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Villages of "la Balagne" with Corsican Places
Price on request
Discover the heritage Experiencing strong sensations Wandering Feast in the hinterland Escape and relax
CORSICAN PLACES
L'Île Rousse-Balagne
La Balagne is a great introduction to Corsica, and this walking holiday explores this beautiful region, from the coast to the high hillside villages.
Backed by mountains that dominate the coastline, the silver sand beaches are also a favourite with holidaymakers, as are the perfumes, colours and contrasting landscapes that have earned la Balagne a prestigious following.
Your promgram:
Day 1 - L'Ile Rousse
Your holiday starts in L’Ile Rousse, on the north-west coast. Check into your hotel before exploring the cobbled streets of the old town, the cafés of the Place des Platanes, one of the beautiful beaches and the ‘Red Isle’ that gives the town’s name. The town was founded by Pascal Paoli, in response to the Genoese at Calvi, and has a wonderful lived in feel. Optional coastal walk to the Parc de Saleccia, a beautiful Mediterranean garden.
Overnight: Hôtel Santa Maria 4* or similar, L’Ile Rousse on bed & breakfast
Day 2 - Algajola to L'Ile Rousse
Today is a pleasant stroll through the Balagne, you take the train to the village of Algajola. The tracks hug the coast, and the views are sublime on this short 15 min ride. From Algajola you climb between dry stone walls to the village of Sant Antonino and the artists village of Pigna, the narrow streets of the village are home to various crafts. From Pigna you take a path to Corbara, and pass through narrow alleyways of the village of Corbara before dropping down to return to Ile Rousse.
Distance 15km. Duration 6 hours. Altitude gain +620m. Descent -620m.
Overnight: Hôtel Santa Maria 4* or similar, L’Ile Rousse on bed & breakfast
Day 3 - L'Ile Rousse to Monticello
Your walking starts at L'Ile Rousse, before climbing along old mule tracks via the hamlets of Santa Reperata to Monticello, you can even do a detour to the Cima Sant’Angelo at 562m for a true birds eye view. The village of Monticello is perched high above L'Ile Rousse and is home to many a French celebrity. The walking is very flexible and we offer a circular walk around the village with views over L'Ile Rousse and the Regino valley. Stay in a charming hotel in Monticello..
Distance 14km. Duration 5.3 hours. Altitude gain +545m. Descent -380m.
Overnight: A Pasturella or similar, Monticello on half board
Day 4 - Speloncato to Monticello
After a short transfer, you are dropped in the perched village of Speluncato. After exploring this high villages, you have a choice of walks today via perched villages and paths that down drop onto the Regino plain, between market gardens, past old chapels and ruins of long forgotten hamlets before climbing again to the village of Monticello. Another night in the heart of the village of Monticello.
Distance 10/15km. Duration 4/6 hours. Altitude gain +220/400m. Descent -520/705m.
Overnight: A Pasturella or similar, Monticello on half board
Day 5 - Feliceto to Lumio
From the hill village of Feliceto, you pass through the villages of the Haute Balagne including Avapessa and Cateri, past a convent and wash houses to Lavatoggio. From here we follow on across lofty land, climbing to the abandoned village of Occi high above Lumio. The village was deserted in the 20th century, when no road could be built for access. The views from here towards Calvi are sublime. A transfer takes you from Lumio to Calvi for your night's stop.
Distance 13km. Duration 5.3 hours Altitude gain +450m. Descent -560m.
Overnight: Hôtel Revellata 3* or similar, Calvi on bed & breakfast
Day 6 - Calvi
There are a few walks to do in Calvi. The first is a beautiful walk on the Revellata peninsula, an unspoilt area of maquis and sea cliffs. Head around the coast towards the lighthouse, a real highlight of the trip. This protected area is a haven for wildlife, with much flora and fauna that is found only here. The walk passes along sea cliffs and down to unspoilt coves, your journey back can be extended to take in Notre Dame de la Serra, high above Calvi, this beautiful chapel is the ideal spot for a few shots.
Distance 11km. Duration 5 hours. Altitude gain +210m. Descent -210m.
Overnight: Hôtel Revellata 3* or similar, Calvi on bed & breakfast
Day 7 - Calvi
Today's walk is either a challenging trek to the summit of Capu di Veta and the Austrian cross at 700m above Calvi, for which you will need to leave early, or a gentle stroll to the church at Notre Dame de la Serra, for simply superb views of Calvi before dropping down to explore the Genoese citadel and town.
Distance 11km. Duration 5 hours. Altitude gain +700m. Descent -700m.
Overnight: Hôtel Revellata 3* or similar, Calvi on bed & breakfast
Day 8: Departure from Calvi
Your holiday comes to an end at your hotel after breakfast. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to Calvi Airport.
Luggage moving and day sack
You will need to carry a day sack only, with your water bottle, camera, picnic and gortex jacket. Our bag-moving service means you can travel light during your walks, just taking with you what you need for the day. Your main luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different night stops by a variety of different people. This ranges from local taxis, hotel owners and our own staff. We ask you to please limit your main luggage to around 15kg per bag to facilitate the driver loading it in and out of a transfer vehicle.
It is important to consider that it may be necessary to carry your bags short distances at the start and towards the end of your holiday. You will need the appropriate luggage.
Further information
Benefits
Return airport transfers
2 nights' accommodation on half board
5 nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast
Transfers on the walking days
Luggage transfers between hotels
Map and route notes
Prestations non comprises
Train ticket from L'Ile Rousse to Algajola (purchase at the station)
Drinks
Travel insurance
Any transfers from/to another arrival airport
Infos pratiques
A prendre avec soi : A small day pack for your water bottle, camera, picnic and weatherproof. A rucksack or suitcase for your main luggage 15kg maximum per person Good walking shoes or boots with a good grip sole Walking socks Warm fleece Shorts and t-shirts Swimming attire Towel Walking poles (optional) Water bottle (one litre minimum) For your picnics: a good cutting knife, fork, spoon, plastic cup and plate some plastic bags Sun and rain protection Sunglasses and sun cream Weatherproof jacket Trainers or open sandals Warm fleece and casual wear First aid: we recommend that you bring your own personal first aid kit consisting of: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhea treatment painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, re-hydration. Glucose tablets or malt loaf and multi-vitamin tablets are a good idea.
