The Corsica Rides

This Corsica trip and each ride is designed with an obsessive attention to route detail. We’ll average about 45 miles/day with 3,000 to 6,000′ of climbing (and descending) over 1-2 moderate mountain passes. Perfect moderate intensity routes for spring training or end-of-season slow down. Rides will all start and finish at our hotels with no time spent transferring in a van . This is a guided, fully-supported and well-designed trip. To fully enjoy this tour you should be a fit cyclist eager to explore, climb and descend some of the most beautiful remote interior passes and coastal roads on the island. Riders are supported with a SAG stocked with water, electrolyte powder, fresh fruit and energy bars.

Accommodations

All of our accommodations are hand-selected for their location, service, comfort and authentic charm. We’ll be staying in lovely island-style 3-star hotels as well as charming mountain agritourismos in the interior of the island.

Corsica Island Cycling Tour Includes

• Services of one or more of our smiling, experienced bilingual domestiques (i.e. guides);
• 6 nights accommodation in 3-star hotels and charming agriturismos;
• Breakfast daily (except arrival day); 2 picnic lunch and 3 dinners (including wine);
• Energy snacks and hydration in the SAG vehichle;
• Luggage transfer;
• Route maps and daily distances; and
• Ride Strong Travel Planner including information on packing, training and traveling with your bike.

Travel and Bikes

• You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival and departure city. We’ll send you a travel planner to help with all of the logistics of getting there;
• We recommend you travel with your own bike.  If you’d prefer to rent, please let us know during the registration process as quantities of rentals are limited from our local supplier; and
• Passports are needed for all international tours.

Travel Insurance & Cancellations

Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.

Corsica cycling trip

Day 1 – Ajaccio

We’ll rendezvous in the seaside town of Ajaccio, the capital of southern Corsica and birthplace of France’s first emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte. Perhaps the most Mediterranean of all Corsican towns, you’ll want to arrive with plenty of time to explore the medieval center. We highly recommend arriving a day early to acclimate to the time change. Ajaccio can be reached by air on Air France or Air Corsica from Paris, Marseille and Nice and seasonal flights from London. Another excellent way to arrive in Ajaccio is to take the across from Nice or Marseille. We’ll meet you at the Ajaccio airport or ferry dock between 2:00 – 3:00 on arrival day. Our hotel is within a short drive from the airport. Welcome dinner tonight out on the town.

Day 2 – Calvi to Porto/Piana

Today is a beautiful ride along the rugged west coast of Corsica following Stage 3 of the 2013 Tour de France route. The Gulf of Sagone, two cols (mountain passes) and granite cliffs take us to the UNESCO protected site of E Calenche. Described by many as the most awesome natural sight in Corsica, the road winds directly through narrow granite rock formations soaring 300 meters above sea level. Ride: 85 km/54 mi , 2 cols, 5,000′ & optional swim.

Day 3 – Porto to Corte

Leaving the coast, we’ll take the less-travelled east road through the villages of Ota and Evisa, before reaching the sub-alpine meadow of Col de Verghio (1467 m), Corsica’s highest ‘driveable’ road. The climb is marked by 47 different varietals of chestnut trees, cork groves, beech and fir forests. After taking in the panoramic views at the summit, we’ll be appropriately rewarded with 35 kilometers of a twisting descent through the Niolo Valley. One last climb takes us to our hotel in the village of Corte, the former capital of Corsica’s short-lived independence. Corte has a selection of excellent restaurants serving up more traditional Corsican cuisine and craft chestnut-infused beer. Ride: 85 km/54 mi cycling, 1 col and undulating (roughly 5,700′).

Day 4 – Corte to Solenzara and Tyrrhenean Sea

The secret climbs of Corsica’s interior rival the best of the Tour de France. Today’s spectacular ride starts on tiny mountain roads bordered by Laricio pines, over a succession of three relatively short moderately pitched climbs. Enjoy the end-of-ride descent to the Tyrrehenean seaside town of Solenzara where we’ll spend the night. Afternoon is yours for indulging in a cold beer, relaxing with a book or, going for a swim. Ride: 90 km/56 mi, 3 moderate cols, 4,700′).

Day 5 – Solenzara to Propriano

The most dramatic road in Corsica, we will use the morning air and outrageous views to propel our bikes up the Col de Bavella (1218m). A not to be missed climb, the spiny granite needles of this mountain range dominate the landscape in both directions. Refuel in the charming town of Zonza making our way down to surf, sand and civilization. Beach shops and boulangeries line the one way streets of Propriano. Take in the scene or head straight to the beach for a dip in the Mediterranean. Ride: 78 km/49 miles, 1 col, 6,000′.

Day 6 – Propriano to Ajaccio

Take a short morning run along the beach before we roll up the coast on undulating roads overlooking the Ajaccio gulf. Pack your swimsuit for the ride, there are several sweet spots for a dip along the way. We’ll roll into Ajaccio with plenty of time to explore this wonderful ancient city, the capital of Ajaccio. Corsican wine and island delicacies highlight our celebration dinner. Ride: 76 km/47 miles on undulating roads.

Day 7 – Homeward Bound

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll say our good-byes and provide a morning shuttle to the airport, ferry port or train station. We highly recommend staying a few more days on this beautiful island to do some exploring on your own.

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