Self Guided Cycling In Corsica - France

Stunning coastal cycling routes
Picturesque hilltop towns
Ride The Desert des Agriates

The island of Corsica is part of France but heavily influenced by Italy and lies just north of Sardinia, yet this jewel of the Ligurian sea still manages to retain an identity that is uniquely Corsican. Take heed from the relaxed Corsican approach to life by gently cycling through sleepy towns, sampling the local cuisine and taking in the beautiful surroundings. Our cycling route takes in the best of the north of the island, including a circuit of the 'Cap Corse', the dramatic peninsula which points towards Italy. This undulating coastline offers mile after mile of quiet coves and all too tempting crystal waters, making it difficult to get back onto your bike! However, the next destination never disappoints, as each village or town offers its own charm, while the landscape continues to amaze. Continuing west, you are accompanied by the aromas of the maquis-covered hills as you head through the Desert des Agriates, before turning inland and taking the challenge of crossing the spine of the island. Here you are rewarded with a continous vista of jagged mountains and attractive villages.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: France

Day 1

Start Bastia.

Day 2

Cycle north along the coast road past the Torra di l'Osse, a Genoese watchtower, and across the tip of the Cap Corse to one of the villages on the west coast. En route you'll get great views of the Italian islands of Capraia and Elba.

Day 3

This shorter day heads south from the Cap Corse. The route passes through the picturesque village of Nonza, which is perched on a rocky pinnacle high above the sea, before reaching Saint-Florent, close to the famous Patrimonio vineyards.

Day 4

Head west across the Desert des Agriates, a unique part of Corsica covered in the local maquis scrub. Arriving back at the coast you continue to a village close to the little resort of Ile Rousse.

Day 5

Leaving the coast behind we climb into the region of the Balagne, through stone villages perched in the middle of some dramatic countryside.

Day 6

An easier day with some superb views back to the coast as we descend through the hills towards the east of the island.

Day 7

The last day of cycling takes you through the villages of the Castagniccia region, known for their chapels, numerous natural springs and their ancestral culture. Returning towards the east coast, the route heads to the village of Lucciana close to Bastia

Day 8

End Lucciana.

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Images from CYCLING IN CORSICA

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Cyclist on west coast of Cap Corse, above Patrimonio.

winding down the coastal roads of Corsica

Cyclist on west coast of Cap Corse, above St Florent.

Cyclist on west coast of Cap Corse, above Patrimonio.