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 nested in the lush vegetation of 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. Find more information and book your sea excursion here.
Built in 1892 Church of Immaculate Conception dominating Place Paoli.
THE 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 rivaling the neighboring 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.
ENJOY A WINE-TASTING TOUR IN CALVI
Wine tasting and a vineyard tour with a picnic. Try excellent Corsican wines on this 3-hour-long vineyard and cellar tour followed by a picnic of fresh local produce. Learn more and book your activity here.
Charming narrow alleys in the historic part of L’Ile Rousse.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN ILE ROUSSE – TOP ATTRACTIONS
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 supported by 21 columns covered food market located at the entrance of Place Paoli. Built in 1845 and classified as a historical monument in 1993 this shaped like a classical temple building hosts local producers offering mouth-watering Corsican specialties.
Visit the town’s churches found on Rue Louis Philippe- built in 1892 Church of Immaculate Conception 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. A Genoese tower formerly used for defense 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 specialties during a relaxing lunch. You may request a pickup from your location. Learn more and book your gourmet experience here.
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. Find more information and book your excursion here.
BOOK A DAY TOUR TO BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES OF THE BALAGNE REGION
Day tour to the villages of the Balagne region from Ile Rousse/Calvi. Explore charming villages of the Balagne, learn the history of Corsica, and indulge in sweeping views of the Mediterranean landscapes. A lunch break followed by a refreshing swim enriches this exciting adventure. The pickup is included in the price. Learn more and book your trip here.
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 from 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 well worth visiting.
BOOK YOUR BOAT TRIP TO THE BEACHES OF DESERT DES AGRIATES
The war memorial located on the town square overlooking Plage du Napoleon and Punta di Colombaja.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO AROUND ILE ROUSSE – TOP ATTRACTIONS
Explore the neighboring 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.
Follow the Route des Artisans de Balagne created in 1995 to discover famous craftsmanship of the region. Picturesque hilltop villages offer a wide variety of local crafts and Corsican specialties- from ceramics and jewelry to olive oil, wine, and honey. If you prefer to join a guided tour you may book your tickets here.
Rent a quad bike or a 4×4 car to explore the untamed landscapes of theDésert des Agriatesand its stunning beaches.
Alternatively, 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.
Embark on a sightseeing boat cruise to the fascinating natural paradise of the Scandola Nature Reserve. You may learn more about this half-a-day tour and book tickets here.
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-long 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. learn more and bookhere.
Boat trip to Scandola Nature Reserve and Girolata. A 5-hour-long excursion aboard a semi-rigid to Scandola with a break in the remote village of Girolata. A swimming break is included in the itinerary. Learn more and book your tickets here.
Tour de Scalu, a 17th-century tower located on the town hall square.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
One of Corsica’s six ferry ports is located in L’Ile Rousse linking the island with the mainland. For peak periods reservations should be made in advance to avoid disappointment.
You can explore the north-west coast of Balagne by train. The town train station is located 500 m south of the ferry terminal on Route du Port.
Busses connecting Calvi and Bastia stop on Avenue Piccioni, south of Place Paoli.
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 places within L’Ile Rousse, the most convenient being located on the main Calvi– Bastia road, the other popular one in the center just next to Place Paoli.
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.
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