Carghjese (French: Cargèse) is a picturesque coastal settlement in the Corse‑du‑Sud department on the southwestern shore of Corsica, located about 27 kilometres north of Ajaccio. The village stands on a scenic ridge above the deep blue Mediterranean, surrounded by typical Corsican maquis, terraced olive groves, and steep cliffs descending toward a small harbour. Thanks to its position between the sea and the rugged inland hills, Carghjese has become a popular starting point for hiking, exploring the wild coastline, and enjoying peaceful nature.
The history of the settlement is remarkably distinctive and has no real parallel elsewhere on Corsica. Its origins date to the late 18th century, when descendants of Greek refugees from the Mani Peninsula in the Peloponnese settled in the area. Before founding Carghjese, the Greek community had lived for several decades in the inland village of Paomia, where they had taken refuge from Ottoman pressure. Conflicts with the local population eventually pushed them closer to the coast, where they established a new home. The Greek settlers brought with them their language, customs, architecture, and religious traditions, many of which remained present in the village well into the 19th and 20th centuries.
Carghjese is best known for its two churches, which stand opposite each other above a small valley just a few hundred metres from the harbour. This unusual spatial arrangement symbolises the coexistence of two communities that shared the same place while preserving their distinct cultural and religious identities. The Greek church, dedicated to Assomption de la Vierge, follows the Greek‑Catholic rite and retains elements of Byzantine tradition—from the iconostasis to the characteristic icons brought by the Greek settlers. The Latin church, dedicated to Saint Spyridon, was built by the Corsican inhabitants and reflects the typical Latin‑Catholic style with Baroque influences.
This duality—two churches, two rites, two historical communities—gives Carghjese a unique cultural character found nowhere else on Corsica. Today, it is a tranquil seaside village that blends Corsican tradition, Greek heritage, and the charm of Mediterranean coastal life, making it an appealing destination for visitors seeking historical depth, natural beauty, and an authentic local atmosphere.