Are you orientating on a cycling holiday to France? But would you like an alternative to a basecamp in Bourg d'Oisans or around Lourdes. Of course, you can choose a beautiful other department in mainland France. Plenty of choice, for example, in the Ardèche. We do have another tip: Corsica! Or rather, Northern Corsica. It is France but just different. The Corsicans are proud and consider themselves truly different from the mainland French. The island is rugged, loved by hikers and for cyclists very diverse. Of course, there is also plenty for gravel bikers to discover. The Tour de France also touched down here several times, the last time in 2013. Back then, they already showed the versatility of the island. Find the most beautiful cycling routes and tips for this French island here.
Basecamp
If you are going to spend a few days cycling in Corsica, you can choose to make Bastia in northern Corsica your basecamp. Corsica's second city is not too big, but offers everything you need. From there, you can very well explore the north side of the island by bike. In the tip alone, which is right above the city, you can spend two days on beautiful cycling routes by road bike. For the gravel enthusiast, there may be longer entertainment. You can literally keep riding back and forth without getting bored for a moment.
Col de la Serra and more
The Col de la Serra is a wonderful climb to discover Cap de Corse (the north). The route to the climb starts at the port of Macinaggio and leads you about 420 metres further up in 12 kilometres. There is a small descent in it, so don't be fooled! If you turn off before the summit towards the northernmost tip of Tollare, you'll have fun on the way back, as this stretch is known as the Corsican Poggio. With a considerable gradient, this little climb lives up to its name. Remember that you also have to continue climbing to the top of the Col de la Serra. You can climb this very nicely if you do a 'Circuit de Cap de Corse'. Then you drive almost 150 kilometres, but have a top day.
Criss-crossing this point
The Cap de Corse is great for playing all the way out. For example, the road (D35) between Marine de Meria and Morsiglia. Wonderfully quiet and westbound it is a gentle climb. Conversely, it is a bit rougher and more uneven. Then it's actually a few short hills in a row. The rugged nature really does make this a nicer, different route from mainland France. If you do the aforementioned Circuit de Cap de Corse, then you mainly ride along the coast and there you are treated to a nice stretch of hilly cycling.
So you will find more such cycling routes going back and forth from the east to the west of this point. Closer to Bastia, you'll also find one of the island's most challenging climbs, the Serra de Pigno. On this route from Bastia, you'll be nearly 950 metres higher in 14 kilometres than at the start. The devil is in the final kilometres here. So screw on the good legs, otherwise you'll really be seen. Once at the top, the views are insane.
Corsica is big
This sounds like an open door, but it is worth mentioning. A cycling round Circuit de Cap is already 150 kilometres, without alternative cycling routes. From Bastia, you can think of 5 or 6 more loops that won't even get you halfway around the island in the end. One such loop is a trip towards Saint Florent, just on the other side of the Cap de Corse. You can add almost 1900 altimeters to the counter here in 75 kilometres. Here too, you'll pick up another local 'Poggio', the Poggio d'Oletta.
Gravel heaven - Agriates desert
From Bastia, it is best to head towards the Agriates desert, behind Saint Florent, by gravel bike. You really have no business here on a road bike, as it is unpaved, rugged terrain. A bit similar to the middle of the island. You will also find a military base here, but obviously you are not welcome there. You can play out this point here from left to right and top to bottom, and you'll be in for a while. Expect few amenities here and a road that gets really muddy in bad weather. On the waterfront, make a stop at Valencia beach. That's one out of the book, mind you.
Cycling route northern Corsica
Below you will find a beautiful cycling itinerary that takes in all the highlights from Bastia. Find more inspiration in our collections on Komoot. You can also find more cycling routes from other locations there.
Practical
The island is a few hours away by boat from Marseille or Nice, but is probably easiest to reach from the Netherlands via Genoa in Italy. You can also fly, of course, but that's usually just a little less sustainable. Bear in mind that you can ski in Corsica in winter, albeit not as early as September/October.
Still, it gets chilly there quickly, so always check beforehand. In summer, the beaches are lovely and you can head higher up for coolness. The highest climb in Corsica is over 1,600 metres.
Accommodation
In Corsica, you have lots of good accommodation for cyclists. In Bastia, we have a simple tip: The Best Western hotel in town offers many options for cyclists and not unimportant and convenient space with cleaning supplies. Check it hotel for availability and prices.
