The 13 things to do in L’Île-Rousse

Visit L’Île-Rousse: what to do and what to see during your holiday in Balagne? Discover the must-sees of this iconic city of Corsica.

Between sea and maquis, Île-Rousse enjoys an exceptional geographical location in the northwest of Corsica. This former fishing village nicknamed the city Paoline captivates with its summer atmosphere sun-filled.

It makes the heart palpitate those who explore its incredible bay surmounted with islets orange with red porphyre. We stay there for its beautiful landscapes dyed with turquoise blue and sparkling green.

Through the alleys, it reveals itself authentic and generous with its visitors. Discover the must-see activities to spend an unforgettable stay on Île-Rousse!

1. Spread in the city centre

Discover the architecture of the city with its covered market, Scalo Tower and its incredible church. The picturesque alleys lined with Florentine houses lead to central Paoli.

In its midst, the bust of the founder of the city Pascal Paoli stands proudly under the shadow of gigantic palm trees. The ground blond blends harmoniously with the red brick of the roofs and the green of the plane trees.

In the evening, bars and restaurants live around the city’s with a singing accent. You will love to enjoy local products by observing the Île-Roussiens face in a part of endiabeted ball games.

2. The Church of the Immaculate-Conception

The Church of the Immaculate Conception dominates the Paoli Square surrounded by green plane trees. Inaugurated in 1893, it was rebuilt following a fire in 1914.

In 1935, after years of work, she reborn from her even more majestic ashes. During the visit of this place of worship, admire the details of the windows on the Immaculate Conception.

In addition, the church contains paintings classified as the 17th century historical monument. His paintings belong to the Fesch collection and represent the temptation of Christ and Saint-Jérôme.

Every year, the religious organize a celebration in honour of this event on December 8.

3. The promenade of Marinella

The Marinella promenade extends along the sea not far from Paoli Square. This coastal path runs along the city and allows you to admire the beaches that border Île-Rousse.

Don't miss the bronze siren made in 2016 by Gabriel Diana . She monitors the horizon and fishermen from her granite promontory as her sister Copenhagen .

4. The island of Pietra

From the marina, the legendary island of Pietra is drawn away. At the time, it inspires the name of Île-Rousse with its red porphyre stones.

At your destination, head to the 13-metre lighthouse. At the top, kiss the bay of your gaze from Calvi to the tip of Agriate. The redoy of the rock contrasts perfectly with the turquoise water of the Mediterranean.

Small advice, climb to the top just before sunset to admire the colors dancing in the sky. An ancient Genoese Tower built in the 15th century also proudly stands on Pietra Island.

5. The beach of Bodri

Between fine sand and green hills nestles the beautiful beach of Bodri. To reach it, park in a nearby parking lot before you reach a coastal path.

After five to ten minutes walk, paradise literally jumps to your eyes. A limpid water lost sight merges with a sky without any cloud. In addition, the beach is constantly monitored by saviors at sea.

6. Le train de l’Île-Rousse à Calvi

From Île-Rousse, join the incredible city of Calvi on the beach tram. This special train runs along the coast and stops in front of the most beautiful views of the Balagne.

The 15 stations between the two cities allow to capture unique landscapes on the film of the cameras. Arrive at Calvi, visit its unbeatable citadel and its very lively marina.

You are nevertheless advised to buy your tickets in advance for this trip. Indeed, it is a popular tourist activity among travellers.

7. Diving baptism

Visiting Île-Rousse is also discovering the Corsican underwater world. For three hours, spend your diving baptism in the heart of local fauna and aquatic flora.

Under the sea, the crooks and benches of saupes play with seaweeds and seaweeds. An unforgettable experience to explore another facet of the region.

A graduate instructor accompanies divers throughout this exit to ensure the safety of each. The visit is carried out by respecting Mediterranean submarine biodiversity.

8. Excursion snorkeling

From the port of Île-Rousse, snorkeling excursions allow you to explore the submarines. Off the coast, the group joins the Corsican calanques to admire the fauna and flora of the Medieval.

