France - Corsica - Cycling From the Cape of Corsica to the Castagniccia
On this cycle holiday you will discover the coast of Corsica as well as its interior. The kilometres follow one another but they are far from being the same; with different landscapes every day. You will meet proud island inhabitants who will want to share their enthusiasm with you for their local culture and gastronomy. This is a great trip that will leave you with fantastic memories of Corsica and will make you want to return for more! You will be accommodated in carefully selected hotels, rooms in a guesthouse or inns according to the availability at the time of the reservation.
This is A MUST-DO in Corsica ... Suitable for all levels, you will discover all the wonderful places throughout the week, between sea and mountains !
Day 1
- Bastia - Your holiday starts in Bastia at your hotel in the afternoon. If you have time to discover the capital of "Haute Corse", it's worthwhile visiting the old port and the citadel. From the old city there are wonderful panoramic views over the sea and surroundings. For dinner, we advise you to go to the old port which has a very lively atmosphere in the summer. Night in Bastia.
Day 2
The Cape of Corsica - Riding distances: a choice of two routes, approximately between 59km and 79km. This morning you'll pedal along the east side of the Cape of Corsica, only a stone's throw from the sea. You'll then cross the island to join the West coast of the Cape with its dramatic cliffs. The route is strewn with Genoese and Paoline towers as well as old convents and mills. The landscape, including the small fishing ports is splendid. Night stay in a charming village.
Day 3
From the Cape to the Gulf of Saint-Florent.Riding Distances: a choice of three routes, approximately between 31km and 48km. Today you'll leave the Cape to pedal southward towards Saint-Florent. According to your chosen route, you will be able to discover the village of Patrimonio, famous in the whole of Corsica for its vineyards. Wine-Tasting is possible in the cellars of the village. In Saint-Florent, visit the citadel and stroll around the port and its small commercial streets. Night in Saint-Florent
Day 4
The Desert des Agriates.Riding Distances: a choice of three, approximately 48km, 69km or 80km. Today you are in the heart of the Desert des Agriates. From hamlet to hamlet, you cross this superb 'desert' covered in the local maquis scrub (which has a fantastic smell and is amazing in the spring when the maquis is in blossom). Back to the coast where you will soon reach your accommodation, not far from Ile Rousse. Night in a village near to Ile Rousse.
Day 5
Villages of Balagne --Riding Distances: approximately 30km, 44km, or 57km.---- Today you'll explore the pretty villages of the Balagne. This area is bewitching. The stone villages perched in the middle of nowhere have an astonishing beauty which hasn't changed with time. Night in the mountains.
Day 6
The Corsica Inheritance.---Riding distance: approximately 48km, 61km or 73km.--- You will continue into the villages of the Balagne by discovering superb testimonies of the past through old churches and convents. You will follow the border of the Natural reserve of Corsica until you reach the Golo river valley, your stop for the night. This day will be marked by the numerous animals that you will meet wandering in freedom: cows, pigs, goats...
Day 7
Descent in Castagniccia----.Riding distance: approximately 34km, 53km or 57km----. Your last day of riding will take you either through the villages of the Nebbiu region or through the Castagniccia region, both known for their chapels and the chestnut forests. Royal Milan (Red Kites) are widespread in this area; you are likely to see them hovering over your heads. Your stop for the night will be in a village close to the airport.
Day 8
End of stay. After your breakfast, a transfer can be organized towards the airport or the ferry port. End of holiday.
Included : (see details in Dates and Prices section)
2 star hotels and guest houses-
Luggage transfer
An English road book and a map.
English speaking assistance for your reservation
Starts in : Bastia
Ends in : Bastia
Access : Bastia port (ferry) or airport : see here the details
Information : click on "ask for more information"
Phone Cecile : +33 5 58 48 71 65
Customize your tour : add or remove one night or more, combine with another tour.
See also :
Highlights
Bastia - The Cape of Corsica
Saint Laurent Gulf-The village of Balagne area
Suitable for the families and all levels !
Between the sea and the mountain