thanks to Jenny who was great – as we have come to expect over the last 9-10 years with Simpson reps! Hope to return again.
Angele & Mike
September 2019
This was our second stay and it’s safe to say we love it. The past two weeks have been a dream. With the exception of a dinner and a concert we’ve stayed in Ile Rousse and settled into a simple rhythm. Pretty much every meal has been eaten outside and we’ve made great use of the covered market. It has been a joy to spend time in this beautiful flat, looking at this beautiful island.
Joe & Justina
July 2019
We were revisiting Corsica 18 years after travelling there with Simply Travel. Times change but the quality afforded by Simpson Travel continues where Simply left off. Ile Rousse is a fabulous location and the apartment was wonderful. Situated centrally being well placed for the numerous restaurants, it was stylish and quirky with a fantastic view.
Jon Nightingall
July 2019
This was our first time in Corsica and were delighted with the beautifully decorated apartment and Ile Rousse. It was lively, with an international boules competition in the square. Commentators, floodlights, etc. The restaurants, although somewhat pricey, were excellent. The tapas bar in the alley was great and its neighbour A Quadrera, La Bodega and A Casella further up the beach. We also would recommend the market cheese, bread and sausage. The two balconies are fabulous for soaking up the wonderful views, smells and (most) of the sounds! The Spar is really handy. We travelled to Corbara for a fascinating sunset meal and a chat with the amazing photographer owner. And the crowning dinner was at I Scalini at the top of the mountain village in Sant’Antonio. Sharing the panoramic views with the kites and the hilarious waiters. Calvi is a must, especially its Citadel, and if you like fast boat ride; take one to the world heritage site Scandola. Unique experience – a bit of a white-knuckle ride across the waves. Finally, a road trip to admire the pine forested mountains at Tuarelli (between Galeria and Manso) and a great fresh water swim! Jenny is fantastic for advice. Always available (via text) and really helpful.
Tim & Lesley
September 2018
Reflecting on a fantastic week… wish it had been longer! Enjoyed every minute. Villa is simply Corsican magic. Top terrace – taking in the early morning and late evening sun was amazing. Eating fresh bread from the boulangerie from around the corner with Corsican marmalade for breakfast on the lower terrace. Breaking bread and enjoying charcuterie (Lonzu) and local cheese from the market below. Pre-booked a table at Restaurant Marinella on the beach and pre-ordered lobster. Simply magnificent. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Definitely. Late afternoon drinks in The Glacier watching the locals play boules. Favourite beach for us – Bodri (5 mins in car). Clear blue sea, superb for swimming and snorkelling. Jenny, our Simpson rep, couldn’t do enough, looked after us and gave us some top tips.
John & Bradshaw
July 2018
Thank you for a wonderful stay – our first in Corsica. We had so many lovely moments.
Anne & Kelvyn
July 2018
Le Maria Venezia was just as described: characterful and unusual, in a fantastic location with amazing views. On arrival at the airport the Simpson Travel representative was friendly and helpful and the ability to jump the car hire queue and go straight to the front as a Simpson Travel customer was great. The welcome pack was lovely with local products. The travel information about the area was helpful as was our local Simpson Travel representative who visited the day of arrival and gave us information across a range of different things according to interest. We had an amazing holiday!
Anne-Marie and Kelvyn
July 2018
After many years of exploring the south of Corsica with the expertise of Simpson Travel we finally prised ourselves up to the North, only for one week in case we were too traumatised and missed the south too much… We have had a wonderful week! Once again, Simpson sourced a superb apartment stuffed with treasure. Ideally located as a base for the north of the island – everything was within easy reach. Jenny was sensational, as we have come to expect with reps from Simpson – thank you so much for all your help and kindness. We were here for the start of the World Cup, so watching the games at the various bars played a large part of this trip. We also found time to visit the mountain villages, see Calvi by train (get the 9am train – the 11am is too full) and swim in the sea (pre 9am!). For anyone new to Simpson Travel – don’t bother booking with anyone else – they are fabulous, simply the best. For anyone new to Corsica, read the Dorothy Carrington books dotted around this apartment and you’ll be hooked forever. Huge thanks to Claire and Jenny, see you next year!
Jamie D & Natalie
June 2018
Our first trip to Corsica and we have not been disappointed. Our top tip is to take on board Debbie’s advice as her local knowledge is excellent. We have enjoyed exploring the coast and walks in the hills. We will definitely return to Corsica for its scenery and friendly people. With thanks to Debbie for all her help.
Sue & Nick Hawkins
April 2018
Simpson Travel does deliver on their promises. Excellent accommodation and friendly island representatives. I'm booking with them again next year.
Mr Betts
August 2017
Although we went in mid-August (usually very crowded and busy in resorts) we were so pleased that our apartment offered peace, style and comfort in an excellent location. We were thrilled to be so close to the beach, restaurants, market and shops but with the opportunity to quickly escape back to the sanctity of our very tasteful apartment.
