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Corsica: a fully-fledged cycle tourism destination New
©ATC-Sylvain Alessandri
The temperate climate is ideal for active holidays, and the country roads, which are less busy than the main roads, are a great place for cycling enthusiasts. Service providers, accommodation open all year round and a wide range of routes have all contributed to the development of a high-quality cycling tourism offer that is internationally recognised.
In order to inspire you to join the great community of those who have ‘cycled’ in Corsica, I suggest 3 loops that combine sport, scenic beauty and cultural discovery.
Loop 1 from Bastia: Pays bastiais/Cap Corse/Nebbiu Conca d'Oru
©ATC-S.ALESSANDRI
Distance 145 km
D+ 1,820 m (well distributed along the route)
Level: sporty +
Recommended periods: spring and autumn
Terrain: alternating downhill and uphill
Duration: around 5 hours
Refreshments: fresh water, generally drinkable, in the various villages
A few kilometres :
Bastia Macinaghju 37 km - Macinaghju Centuri 15 km - Centuri Canari 28 km - Canari Saint Florent 35 km - Saint Florent Bastia 24 km
Leaving Bastia along the coast, you'll discover fishing villages with an exceptional built heritage. On your right, the islands of Elba, Capraia, Pianosa and Monte Cristu will guide you along your journey down the east coast. Head for Lavasina, with its church of Notre Dame des Grâces and the Ex Voto Museum, Erbalonga and its submerged tower, the seascapes of Brando, Porticciolo and Meria, then to the tip of the Cape, Macinaghju, the starting point for the Douaniers trail. You will then cross Corsica from east to west as far as the village of Centuri, famed for its lobster fishermen. From there, you will reach Pinu, a spectacular village on a rocky outcrop, with its American houses, its navy and its convent of Saint Francis. Continue on to Nonza, visit the church of Sainte Julie and climb the famous Tour carrée for a breathtaking view of the immense grey sandy beach. Next comes Saint Florent, a tourist town with a marina, citadel and pedestrian shopping streets. In a land of vineyards, you'll discover Patrimoniu. You will then reach the Col de Teghime, which rises to an altitude of 536 m ... an exceptional viewpoint over the plain, the Etang de Biguglia, a protected nature reserve, and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Finally, it's back to Bastia, a city of art and history, where you can relax in ‘dolce vita’ mode.
Useful links :
Loop 2 starting from Solenzara Alta Rocca Côte des Nacres/ South Corsica
©ATC-S.ALESSANDRI
Distance 140 km
D+ 2045 m
Level: sporty +
Recommended periods: spring and autumn
Terrain: alternating downhill and uphill
Duration: approximately 6 hours
Refreshments: fresh water and usually drinking water in the various villages
A few kilometres :
Solenzara Bavella 51 km – Bavella Zonza 10 km – Zonza Fôret de l’Ospedale 20 km - Fôret de l’Ospedale Palavese 14 km – Palavese Plage de Fautea 23 km – Fautea Solenzara 19 km
Located on the east coast of Corsica, Solenzara is the gateway to southern Corsica. Set off from the marina and climb towards the mythical Aiguilles de Bavella and the natural pools of Purcaraccia. Here the vegetation is dense and the scents of Laricciu pines, oaks and chestnut trees waft in all seasons. As part of Corsica's Regional Nature Park, the flora is preserved and the fauna protected. Stop off at the village of Zonza and discover the region's typical built heritage. Then head off to the Ospedale forest for a refreshing interlude with the lake bearing the same name. Head back down to Palavese, then back to the plains before reaching Solenzara. Stop off at Fautea beach to admire the tower overlooking the turquoise waters.
Useful links :
Zonza Sainte Lucie Tourist Office
Alta Rocca Côte des Nacres Tourist Office
Loop 3 from Piana Ouest Corsica
©ATC-S.ALESSANDRI
Distance 93 km
D+ 2230
Level: sporty +
Recommended periods: spring and autumn
Terrain: alternating downhill and uphill
Duration: around 5 hours
Refreshments: fresh water and usually drinking water in the various villages along the route
A few kilometres :
Piana Carghjese 19 km – Carghjese Vicu 27 km – Vicu Col de Sevi 10 km – Col de Sevi Marignana 10 km – Marignana Portu 15 km – Portu Piana 12 km
We're on the west coast of the island... Take your time on this stretch with its impressive cliffs, breathtaking views, unforgettable sunsets, there's no shortage of superlatives when it comes to the Calanche de Piana. You will then reach Cargèse, famous for its two churches, one Greek and the other Latin, facing each other. The road then winds its way up to the Col de Sevi (1101 m), passing on the right the village of Vico, capital of the canton, where you can make a diversion to visit the convent of Saint-François. From here, you'll head for the fishing village of Porto. Discover its square tower, the pride of the region. Finally, cover the few kilometres that separate you from the terminus, Piana.
