22 February 2008
Corsica is Europe's Mecca for outdoor sports, from climbing, scuba diving, sailing to skydiving and many more.
The opportunity to float above the island and its pristine blue waters represents a truly unforgettable experience.
Several skydiving schools across the island can provide equipment and necessary training for first time divers and professionals. Centres are located in Calvi, Bastia, Ghisonaccia and Propriano.
Visitors are offered several options, from a simple tandem jump to a full-day training leading to solo jumps.
Tandem jumps cost around €250 and start at 4,000 metres, followed by a full freefall minute and a further ten to 15 minutes gliding above Corsica's best landscapes, including mountains and stretches of coastline.
Parachutes were first invented in France 300 years ago, when Andre-Jacques Garnerin jumped for the first time in Paris. In 1799, his wife was the first female skydiver.
France's first official association was only set up centuries later in 1935, and the country celebrated its 50th national championships last year.
It is preparing for the world parachuting championships to be held in August 2008 in Maubeuge, northern France.
