Discover L’Ile Rousse, a charming Riviera-style resort founded in the 18th century by Pasquale Paoli.
Enjoying a mild microclimate and proximity to wonderful crystal-clear water beaches nestled in the lush vegetation of the surrounding hills, this lovely, convivial town makes for a delightful holiday destination.
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The idyllic setting of L’Ile Rousse.
ILE ROUSSE – LOCATION
L’Ile Rousse is located on the captivating northwest coast of Corsica in the Balagne region, around 20 km east of the spectacular town of Calvi.
Harboured by the crimson-red rocky islets of the La Pietra archipelago overlooking white sandy beaches and backed by the Monte Grosso massif, L’Ile Rousse spoils with a variety of scenic landscapes.
The authentically Corsican region of Balagne, otherwise known as the garden of Corsica, is not only famous for its fertile soils producing the best quality products but also for the captivating beauty of hilltop villages, rich architectural heritage, and a legacy of arts and crafts.
SAVOUR A SUNSET APERITIF ON THE WATER
Watch the red rocks of Pietra Island light up in the golden hour on a boat trip departing from the port of Ile Rousse. You can also book this popular excursion here.
Built in 1892, the Church of Immaculate Conception dominates Place Paoli.
BRIEF HISTORY OF ILE ROUSSE
The town was founded in 1758 under the Corsican Republic of Pasquale Paoli with the intention to become independent from the Genoese prosperous port rivalling the neighbouring Calvi’s trade routes.
It was inhabited much earlier, since ancient times- between 5000-3000 BC- and around 1000 BC it already functioned as a small port town.
The town was originally named Isola Rossa after the red colour of the rocky island- Ile de la Pietra- sheltering the town.
The new port was constructed on a regular road grid system with parallel streets oriented north to south, an uncommon architectural plan in Corsica.
With a thriving trade of local olive oil and wine, L’Ile Rousse became a successful and vibrant port, now heavily dependent on the tourism industry.
BOOK A WINE-TASTING TOUR AROUND ILE ROUSSE AND CALVI
Charming narrow alleys in the historic part of L’Ile Rousse.
10 BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN ILE ROUSSE
Enjoy al fresco dining at the bustling Place Paoli, the main square of L’Ile Rousse, where a bust of Pasquale Paoli towers in the shade of handsome plane trees.
Admire the statue of la Baigneuse, a sculpture by Antoniucci Voltigero on the Paoli square.
Explore the charming narrow streets of the Old Town with its innumerable shops and lively cafes.
Discover the famous covered food market supported by 21 columns at the entrance of Place Paoli. Built in 1845 and classified as a historical monument in 1993, this classical temple-shaped building hosts local producers offering mouth-watering Corsican specialties.
Visit the town’s churches on Rue Louis Philippe- the Church of Immaculate Conception, built in 1892, where you can see 17th-century paintings, the Temptation of Christ and Saint-Jérome, and Notre Dame de la Miséricorde.
Discover Tour de Scalu, a 17th-century tower located on the town hall square that used to serve as a prison, a museum, and a gunpowder storage before it got damaged in an explosion started by lightning.
At the Scalu near the marina, admire the Mermaid, a bronze sculpture by Gabriel Diana.
Enjoy a relaxing walk to Ile de la Pietra, a red rocky island offering the best views across the harbour. AGenoese towerformerly used for defence and a 19th-century lighthouse crown the rocky promontory.
Discover excellent local wines on aprivate wine-tasting tour around Ile Rousse. Enjoy an exciting cellar and vineyard visit before trying local specialities during a relaxing lunch. You may request a pickup from your location.
Savour a sunset aperitif on the water. Watch the red rocks of Pietra Island light up in the golden hour on a boat trip departing from the port of Ile Rousse.
BOOK A LUXURY CATAMARAN CRUISE
Enjoy an unforgettable adventure aboard a luxury catamaran on a day trip to the Agriates or a sunset excursion. The 6.5-hour day tour includes a visit to the sublime beaches of the Agriares and a 3-course meal with drinks. On the 3-hour evening tour, you will watch the sunset while enjoying a drink and appetisers.
An attractive white sandy Plage du Napoléon is the main town beach with a lively promenade de la Marinella and numerous cafes and restaurants. Due to its central position, this much-loved beach may get busy in summer.
A sandy 300 m long Caruchettu beach located to the east of the Plage du Napoléon is much less crowded, especially towards its right side further away from the parking area.
Plage Nautique, just to the side of the road near the marina, is a perfect spot for water sports lovers.
3 km west of L’Ile Rousse along N197, you may discover two stunning beaches famous for their crystal-clear water and powder-white sand- Plage de Bodri and Plage Giunchetu.
The half-moon-shaped Plage de Lozari, popular with water sports enthusiasts and the beautifully wild Ostriconi located further east from L’Ile Rousse in the direction of Bastia are also well worth visiting.
