Our tours in Haute-Corse

Visit Haute Corse in 7 days

Must-sees in northern Corsica

From the north of Corsica, don't miss Bastia, a city of art and history renowned for its lively old port and picturesque alleyways. And don't forget to make a detour to Cap Corse, a magnificent, unspoilt region where you can discover charming villages such as Erbalunga and Macinaggio.

Take your exploration as far as the Agriate Desert, a unique natural area where the Corsican maquis stretches as far as the eye can see.
Head for Saint-Florent, a charming seaside town with a marina and beautiful beaches such as Saleccia.
The Balagne region is also well worth a visit, with its many hilltop villages such as Pigna and Sant'Antonino, and its craftsmen's route.

Don't forget to visit Calvi and its citadel, and L'Île-Rousse for its beautiful beaches and covered market. Last but not least, for nature lovers, the Restonica Gorges near Corte are a great place to hike.

The most beautiful villages of Haute Corse

Exploring the most beautiful villages of Haute Corse is an unforgettable experience.

Start with Sant'Antonino, a perched medieval village in the Balagne region. Offering breathtaking sea views, it is listed as one of France's most beautiful villages.

Then head for Lumio, a picturesque village not far from Calvi, known for its traditional stone houses and narrow streets.

Pigna, another Balagne village, is renowned for its local crafts and concerts in the church of Sainte-Marie.

Next, discover Nonza, nestled on a cliff on the west coast of Cap Corse. Its church of Sainte-Julie and its paoline tower are not to be missed.

Finally, Centuri, a charming fishing village on the west coast of Cap Corse, is renowned for its lively little port and historic Genoese towers.

5-day tour of Haute Corse

Key stages of a short break

For a 5-day short break in Haute Corse, here are some key stages to consider:

Day 1 : Bastia Start your trip by exploring Bastia, the capital of Haute Corse. Enjoy the old port, picturesque alleyways and the [Museum of Corsica].

Day 2 : Cap Corse Take a tour of Cap Corse, passing through the villages of Erbalunga and Macinaggio. Take time to admire the [enchanting landscapes] of this unspoilt region.

Day 3 : Calvi and Île-Rousse Head west to discover Calvi and its citadel, then Île-Rousse, renowned for its beautiful beaches and covered market.

Day 4: Gorges de la Restonica Spend the day exploring the [Gorges de la Restonica] near Corte. The hikes offer breathtaking views.

Day 5 : Balagne villages End your stay with a visit to some of Balagne's most beautiful villages, including Sant'Antonino, Lumio and Pigna.

This itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to suit your interests and pace.

Time-saving tips

Optimizing your time on a tour of Haute Corse requires a little organization. Here are a few suggestions:

• Plan your itinerary before you leave : defining the sites you want to visit in advance will help you avoid unnecessary travel.
• Prefer visits outside peak hours : this will help you avoid queues and get the most out of each site.
• Be flexible: weather conditions can sometimes force last-minute changes to your itinerary. It's good to have a plan B.

Practicalities:

• Take snacks and water with you: you won't have to search for a place to eat in the middle of the day.
• Wear comfortable shoes: some sites require you to walk on uneven ground.
• Remember to take sun cream and a hat : the sun in Corsica can be very strong, especially in summer.

Finally, don't forget that the aim is to enjoy your stay. So, even if you want to see as much as possible, take time to relax and enjoy the beauty of Corsica.

Tourism in Haute Corse: sites not to be missed

Historical and cultural sites

Haute-Corse is rich in historical and cultural sites that bear witness to its tumultuous past. Bastia, the capital of Haute-Corse, is an excellent starting point for discovering its hidden treasures. Its majestic Citadelle offers a panoramic view of the town and port. Not far away is Place Saint-Nicolas, a lively meeting place for the people of Bastia.

Inland, Corte, theisland's former capital, is renowned for its historical and cultural heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Musée de la Corse, which traces the island's history.

In Cap Corse, the village of Nonza is a preserved medieval gem, famous for its paoline tower and the church of Sainte-Julie. For prehistoric history buffs, Haute Corse is home to several sites of interest.

Finally, head to Calvi to discover its citadel and the Revellata, witnesses to the town'seventful history. An exploration of the Route des Artisans will also enable you to discover the island's rich craft heritage.

Exceptional natural landscapes

Haute Corse boasts an incredible diversity of exceptional natural landscapes that are sure to delight nature lovers. Cap Corse is one of the region's jewels, offering wild, unspoilt landscapes, hilltop villages and sandy or pebble beaches.

For hiking enthusiasts, Lake Nino is a must-see destination, with its pozzines, typical Corsican mountain plant formations. Near the lake, the summit of Monte Cinto, Corsica's highest peak, offers a breathtaking panoramic view.

