The GT20 North from Bastia to L'Ile-Rousse with Corsica Aventure

 gt 20 CORSICA AVENTURE

The route begins in the villages and wild panoramas of Cap Corse, via the Col de la Serra, which offers magnificent views of the Italian islands. You then reach the port of Centuri, renowned for its lobster. The route continues on to Morsiglia and Saint-Florent, dotted with viewpoints, cosy cafés, vineyards and turquoise waters. You then cross the Agriates desert to the Vezzu pass, before reaching Balagne, where picturesque villages such as Novella and Belgodère offer breathtaking views. Finally, you'll discover typical hilltop villages such as Feliceto, Zilia and Calenzana, before ending your adventure at L'Ile Rousse, between fine sandy beaches and majestic mountains.

YOUR PROGRAMME:

DAY 1 Start in Bastia

Arriving by sea, Bastia is instantly captivating with its picturesque image: a town clinging to its mountain plunging into the Mediterranean, dominated by its citadel perched above the old port. Once you've settled into your hotel in the city centre, you can take your time exploring the picturesque streets of the Terra Vecchia and Terra Nova districts, or enjoying the lively terraces of Place Saint-Nicolas.

Overnight in Bastia

DAY 2 Bastia to Centuri

On this first day of cycling, you'll set off to discover the jewels of Cap Corse.
The route becomes wilder as you head north. Balcony roads and authentic villages line this first stretch of coastline. In the second part of the day, you'll take a winding road that climbs inland to the Col de la Serra.
From here, you can enjoy magnificent views of both sides of Cap Corse and the Italian islands of Capraia and Elba.
The day ends with a 7 km descent offering breathtaking views of the sea. After passing through the village, the descent takes you to the port of Centuri. This charming little port, which specialises in lobster, is a must-see.

Distance 56 km
Difference in altitude +700 m / -700 m

Overnight in Centuri

DAY 3 Centuri to Saint Florent

From the port of Centuri, head south towards the village of Morsiglia. As you progress, the vegetation will become lower, giving way to superb panoramic views of the sea. Following the coastline, you'll have the chance to discover some of the most beautiful villages on Cap Corse. Throughout the day, spectacular views, cosy cafés, old stones and vineyards will punctuate your itinerary. Your adventure ends at the southernmost tip of Cap Corse, in the town of Saint-Florent. Its historic centre, glaciers and turquoise waters will offer you an unforgettable finish to your day.

Distance 59 km
Difference in altitude +800 m / -800 m

Overnight in Saint Florent

DAY 4 From Saint Florent to L'Ile Rousse

You will leave Saint-Florent to discover the Agriates desert. This vast expanse, once cultivated for wheat and olives, will take you as far as the Vezzu pass. The Balagne region then welcomes you on a small secondary road that climbs up to the village of Novella. Drive a few kilometres through the heart of the wild and authentic Balagne before reaching the San Colombano pass. From here, the horizon opens out onto a breathtaking panorama stretching from the Balagne to Cap Corse. A pleasant descent then takes you to the village of Belgodère. Picturesque churches, enchanting landscapes and the authenticity of Corsican villages make up the backdrop to this stage. Our tour ends at L'Ile Rousse, in this exceptional setting between the sea and the mountains.

Distance 77 km Difference in altitude +1250 m / -1250 m

The programmes have been drawn up on the basis of the latest information available at the time of writing: imponderables are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter the programme.

Start
At your hotel in Bastia.
End
In L'Ile Rousse after the day's cycling. If you hire a bike, the meeting point will be arranged with the hire company at 5 p.m. Transfer by train to Bastia and Ajaccio.

Accommodation
Hotel** and *** in double room. Single room supplement to be requested when booking.

Meals
Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, butter, jam).
Evening meals on your own (many restaurants on site).
Picnics not included. Can be purchased on site.

Transport
Only your personal belongings for the day and your picnic. Luggage is transported by vehicle.


Possible extensions

Extension to return to Bastia by bike

At the end of your stay in L'île-Rousse, we can offer you an extended stay with a return journey to Bastia by bike.

Stage from Belgodère to La Porta

If you choose this extension, the day's cycling initially planned between Saint Florent and L'île-Rousse will be modified with an overnight stay in Belgodère (45km, 800m d+, 500m d-).

Head south-east, crossing the San Colombano pass to descend the Lagani valley. In Ponte Leccia, you'll find shops and services before heading into the Castagniccia region, famous for its centuries-old chestnut groves. The day ends in the village of La Porta.

Distance: 59 km, altitude difference: +1180 m / -980 m

Stage from La Porta to Bastia

This day's ride to Bastia will take you through the Castagniccia to Barchetta. After a refreshment break, you will climb to Volpajola before reaching Borgo and its views of the sea and the Italian islands. The descent then takes you along the Etang de Biguglia to Bastia.

Distance: 77 km, altitude difference: +770 m / -1320 m

Please contact us for prices.

Benefits

Accommodation, breakfasts, luggage transport, travel pack with IGN maps and route book, access to the application.

Prestations non comprises

Drinks, evening meals, picnics, administration fees, insurance, bike hire, site visits and transfers not included in the programme, supervision.

Points forts

From Cap Corse to Balagne
Access to luggage
Touring holiday - 4 days cycling with our Appli
** and *** hotels
Start in Bastia, end in L'Ile Rousse

Infos pratiques

Mesures particulières : A reasonable level of physical fitness is required. You must do at least one sporting activity once a week. Stages of 40 km to 60 km per day. Maximum cumulative elevation gain 1200 metres per day. First experience of a cycling tour is recommended. This tour can also be done with an electric bike.

Mode of locomotion

Bicycle Touring

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