More than 100,000 people are expected on December 15 in Ajaccio for the visit of Pope Francis. So that as many pilgrims as possible can reach the Imperial city, island transport companies are trying to adapt. Offers are multiplying for Corsicans and those who wish to travel to the island for the event.
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Everything is being done so that pilgrims can be present in the imperial city on December 15, during Pope Francis' visit to Corsica. Transport companies are working hard to finalize their offers and to respond to popular enthusiasm on the island.
The Corsican railways are planning to increase the number of trains serving the peri-urban route to Ajaccio, but for the moment, nothing has been decided. The decision being suspended from security constraints around the travel of the sovereign pontiff and the President of the Republic.
For locals, wanting to avoid traffic jams around the city, Corsica Ferries offers from 79 euros per person, a sort of “papal mini-cruise” on board a company ferry.
A trip departing from Bastia is planned for Saturday December 14 at 7 p.m., the return is planned for Sunday December 15 at 7 p.m. departing from the port of Ajaccio. As for external visitors who wish to approach Pope Francis, this will happen by air or by sea.
Corsica Linea chose “In Galeotta“, the company's ship capable of transporting nearly 1,000 people, to offer its customers a return crossing from Marseille on Saturday December 14 at 6:15 p.m. to Ajaccio. The return is scheduled for Sunday evening, with an arrival on Marseille on Monday December 16 in the morning. Tickets start at 133 euros per person.
Other proposals remain to be finalized. “There are currently studies to transport other personnel who would need to be present at the event“, explains Pierre Mainguy, the commercial director of the company Corsica Linea.
Air Corsica is strengthening its flight program from Paris, Nice and Marseille on December 14. Returns are planned for late evening on December 15 and all day on December 16. A total of 6,000 additional seats will be on sale from this Tuesday, November 25 between the continent and Corsica.
There will be specific prices for non-residents for the period from December 13 to 17: 299 euros from Paris Orly, 199 euros from Marseille, Nice, Lyon and Toulouse.
At the same time, the airline is still in discussions with the Vatican, to ensure the pope's commercial flight back to Italy, as is tradition. It remains to be seen how to deal with the logistics linked to the storage of planes and ships. The port and airport of Ajaccio are not designed for such a flow.
To see the full report by Sylvie Wolinski and Julian Bonnington :