Under the turquoise water, it is another enchanting world that reveals itself through the eyes of the holidaymakers. A monitor guides the exit at sea so that everyone spends a unique moment.

Keep your eyes open to identify the different multicolored fish present among wild seaweeds. This will allow you to visit the Île-Rousse other than from the farmland.

9. Artisanale Salvatori

Ah, Corsican specialties, a real delight for taste buds! The place of the Canon takes care of the smell of handmade biscuits made in this biscuiterie every day.

For 50 years, local artisans have been manufacturing Canistrelli and Courellini to mislead the sweet breaks of holidaymakers.

The Olioses find their place at the time of the aperitif. An intoxicating fragrance emerges from its treats and tickles the senses from the doorstep.

If you wish to extend your visit, the shop proposes to take a coffee with a local sweetness.

10. Tasting local specialties to the covered market

Every day of the week, regional producers welcome travellers to the covered market of Île-Rousse. The building, first of all, resembles a Greek temple of antiquity. Composed of 21 columns of an immaculate white, it has been recognized as a historic monument since 1993.

Within it, the different exhibitors share the authenticity and know-how of Corsican local products. Goat cheese combines artisanal cuts, honey and jams throughout the stalls.

Go with brocciu or Migliacci doughnuts to treat your taste buds.

11. Water sports

The train station beach is reserved for water activities such as kayaking or paddle. It is therefore possible to rent nautical equipment to go to sea alone or to several.

The water club of Île-Rousse also offers excursions for families or friends on the Mediterranean. Visit Île-Rousse aboard a sailboat during an unforgettable sea trip. The hair in the wind, the heavenly beaches will defy in front of your dazzled eyes.

12. The beach Napoleon

The beach Napoleon is a sandy beach bordered by the Mediterranean Sea near the city centre. Travelers and residents regularly relax in front of this blue camaieu near their home.

The feet in the water, admire the steep coasts of Pietra Island overlooking the horizon. The seafront lives at the rhythm of restaurants and bars that animate the promenade.

13. Boat trip

To close your stay in beauty, why not let yourself be tempted by a boat ride and visit Île-Rousse from the sea?

Discover the Corsican coasts as you have never seen them, other than from the farmland! With or without skipper, you have the embarrassment of choice!

What to do about Rousse Island?

• The Balagne cities. The Corsican hinterland is full of fishing villages more authentic than others. The best known is San Antonio.
• Ghjunchitu beach. From the beach of Bordi, take a path through the maquis to reach this stretch of blond sand.
• The Agriates Desert. Close to Saint-Florent, this wild desert of 15,000 hectares dazzles in the Corsican landscape.
• Calvi. Just 30 minutes away, the beautiful citadel of Calvi overlooks the surroundings. Very lively city in the summer, stroll through its picturesque streets with an intoxicating smell.
• Saleccia Park. Discover plants from all over the world during a family outing in this park of seven hectares.

How do I go to Île-Rousse?

The nearest airport is that of Calvi to only 30 minutes road via the T30. From Calvi, easily reach the city centre of the city Paoline by train or by car.

To change the plane, opt for a ferry crossing from many cities on the Mediterranean coast. Corsica Linea and Corsica ferry companies regularly serve this port from Toulon , Nice , Marseille or Livorno .

If you choose the plane as a means of transport from the continent, compare prices with one click Ulysses .

Where to sleep in Île-Rousse?

Ile-Rousse is a human-sized city that adapts to the desires of everyone for the holidays. The city offers more affordable prices than its neighbor Calvi to visit Corsica. From luxury hotel to cozy apartment in Airbnb a heteroclite choice is offered to travellers.

Whatever your requirements, launch a search on this hotel comparison and find the rare pearl.

How do we move to Île-Rousse?

You do not need to book a vehicle to drive on Île-Rousse. The whole city is easily discovered by your own walking or cycling means. To reach more distant tourist points, the train is an alternative to the car.

If you decide to rent a car, do not miss our dedicated page car rental in Corsica .

In the heart of the Balagne, visiting Île-Rousse is one of the must-sees during a Corsican getaway. This city in charge of History invites every traveler to relax. A perfect starting point for swiping the roads of the island of beauty.