Ms Almond
August 2017
We are here again and once again have loved the apartment, lle Rousse and the surroundings. Slightly more energetic this time so did the walk from Lumio into the hills and round to Occi and a trip to St. Florent and then onto Nonza. A week is not quite long enough – would like to have explored a little more but the sea and swimming are strong competition.
Shelley & Lizzie
June 2017
Just spent a wonderful week here, the best seat in town! It has been 33 degrees all week and too hot to do our normal long walks, so we swam every day. Loved the apartment and its rustic beauty.
The Andersons
June 2017
First time travelling with Simpson Travel and we were impressed with their professional and friendly approach throughout the booking process and the holiday. We will definitely use them again in the future.
Mr & Mrs Hurst
September 2016
We would thoroughly recommend Simpson Travel. The service they provided from booking to reps in the resort was outstanding. The apartment we stayed at in Corsica was unique, comfortable and in a great location near to the beach and all the amenities. We were delighted. Thank you.
Ms Macalister
June 2016
Fabulous experience from my original enquiry right through to our return to Bristol airport yesterday. Our apartment was simply stunning throughout with quirkiness and style – perfectly equipped. Lovely town and we look forward to returning to see other parts of Corsica.
Mrs Spencer
June 2016
We've thoroughly enjoyed our stay here – the lovely ocean views, sounds and smells. Thank you for letting us share your home.
Mrs Wilson
April 2015
Thank you so much for the Maria Venezia experience. We had the most amazing time. There is much more to see and do but impossible in one go so we will come back. The island is beautiful, fin!
The Brady Family
July 2014
Le Maria Venezia is a beautiful, well-equipped apartment. We particularly enjoyed the sun terraces with great views of the town and sea: saw a couple of lovely sunrises. The very central location meant only a very short walk to a variety of tasty restaurants.
Mrs Oldfield
April 2014
From the first phone call to saying goodbye to the rep, Simpson Travel made the holiday stress-free. Dealings by phone, e-mail and in person were professional and friendly and I would have no hesitation in using them again and recommending them to anyone who wants to take the hair-tearing out of holidays!
Mr Cook
October 2013
At the middle of the world, between earth, sea and sky, a point where all three regions join, there is a place, a red island. Where there is no clamour, only the sound of the sea's waves heard from afar, the vague tremors of chairs being unstacked in the morning and the polite salutations from the stallholders. Such has been our too brief a visit to the idyllic Le Maria Venezia as part of our honeymoon. It has been a wonderful place to pause, observe from on high and reflect on life.
Anonymous
August 2013
Lovely apartment with beautiful terraces, and magnificent views of the bay. Very well equipped and great location for restaurants and shops. The drive to the villages was a little scary but well worth it for the breathtaking views. Thanks Debbie for all your help.
Mrs Bowman
July 2013
We're back again to recover, and to relax in the early summer sun. It's been a glorious two weeks...in a slow to start season. Everyone has had time to help with our halting French and we've braved the sea (a little cold but refreshing). We love it here and will be back again.
Mrs Carter
June 2013
La Maria Venezia was a great surprise – exceeding our expectations. Ile Rousse at this time of year is very quiet – just how we like it. Perfect place for walking in the hills around Monticello, and the other Balagne villages. Great choice of restaurants just around the corner.
Mr Raikes
March 2013
Please continue to do your bit towards keeping Corsica as it is – unspoiled.
Mr Carter
September 2012
We’ve returned again to our favourite spot in Corsica – five times here I think. Wonderful island. Welcoming people. Too much food and wine – and stunning scenery. The apartment is perfect – as I said on our first stay – a real hideaway – with wonderful views. Love French bread and Corsican marmalade in the morning sun, the swims in the warm blue water, and the antics of the birds when they gather and fly past. This year – a new experience – the ‘Legion’ on exercise in Ile Rousse – complete with, we hope, blanks – noisy but exciting. Always a surprise.
Mr and Mrs Carter
September 2012
The apartment was exceptional, hardly any excuses to leave the roof terrace and balcony. The setting up of the market was our early morning alarm giving us notice of the fresh fish, fruit and vegetables ready to purchase. So many beautiful beaches to explore and the local mountains and gorges were breathtaking. Catching a glimpse of the wild boar, mountain goats and cows certainly made the journey memorable. The roof terrace at midnight is the coolest place to sit.
Mr Proctor
August 2012
Ile Rousse is truly delightful. The beach is beautiful. Excellent selection of restaurants. Lots of character. Lots to do from here – the train to Calvi, trips into the mountains, etc. Top Tip – wine by the pichet! Great value, good quality!
Mrs Blackburn
August 2012
EXCELLENT!
Mrs Parrington
August 2012
We have loved living in Le Maria Venezia. We spent most evenings eating on the terrace as it is, without a doubt, the best seat in town. Train to Calvi was great. We have relaxed, read, painted and fully indulged ourselves for the last two weeks. Most produce available from the covered market – swordfish steaks very tasty. Thanks for a most rewarding holiday.
Mr and Mrs Severn
July 2012