If you’re planning a trip to Corsica and looking to experience something authentic, tasteful, and infused with history, make sure to mark this spot on your map: the Mattei Concept Store in Bastia. This isn’t just a shop—it’s a journey into the island’s soul, through its most iconic flavors and stories. Some places speak to you as soon as you walk in, and this is undoubtedly one of them.
Where You’ll Find It
Right in the heart of Bastia, facing the iconic Place Saint-Nicolas, stands this beautiful boutique at 15 Boulevard Général de Gaulle. From the outside, with its painted frescoes and vintage signage, it’s easy to see why it has been officially listed as a historical monument—the only store in Corsica with this honor.
Originally opened in the 19th century and carefully restored in 2017 to celebrate the 145th anniversary of the Mattei brand, this boutique blends timeless charm with refined elegance. Stone walls, vaulted ceilings, wooden counters, vintage chandeliers—everything tells a story. It feels more like stepping into a scene from a French film than entering a store.
The Mattei Boutique is home to the legendary Cap Corse Mattei—the bittersweet wine-based apéritif invented in 1872—and so much more. Think of it as a temple of taste for wine lovers, spirit collectors, and gourmet seekers alike.
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Highlights:
• Cap Corse Mattei (Rouge & Blanc): The iconic apéritif, alongside Mattei’s other creations like cédratine, mirto eau-de-vie, and local gin.
• 700+ wine labels: From Corsican vineyards to top French appellations, Italian classics, and international bestsellers.
• Fine spirits: Rare whiskies, aged rum, cognac, gin, Armagnac, and vodka from Scotland to Argentina.
• Gourmet Corsican pantry: Cured meats, cheeses, honey, olive oil, jams, biscuits, and other premium local delights.
• Mattei-branded merchandise: T-shirts, vintage posters, postcards, tote bags—perfect for gifting or as a souvenir.
For those who want more than just a bottle, the boutique offers guided tastings (by request) and regularly hosts theme nights with food pairings, live music, and product discovery experiences. These intimate events make you feel part of the story—perfect for couples, solo travelers, or curious gourmands.
What makes the Mattei Concept Store truly special isn’t just the beautiful decor or the curated products—it’s the fact that this place embodies a living piece of Corsican heritage. It’s where tradition meets innovation, where history is told through taste, and where authenticity lives in every detail.
Practical Info
Address: 15 Boulevard Général de Gaulle, Bastia (Corsica)
Opening hours: Summer: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Winter: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a curious foodie, or simply a traveler searching for something memorable, a visit to Mattei Boutique in Bastia is a must. It’s not just shopping—it’s cultural immersion through taste, atmosphere, and storytelling.
Travel tip from me to you: sip the Cap Corse Blanc on the rocks with a twist of Corsican citron at sunset—and you’ll understand the magic of this island.