BOOK A BOAT TRIP TO THE STUNNING BEACHES OF THE AGRIATES
Saleccia and Lotu beach boat trip from Ile Rousse. Hop on a boat to discover the white shores of Saleccia and Lotu, paradisiacal beaches bordered by the wild landscapes of the Agriates. This scenic 2.5-hour-long tour departs from the marina of Ile Rousse. If this popular activity sells out on Viator, you can also book it here.
The war memorial in the town square overlooks Plage du Napoleon and Punta di Colombaja.
9 BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE AROUND ILE ROUSSE
Explore the neighbouring Calvi, one of Corsica’s most attractive towns with a spectacular medieval citadel.
Visit Parc de Saleccia, a 7-ha botanic garden showcasing a range of Mediterranean basin plants.
Enjoy a scenic train excursion to Calvi. During this coastal trip, you will stop at some of Corsica’s most attractive beaches dotting the shoreline. Plage de Bodri is a great place for a waterfront picnic.
Follow the Route des Artisans de Balagne created in 1995, to discover the famous craftsmanship of the region. Picturesquehilltop villages offer a wide variety of local crafts and Corsican specialities- from ceramics and jewellery to olive oil, wine, and honey. You may book a guided tour of Balagne here.
Rent a quad bike or a 4×4 car to explore the untamed landscapes of theDésert des Agriatesand its stunning beaches.
You can also hop on a boat to visit the beaches of Salecciaand Lotuin theAgriates. Book your excursion here.
Taste the excellent wines of the region. The Vermentino white explodes with fresh, fruity and floral aromas. In the Corsica Wine Guide, I list the best producers and wines. You can also book a guided wine tour to taste the local flavours and explore the cellars.
Embark on a sightseeing boat cruise to the fascinating natural paradise of the Scandola Nature Reserve. You may learn more about this half-day tour and book tickets here.
Visit Asco Valley, a beautiful, wild territory dominated by Monte Cinto, Corsica’s highest peak, where you can swim in the emerald river pools and hike. If you prefer an organised excursion, join an exciting day-long 4×4 adventure to Asco.
BOOK YOUR BOAT TRIP TO SCANDOLA NATURE RESERVE FROM ILE ROUSSE
Boat trip to Scandola Nature Reserve with a swimming break. A 4.5-hour sea adventure to the reserve of Scandola. Aboard the 12-person semi-rigid, you will enjoy local music and benefit from a swimming break in the Mediterranean waters.
Sea excursion to Scandola with a break in Girolata. A 5.5-hour boat trip to the wild Scandola reserve with a stop in Girolata, a swimming break and music onboard. The snorkeling gear will be provided.
Boat trip to Scandola Nature Reserve and Girolata. A 5-hour excursion aboard a semi-rigid to Scandola with a break in the remote village of Girolata. A swimming break is included in the itinerary.
IMP TIP : small speedboats are not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, heart problems, or other serious medical conditions. In case of any of the above, choose a larger craft when booking your sea excursion.
Tour de Scalu, a 17th-century tower located on the town hall square.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Ile Rousse is home to one of Corsica’s six ferry ports, linking the island with the mainland. For peak periods, ticket reservations should be made in advance to avoid disappointment. Check this article to learn how to get to Corsica, or follow the practical ferry booking guide to make a reservation for your crossing.
You can explore the northwest coast of Balagne by train. The town train station is located 500 m south of the ferry terminal on Route du Port. Long distance trains run connections to Calvi, Bastia and Ajaccio. Check timetables on https://cf-corse.corsica/horaires/ or https://www.corsicabus.org/.
Busses connecting Calvi and Bastia stop on Avenue Piccioni, south of Place Paoli. Beaux Voyages details timetables, fares, and departure places on https://www.corsicar.com/en/autocars-lignes-regulieres-autocar-corse_11.html. If you wish to explore other parts of Corsica by bus, Rapides Bleus offers connecting services from Bastia to Porto Vecchio via the principal towns of the East Coast. Consult the official site for details https://www.rapides-bleus.com/.
The region of Ile Rousse with the surrounding villages is serviced by a public transportation network called A Balanina. On the official A Balanina website, you will find daily lines, schedules and maps.
Information on local attractions and accommodation may be obtained at the tourist office at Place Paoli.
The post office is located on Route de Monticello.
There are several parking areas within L’Ile Rousse, the most convenient ones located on the main Calvi– Bastia road. The most popular but often lacking free places car park is in the centre, just next to Place Paoli and the Ile Rousse beach.
GET THE CORSICA WINE GUIDE AND ENJOY A WINE TOUR OF THE ISLAND
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Dear Friends, my name is Karolina (Karola for short) and I live on the beautiful northern coast of Corsica, the best place on earth! I hope that my travels around this incredible Mediterranean island can inspire your journeys and help create long-lasting holiday memories. Wishing you joy on your adventures - K.
