This circuit will let you discover the littoral of Corsica as well as its interior. The kilometers follow one another but do not resemble, the landscapes are different each day. You will meet proud inhabitants of their island who will make you share their enthusiasm and will make you discover the Corsican gastronomy. Corsica will not leave you indifferent! This circuit for cyclists, on road, will show you the most beautiful roads of the Upper Corsica. The dreams landscapes will not let you forget that Corsica is a mountain in the sea!
Day 1 Bastia Your stay begins in the afternoon at your hotel in Bastia. This leaves you the time to discover the capital of the Upper Corsica. The old port is superb as well as the freely accessible citadel and the old city that offers a superb panorama on the sea and the surroundings. For the dinner, we advise you the old port and its very special atmosphere.
Night at the hotel in Bastia.
Day 2 The Corsican Cape In the morning, you mount your bicycle and leave due north, on a road that follows the seashore, and that goes through the wooded interior of the island and rejoins the other side of the island and its superb cliffs, while crossing the pass Saint Nicolas (303 meters of altitude).
Night at Saint Florent
Distance: About 107 Km - Altitudes: +1664m; -1662m.
Day 3 Region of Nebbiu and Desert of Agriates This day begins by a climb (+ 470M altitude) until the church Saint Michèle de Murato. You will then go back down while crossing several small towns of the Nebbio to arrive in the desert of Agriates. The path continues on a small deserted road that passes under the olive groves and overhang the whole Balagne. A last effort will be necessary to arrive to a small and magnificent typical town overhanging the Ile Rousse, where you will spend the night.
Distance: about 113 Km - Altitudes: + 2086m ;-1899m
Day 4 Calvi and one of the most beautiful France coasts This day will begin by a descent towards the coast that you will follow for a while before attaining Calvi. Next, you will continue towards the river of Fangu while following the seashore with beautiful panoramas. This road is considered, by many cyclists, as one of the most beautiful of Europe. Next, you will climb back up in the interior before attaining some charming towns of Balagne, which will take you back to your stop of the evening.
Distance: about 118 Km - Altitudes: + 1724m - 1737m
Day 5 The Gorges of Asco You will discover a new facet of the island. You will climb back towards the centre and will cross a renowned region for its numerous breeding and sheepfolds. Many cows are on the side of the road. This day will allow you to challenge one of the numerous Corsican difficulties, that is to say the Gorges of Asco. To go for a swim in the river will be more than welcome to recuperate. Next, you descend towards your stop of the evening.
Distance: about 117 Km (about 65 Km without the Gorges of Asco) - Altitudes: + 970M; -1027M or with the Gorges: + 2120M; -2177M.
Day 6 Corte and the Gorges of Restonica You will discover a new facet of the island, the Corsican centre and its capital, Corte. You will pedal while going through many small-perched towns and will be close to the Monte Cecu (754 meters of altitude). You will, next, be able to discover Corte where you will be able to leave for the ascension of the Gorges of Restonica. Then you will continue in the Castagniccia before returning to Ponte Leccia where you will spend the night.
Distance: about 112 Km (about 83 Km without the Gorges of Restonica) - Altitudes: + 1054M; -1054M or with the Gorges: + 1654M; -1654M.
Day 7 The Castagniccia You will go deeper in the Castagniccia, the paradise of chestnuts. Your itinerary drives you from town to town towards the Pass of Pratu (985M) and continues in the heart of a preserved nature where the wild pigs are not rare. The itinerary is splendid and largely shady. Next, you descend towards the coastline where you will spend your last night on the seaside.
Distance: about 88 Km – Altitudes: + 1032M; -1225M.
Day 8 End of stay After your breakfast, a transfer will be organized towards the airport or the harbour station. End of stay.
Fact sheet
Details
Starting point Your hotel in Bastia on the afternoon on day 1 (possibility of pick up at the airport).
End At the airport or the harbour station of Bastia on day 8.
Accommodation Nights in hotels, in double rooms.
Number of people Minimum of 2 persons
Level of difficulty This program is designed for road cyclists able to ride from 80 to 110kms a day with some steep climbs.
Carrying The transfers of your luggage is ensured by vehicle. Thus you only have to carry your things needed for the day (picnic, camera...).
Options - Single room : 210€
- July / August departure : 50€
- Road bike rental : 150€
Included The transfer of the luggage, local assistance, nights in double rooms in inns, hotels or guesthouses.
Not included Transfer to the meeting point and to the drop off point, the transfer not planned in the program, the meals, the bikes, the insurances, drinks, the visits of sites, the optional activities and the personal expenses.
