Cycling route from Bastia to Ajaccio along the west coast
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHaute-Corse / Bastia
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions109.99 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Follow in the footsteps of the 2013 Tour de France ! This trip to Corsica is ideal for cycling enthusiasts and lovers of beautiful scenery ! As the stages unfold, you'll see the landscapes change, from the mountains to the sea , and enjoy unforgettable views of the Mediterranean . You'll cross regions as magnificent as they are diverse: Balagne with its superb beaches and mountain villages, Scandola, Porto , and Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site... and of course, the two departmental capitals: Bastia and Ajaccio . Each evening, you'll return to accommodations carefully selected for their comfort and location. What could be more enjoyable than exploring the Isle of Beauty and admiring its treasures by bike?
The highlights
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Driving on some of the most beautiful coastal roads in Europe
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Discovering sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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Varied landscapes during the journey from north to south of Corsica
Photos
Sport
Level
Road cycling
The expert's opinion
Daily distances between 26 km (minimum) and 79 km (maximum) with sometimes elevation gains of up to 800 m. Daily average of 50km/day.
Some stages offer two route options, one easier than the other. This circuit can be completed using an electric bike.
In figures
Road bike
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Average distance/day: 58 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 823 m
- Average daily descent: 836 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Average distance/day: 46 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 676 m
- Average daily descent: 122 m
- Maximum altitude: 405 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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Arrival in Bastia
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your stay begins in Bastia at your hotel in the afternoon. This gives you time to explore the capital of Upper Corsica. The old port is magnificent, as is the freely accessible citadel and the old town, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding area. For dinner (at your leisure), we recommend the old port and its unique atmosphere.
Day 1 -
From Bastia to Saint Florent
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 86 km
- Positive elevation gain 1093 m
- Negative elevation 1153 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 1h45
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 544 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, you hop on your bike and head west over the Teghime pass (536m). At the top of the pass you can admire the superb view, on one side towards the south of Bastia and the entire Marana region, and on the other towards the Gulf of Saint-Florent.
A longer route will take you further north into Cap Corse, crossing between Santa Severa and Luri. A splendid leg that will allow you to discover, among other things, the villages of Erbalunga and Nonza.
Day 2 -
From Saint-Florent to Monticello
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 48 km
- Positive elevation gain 883 m
- Negative elevation 685 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 48 km
- Positive elevation gain 883 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You leave Saint-Florent to begin your journey across the Agriates Desert. No sand dunes or cacti here, but maquis shrubland stretching as far as the eye can see. After that, you reach the coast and magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea, before arriving at a small village perched above Île Rousse.
Day 3 -
Balagne
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 78 km
- Positive elevation gain 933 m
- Negative elevation 1148 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 66 km
- Positive elevation gain 690 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You head towards Calvi, either along the coast or passing through the small Balagne mountain villages.
A short stop in Calvi is a must, to visit the citadel, stroll along the port and in the small shopping streets.
You have just under forty kilometers left to travel, on one of the most beautiful coastal roads on the island, before reaching your accommodation for the day.Day 4 -
Port
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 51 km
- Positive elevation gain 585 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 51 km
- Positive elevation gain 585 m
- Negative elevation 564 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You leave your small fishing village to climb up to the Palmarella pass, which will offer you a fantastic view of the Gulf of Girolata.
The road continues, still as beautiful, through the Col de la Croix (but it descends), the villages of Curzu, Partinello, all the way to Porto.Day 5 -
Piana and Cargese
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 31 km
- Positive elevation gain 689 m
- Negative elevation 634 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 31 km
- Positive elevation gain 705 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A more relaxed day, you start by discovering the Calanques of Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, then the village of Piana, one of the most beautiful in France.
You will then travel to Cargèse, an ancient Greek town where you will find yourself back by the sea.Day 6 -
Ajaccio
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 49 km
- Positive elevation gain 752 m
- Negative elevation 831 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 49 km
- Positive elevation gain 648 m
- Negative elevation 728 m
- Maximum altitude 405 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
And there you have it, the final leg of your journey. You can take a day trip to the magnificent beaches of the Gulf of Lava, where most beachgoers often have four legs. If you arrive in Ajaccio early enough, you can visit the Sanguinaires Islands or explore the city a bit.
Day 7 -
End of stay.
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your stay ends after breakfast. If you have rented bicycles, they will be available for collection at the hotel.
Day 8
Accommodation
7 nights in 3* hotels and 1 night in a 2* hotel.
5 hotels have swimming pools and 1 is on the seafront.
(subject to availability at the time of booking).
Access
Your stay begins in Bastia; your hotel is located in the heart of the city.
End of stay in Ajaccio, still in the city centre.
Go to the starting point
The ideal way to spend this trip is to arrive in Bastia and depart from Ajaccio.
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; it costs approximately €25 per vehicle.
Price details
The price includes
- 7 nights in charming hotels
- 7 breakfasts per person
- Luggage transfer
- The travel file, including maps and guidebook, is available on the mobile app.
- Local telephone support
The price does not include
- The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
- Transportation to and from Bastia
- Insurance
- Tourist taxes
- Bike rental
- Dinners and lunches
Options
- Electric bike rental : CHF448.25 / unit
- Carbon road bike rental : CHF439.10 / unit
- Aluminum road bike rental : CHF384.22 / unit
- Hybrid bike rental : CHF320.18 / 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
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