Highlights
- Soak in the coastline of the beloved Cape of Corsica
- Visit the Desert des Agriates and its well-known fragrant scrub
- Cycle through the charming stone villages of the Balagne
- Overnight in the Golo River Valley, where bridges arch over beautiful gorges
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bastia | Bastia |
| Day 2 | The Cape of Corsica | Coastal Village |
| Day 3 | From the Cape to the Gulf of Saint-Florent | Saint-Florent |
| Day 4 | The Desert des Agriates | Ile Rousse |
| Day 5 | Villages of Balagne | Balagne |
| Day 6 | The Corsica Inheritance | Golo River Valley |
| Day 7 | Descent in Castagniccia | Corsican Village |
| Day 8 | Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Bastia
Your French cycling adventure starts in Bastia! Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your hotel before venturing out to discover the capital of Haute-Corse (a region encompassing the northern part of Corsica). Don't miss the old port, the citadel, or the panoramic seaside views from the old city. Enjoy a traditional Corsican dinner at the old port, which has a very lively atmosphere in the summer.
Day 2: The Cape of Corsica
Grab a hearty breakfast and stretch your muscles. Today is your first day of cycling. Pedal along the eastern side of the Cape of Corsica, only a stone's throw from the sea, then cross to the western coast of the cape for views of dramatic cliffs. The route is strewn with Genoese and Paoline towers, small fishing villages, and ancient convents and mills. Overnight in a charming coastal village.
Cycle distance: 37 - 49 miles (59 - 79 km)
Day 3: From the Cape to the Gulf of Saint-Florent
Bid the cape farewell and head south to the village of Patrimonia - famous for its vineyards and wine cellars. Stop here for a tasting and a rest before continuing on to Saint-Florent, a former fishing port now full of luxury boats. The town is tiny, but the citadel, port, and small commercial streets are all worth exploring if you have a little extra time once you arrive.
Cycle distance: 19 - 30 miles (31 - 48 km)
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: The Desert des Agriates
Make your way inland today, to the heart of the Desert des Agriates, where you'll cycle from hamlet to hamlet across a desert landscape of the famously nice-smelling maquis scrub. Once you've had your fill of inland villages, circle back to the coast to spend the night near Ile Rousse - a small town inhabited since at least 3,000 BC.
Cycle distance: 30 - 50 miles (48 - 80 km)
Day 5: Villages of Balagne
On your fifth day in Corsica, pedal through the bewitching stone villages of the Balagne - each a solitary cluster of buildings surrounded by spectacular nature. Overnight in this quiet, striking mountain landscape.
Cycle distance: 19 - 35 miles (30 - 57 km)
Day 6: The Corsica Inheritance
Continue through the villages of the Balagne, stopping to explore and photograph old churches and convents along the way, as you make your way to the border of the Natural Reserve of Corsica. Follow that border until you reach the Golo River Valley, where gorges plunge down into green-blue waters and stone bridges arch overhead. As you ride today, keep an eye out for animals. This area is full of cows, pigs, and goats wandering free.
Cycle distance: 30 - 45 miles (48 - 73 km)
Day 7: Descent in Castagniccia
On your last day of riding, choose your own adventure: you can cycle through the villages of Nebbiu or Castagniccia, both known for their chapels and the chestnut forests. For the birdwatchers among us, royal milan ("Red Kites") are widespread in this area, so keep an eye out. Whichever route you choose, end your cycle adventure in a charming Corsican village near the airport.
Cycle distance: 21 - 35 miles (34 - 57 km)
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, a transfer can be organized to the airport or the ferry port, as you prefer.
Map