Lovers of coastal landscapes will be captivated by the turquoise waters and rocky peaks of the Agriate desert. As for the Gulf of Calvi, it's a veritable showcase of biodiversity,

Finally, for a trip out of time, don't miss a visit to the Col de Vergio and its verdant forests. It's the island's highest road pass and a starting point for many hikes.

Driving in Haute Corse

Recommended itineraries

If you're planning a road trip in Haute Corse, there are several routes you can take to discover the island's remarkable landscapes and sites. Here are a few suggested itineraries:

Take the Route des Vins to discover the region's vineyards and taste the famous Corsican wines. The Cap Corse road is ideal for admiring the coastal scenery and visiting charming fishing villages. If you're a hiking enthusiast, the Restonica Valley road is a must. It leads up to Lake Melo at an altitude of over 1,700 m. For a real immersion in nature, head for the hinterland. The road offers breathtaking views of mountains and chestnut forests.

Don't forget to check the weather forecast to plan your itinerary according to climatic conditions.

Driving and precautions on Corsican roads

Caution is essential on the roads of Haute Corse. The island's mountainous topography means that many roads are winding and narrow. We recommend that you keep your speed down and remain vigilant, especially on bends.

In high season, traffic can be dense, especially on roads leading to tourist sites.

Be particularly careful in wet weather, as Corsican roads can become slippery.

And don't forget to observe parking regulations in towns and villages to avoid fines.

• Moderate speed on winding roads
• Vigilance on bends
• Take care in the rain
• Respect parking regulations.
• Motorcycle tours in Haute Corse
• The most beautiful roads to ride

Motorcycle tours in Haute Corse

The most beautiful roads to ride

For a motorcycle trip in Haute Corse, there are many roads offering breathtaking scenery. Here are a few suggestions:

Cap Corse: This 130 km circuit offers spectacular views of the sea, mountains and picturesque villages. Leave Bastia and follow the D80 to Macinaggio. Continue to Centuri and end your journey in Saint-Florent.

Balagne : This region, known as the "garden of Corsica", offers a panoramic route between Calvi and Ile-Rousse. You'll pass through hilltop villages and white-sand beaches.

The Restonica road : Leaving from Corte, this road winds along the river to Lake Melo. It's an ideal spot for a picnic break before setting off on the road again.

Always check road conditions before setting off. Some may be closed due to weather conditions or roadworks.

Touring in Haute Corse: which activities to choose?

Sports and outdoor activities

For lovers of sports and outdoor activities, Haute Corse is a veritable paradise.

Hiking opportunities are numerous and varied, such as the Finocchi loop in the Parc naturel régional de Corse, which offers a beautiful walk through the Bonifatu forest.
For the more adventurous, a 4x4 tour with our partner offers access to isolated and little-known corners of the island.
Thrill-seekers won't want to miss a microlight flight to discover the beauty of Haute Corse from the air.
Equestrian centers all over the island offer horseback rides, a great way to discover Corsican nature.
Finally, for an aquatic experience, you can opt for a boat cruise from Calvi to discover the island's most beautiful beaches.

Don't forget to take weather conditions into account and book your activities with us in advance to guarantee availability.

Gastronomic and oenological discoveries

Haute Corse is a true paradise for gourmets. Stop off at one of the farmers' markets to discover local products such as cured meats, cheeses and Corsican honeys.

For a truly immersive experience, vineyard tours and wine tastings are available. Take the opportunity to discover Corsican grape varieties and taste local wines.

Don't forget to sample Corsican gastronomic specialties. These include

brocciu, a fresh cheese ;
figatellu, a pork sausage;
muscat du Cap Corse, a sweet wine.

Gourmet tours are also available to tantalize your taste buds. Ask our local advisors for details and bookings.

Organizing your tour in Haute Corse: practical tips

When it comes to organizing your tour in Haute Corse, there are a few tips you'll find very useful.

Plan your itinerary in advance, but don't be afraid to be flexible so you can take advantage of impromptu discoveries.
Consider renting a car or motorcycle to get around easily and at your own pace. Make sure you have a road map and GPS handy.
Remember to check the opening times and days of the places you want to visit to avoid disappointment.
For accommodation, book well in advance, especially during the high tourist season. Choose accommodation with breakfast included to save time in the morning.

Don't forget to budget for tourist taxes, which are often payable on site.

Itinerary from Bastia to Aléria

To start your journey from Bastia to Aléria, you'll take the T10 road, a picturesque route along Corsica's east coast.

Estimated journey time is around 1h15 for a distance of 73 km.
On your way, you can stop off at Moriani-Plage to enjoy its sandy beaches.
Then on to Folelli, a village famous for its Saint-Pancrace parish church.