You find this tour interesting? Book now
Back to Travel Charm and relax in northern Corsica
France, Corsica
-
€ 1,090/person (including taxes)
-
9 Days
-
Self-guided tour
-
2 Active level
On this self-guided trip, you will ride from Cap Corse to the island’s mainland, through the Balagne and Castagniccia region. From picturesque seaside towns to mountain villages, you’ll see Corsica’s incredibly diverse landscapes.
Day 1
Arrival in Corsica
After landing at Bastia airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel (included) and will have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city. Make sure to visit Place St. Nicolas, lined with cafés, shops and local restaurants. You must also stop by the old harbor with views out to the Tuscan archipelago.
Night in Bastia
Day 2
U Capu Corsu
Your first day will take you along the Cap Corse, a rugged and wild peninsula studded with Genoese towers dating back to the 15th century. As you travers, you’ll be able to see across the Mediterranean to the Tuscan islands of Elba and Capraia. You’ll finish the day in Saint Florent, a popular seaside resort and your home for the next 2 nights.
Active : 40km with 560m+ or 85km with 1330+
Pro : 110km with 1670m+
Night in Saint Florent
Day 3
Tour of Nebbiu
Either take a day of rest or get back on your saddle ! From Saint Florent, you’ll head inland for the Nebbiu better known for its lush olive groves, quaint mountain villages and some of the best Corsican wine. As you ride through the vineyards of Patrimonio, you may notice pockets of green clay and red soil that give the region’s wine its distinct body.
Active: 60km with 1240m+
Pro: 100km with 2230m+
Night in Saint Florent
Day 4
Time for the desert
At 40km long, the Desert des Agriates is the only “official” desert in Europe. You’ll cross the desert to reach the small villages of perched up in the Balagne region. Take a moment to look out across the sea and the mainland below. Later, turquoise water and red granite announce your arrival in the little town of L’Île Rousse. Relax and winddown with a glass of wine as you watch the sunset.
Active: 60km with 1140m+
Pro: 80km with 1640m+
Night near L’Île Rousse
Day 5
Loup through Calvi
From village to village, your route is a panorama of fabulous scenery. There will be a steep climb before reaching the port town of Calvi, its beautiful citadel and white sandy beaches. Ride back inland to the Lake Codole, an impressive water reservoir. Come afternoon, you’ll make your way back to your hotel just outside L’Île Rousse.
Active: 70km with 1180m+
Pro: 90km with 1400m+
Night near L’Île Rousse
Day 6
Balagne to Corte
The Corsican mainland awaits you, with its breathtaking mountain landscapes. The route is fairly hilly and takes you across varied terrains. Don’t get too distracted as you might come around a bend to find pigs, goats or other animals mid road ! You know the end of this stage is close when you see a Citadel atop a stark cliff. The next two nights are spent moments away from the citadel in Corte.
Active: 80km with 1460m+
Pro: 95km with 2400m+
Night in Corte
Day 7
Corte, bike or hike
You’ve got the luxury of choice:
#1 Cycle up the Restonica Gorges, a challenging 15km climb to reach Begeries de Grotelle : you’ll be rewarded by an impromptu lunch with local products including Corsican cheese, cured meat and chestnut beer.
Active: 30km with 990m+
Pro: 100km with 2300m+ (loop around Corte)
#2 Take a shuttle directly up to the summit of the Restonica Gorges. From here, there is a wonderful hiking trail to reach two famous Corsican lakes : Melu and Capitellu. Count 3-4 hours.
Night in Corte
Day 8
Corte to the sea
On this last day, you will discover the region most unchanged over the past 100 years, also home to the world’s largest chestnut forest – Castagniccia.
After a long descent, you will reach the coast of Lido de la Marana.
Active: 90km with 1600m+
Pro: 120km with 2500m+
Night in the Lido of Marana
Day 9
The end
A breakfast by the beach is the best way to spend your last hours in Corsica. We’ll transfer you from your hotel to the airport (included).