Cycling weekend exploring Cap Corse and the Gulf of Saint-Florent
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationHaute-Corse / Bastia
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions32.5 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Escape to the Isle of Beauty for a weekend cycling trip! Explore Cap Corse, a still wild and unspoiled region where winding roads meander between sea and mountains, passing through charming fishing villages and revealing magnificent panoramas of the Mediterranean. Continue your adventure to the superb beaches of Saint-Florent, before reaching the authentic villages of the hinterland, nestled in the heart of the maquis and the Corsican landscape. Your trip will also take you to Bastia, a city of character with a rich heritage, its lively streets, its old port, and its pretty squares. As the kilometers unfold, let yourself be captivated by the diverse landscapes, the alternation between coastline and mountainous terrain, the local traditions, and the island way of life. A refreshing weekend getaway that combines the pleasure of cycling, cultural discoveries, encounters, and good times, all at your own pace!
The highlights
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Explore the northern part of Corsica in depth by bike
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Balanced stages between sea and mountains
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Perfect for a short weekend
Photos
Sport
Level
Road cycling
The expert's opinion
Two stages of 110 and 70km with elevation gains of around 1500m+ per day.
In figures
Road bike
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 108 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1540 m
- Average daily descent: 1547 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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Cap Corse
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 109 km
- Positive elevation gain 1510 m
- Negative elevation 1520 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, after meeting to collect your luggage and bicycles (if you rented them), you'll hop on your bike and head north along a road that hugs the coastline, winds through the wooded interior, and reaches the other side of the island with its stunning cliffs. Several Genoese and Paoline towers dot the route, along with old convents and mills. The marinas with their charming little fishing ports are beautiful. The overnight stop is in Saint-Florent.
Day 1 -
From the Gulf of Saint-Florent to Bastia
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 106 km
- Positive elevation gain 1569 m
- Negative elevation 1573 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You leave the magnificent Gulf of Saint-Florent and head towards Bastia, crossing the mountainous landscapes of inland Corsica. Several routes are available, with between one and three mountain passes to cross depending on the chosen route and your desire for a challenge!
The longest route will take you along a charming country road to Murato, famous for its Romanesque church of San Michele, before crossing the Bigorno pass (885 m). As you progress, you will discover a more secluded Corsica, with its stone villages, forests, verdant valleys, and winding roads.
For a shorter stage of approximately 66 km, you can opt for a route passing through the village of Patrimonio, renowned for its vineyards, then through the Teghime pass (536 m), which offers beautiful panoramas on both sides of the island.
Whichever option you choose, this stage will allow you to fully enjoy the diversity of Corsican landscapes before returning to the lively atmosphere and Mediterranean charm of Bastia.
Day 2 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast.
Day 3
Accommodation
Overnight stay in Saint-Florent, in a 3* hotel with swimming pool, near the city centre.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
3* hotel located in the heart of Bastia, close to the train station and the airport shuttle bus stop.
Access
An appointment will be scheduled for the morning of Day 1 for the collection of your luggage and the delivery of the bicycles if necessary.
Go to the starting point
Shuttle buses from the airport will take you to the center of Bastia, to the train station. The fare is approximately €12 per person. Bicycles cannot be transported on the shuttle.
Taxis are also available outside the airport. Expect to pay around €60 per trip (more at night, on Sundays, and on public holidays). Taxis cannot transport bicycles.
Upon request, we can arrange airport transfers, with your bicycles.
If you have a vehicle, you can park it in the car park under Place Saint-Nicolas in Bastia. You will need to go to the reception desk to get a weekly pass, which costs approximately €25 per vehicle. This is more economical than a daily rate.
Price details
The price includes
- Nights in 3-star hotels in a double room
- 2 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers
- The digital travel file including maps and guidebook
- Local telephone support
The price does not include
- The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
- Maritime or air transport
- Transportation to the meeting point and from the departure point
- Drinks, lunches and dinners
- Insurance
- Bike rental
Options
- Carbon road bike rental : CHF201.26 / unit
- Aluminum road bike rental : CHF128.07 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
A minimum of specific cycling equipment will be necessary to be comfortable on the pedals:
- A helmet (provided if you rent the bike)
- Glasses
- Appropriate shoes (no smooth soles)
- Cycling shorts or cycling shorts
- Breathable T-shirt (avoid cotton)
To avoid mechanical problems, it's best to be prepared and always carry basic cycling equipment (provided if you rent the bike):
- 2 inner tubes (puncture-resistant tubes strongly recommended, or puncture-resistant strips)
- a pump
- tire levers
- an inner tube repair kit consisting of patches and glue
- a multi-tool
- a small clamp
- a piece of tire
Alternatively, you can assemble your own toolbox which will be transported along with your luggage:
- a brake cable (front and rear)
- a derailleur cable
- a tire
- a derailleur hanger
- chain oil
- a rag
And let's not forget the most important thing:
- spare clothes
- a pair of light shoes for the evening
- a thick sweater or a fleece jacket
- a small toiletry bag with a towel
Clothing to bring
To drive:
- A helmet (included if you rent a bike)
- Glasses
- Appropriate shoes (no smooth soles)
- Cycling shorts or cycling shorts
- Breathable T-shirt (avoid cotton)
For after cycling:
- Spare clothes
- A pair of light shoes for the evening
- A thick sweater or a fleece jacket
- A small toiletry bag with a towel
