Self-guided road bike tour in Northern Corsica

Depending on your arrival time in Bastia, you'll have the chance to discover the city and its must-sees. Be sure to visit the majestic citadel, stroll through the picturesque lanes of the old port and relax in the famous Place Saint-Nicolas, one of the city's landmarks.

Overnight in Bastia.

On this first leg, you'll explore the wild and magnificent Cap Corse. Following the east coast, you'll enjoy exceptional panoramic views before crossing the Col de la Serra, at an altitude of 365 metres, to cross the northern tip of the island. A must-do stage for discovering the diversity of Corsican landscapes.

2 possible distances:
82km (D+: 1407m; D-: 1399m; Min: 1m; Max: 393m)
or 107km (D+: 1569m; D-: 1575m; Min.: 1m; Max.: 364m)

Overnight in Saint-Florent.

You leave the charming Gulf of Saint-Florent to cross the famous ‘Agriates desert’ and cross the Vezzu pass (311 m). You will then reach the Balagne region, renowned for its picturesque mountain villages. From these heights, you'll enjoy superb panoramic views of the coast and the whole region, a real treat for lovers of breathtaking scenery.

2 possible distances:
66Km (D+: 997m; D-: 999m; Min: 1m; Max: 373m)
or 104km (D+: 1000m; D-: 989m; Min.: 0m; Max.: 366m)

Overnight in Calvi.

You're on one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Europe! This route offers spectacular panoramic views of a wild and unspoilt coastline. After crossing the Col de Palmarella (408 m), you'll have a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Girolata and the Scandola nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic route was also covered by the Tour de France riders in 2013, adding a sporting touch to this unforgettable stage.

Distance :
75km (D+: 1331m; D-: 1289m; Min: 8m; Max: 407m)

Overnight in Porto.

Today, there are no restrictions: just do what you want! Enjoy a lazy day on the beach or at the hotel, visit the charming village, or take a boat trip to the Scandola nature reserve or the magnificent Calanques de Piana. These calanques, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are also accessible on foot or by bike and are well worth a visit. For the more active, there's a superb loop over the Col de Sevi (1101 m), offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Distance (optional) :
95km (D+: 2283m; D-: 2281m; Min.: 4m; Max.: 1105m)

Overnight in Porto.

From Porto, you'll set off to climb the Col de Vergio (1477 m), passing through breathtaking scenery including the impressive Spelunca gorge and the magnificent Aïtone forest. After more than 30 km of ascent, get ready for a descent of around 35 km, including 15 km down the famous Scala di Sta Regina, a memorable experience you won't soon forget.

Distance:
83km (D+: 2895m; D-: 2493m; Min.: 32m; Max.: 1480m)

Overnight in Corte.

You leave Corte, the historic capital of Corsica, and head for Castagniccia, the birthplace of such emblematic figures in Corsican history as Sambucucciu d'Alando and Pascal Paoli. This stage, one of the most difficult on the route, includes no fewer than four passes, with the most demanding at the end. Once out of the mountains, you'll return to the east coast, heading for Lucciana, south of Bastia, where you can enjoy a soothing coastal landscape.

Distance :
95km (D+: 2894m; D-: 3281m; Min: 14m; Max: 999m)

Overnight in Lucciana - close to Bastia airport.

End of trip after breakfast.