Description

South Corsica road cycling

South Corsica road cycling
From March 1 until October 31
For guided options from 4 persons or more send us an e-mail.

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Self-Guided South Corsica Road Bike Trip

The best time to cycle on Corsica Island is in April, May, June, or September and October. In July and August, it can be hot. Your start will be in the pleasant town of Ajaccio. One of the most famous Frenchmen of all time, Napoleon Bonaparte, was born here in 1769. On your first cycling day, you’ll leave the city of Ajaccio for a scenic coastal ride along countryside roads. The route is famous because of the stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, impressive cliffs, and spectacular views. You’ll visit and cycle through villages like Propiano, Bonifacio, Porto Vecchio, and Zonza. Highlights are the scenic coast ride along the most beautiful beaches of Corsica, including Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, and the delightful Gulf of Propriano.

This South Corsica self-guided itinerary on-road bike will enable you to enjoy the beautiful South of Corsica. Cycle south from the stunning city of Ajaccio to the south of the island and discover the chalk cliffs of Bonifacio.

Don’t forget to visit the wonderful town of Bonifacio, with its cliff-top citadel. More challenging are the climbs on day 5 from the pleasant town of Porto Vecchio via the legendary Col de l’Ospédale where pro cyclists like Valverde, Froome, and Contador have demonstrated their talent year after year during the Criterium International. Finally, on day 7 you’ll arrive back in Ajaccio. The city has a great Mediterranean climate. The inhabitants of Ajaccio are also known as the Ajacciens or Ajacciennes. Furthermore, If you have time left you can visit Casa Buonaparte Homebase of Napoleon.

Jump on your bike and cycle the South of Corsica

Ajaccio, one of the most famous Frenchman of all time, Napoleon Bonaparte, was born here in 1769.
The beautiful Bay of Propriano
Stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, impressive cliffs, and spectacular views
A scenic coast ride along the most beautiful beaches of Corsica, including Palombaggia and Santa Giulia
Immerse and cycle the West Coast of Corsica
The beautiful village of Porto Vecchio

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Day 1

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Depending on your time of arrival, you will be able to explore your surroundings. Ajaccio’s citadel and old port are really worth a visit!

Day 2

From Ajaccio to Propriano - 80km / 124km

During the first stage of this itinerary, you will leave the buzzing town of Ajaccio for a scenic coastal ride along a quiet road which will lead you to cycle uphill to Coti Chiavari. From this enchanting village, perched on a mountainside, you will get stunning views over Ajaccio. These are most definitely worth the effort! Next, you will descend to Propriano and its exotic fine sandy beach. Cyclists, who feel brave enough to tackle the Col de Siu (730m), will have the opportunity to admire the Gulf of Propriano from above.

Day 3

From Propriano to Bonifacio - 78km / 122km

After leaving the delightful Gulf of Propriano, you will cycle through Sartène and head to the south of the island with views over majestic little coves along the way. Cycling to Bonifacio should not be a problem for you, and you will have enough time to explore this wonderful Corsican town. Uptown, Bonifacio’s cliff-top citadel stands as an architectural marvel, rising up proudly over the rest of town. Many stunning landscapes are to be admired from the battlements, including crystal-clear waters, chalk cliffs and Sardinia’s coastline in the distance. For those cyclists who enjoy the climbs, the inland route option will provide you with more of a challenge.

Day 4

From Bonifacio to Porto Vecchio - 58km / 91km

Our short version of this stage is also the easiest: you will cycle inland and then eastward to reach the coastline. A scenic coast ride along the most beautiful beaches of Corsica, including Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, will surely tempt you to go for a relaxing swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Mountain-lovers will undoubtedly enjoy the second version of this stage, with a 15km ride around the Col de Bacinu (810m) and spectacular views over Porto Vecchio.

Day 5

From Porto Vecchio to Zonza - 60km / 88km

For this fifth day of the tour, our team has organised two different itineraries. The first one will lead you to cycle directly to Zonza via the legendary Col de l’Ospédale where racing cyclists such as Froome, Evans or Contador have demonstrated their talent year after year during the Criterium International. On the summit, you will discover the Dam of Ospédale which offers lunar-like landscapes, dominated by a quiet lake, which is sprinkled with submerged tree stumps and set against a mystical pine tree forest. The second itinerary includes a coastal ride northwards, along a very narrow and uphill road which leads to the village of Conca, where the GR20 officially ends. You will also have the chance to climb the Col de Bavella and its famous toothy Needles which appear to be biting at the sky. This 30km detour is easy to start with, but the ascent gets steeper as you try to reach the 1240m summit.

Day 6

Cycling the big loop around the central region - 64km / 84km

Today, you will have the choice to either stroll down the streets of the enchanting village of Zonza or to go for a swim in natural pools or even to cycle one of the two routes that our team has prepared especially for you. You will ride through several charming little villages, discover an authentic side of Corsica and have the chance to meet welcoming locals. This particular stage will end with a gentle 25km uphill ride (available for both versions of this route).

Day 7

From Zonza to Ajaccio - 100km / 126.5km

In the morning, you will leave Zonza for the West Coast of Corsica. One of the toughest rides of today’s circuit is the Col de St Eustache, which will reward you with a sensational 15km descent. Along the way, you will be able to admire Corsican cottages – each more charming than the next – in typical picture-postcard settings. Whereas the easy version of this stage offers you a ‘relaxing’ ride, the harder version will take you to the Col de Saint Georges, which is named after a spring, and the Col de Cricheto (725m). You will also cycle through Tolla Lake before swooping down to Ajaccio on a well-tarmacked road.

Day 8

Departure

Departure day... Time to say goodbye, a good flight back home, or a pleasant stay on Corsica Island. Airport transfers on request.

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Booking Information

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All prices are based on double rooms
For bookings & inquiries: send an email to info@cycleclassictours.com

Extra Information

Fill out and submit the online booking request or send an email to info@cycleclassictours.com
We tend and try to send all over within 48 hours.
Please do not make travel plans until you receive our confirmation.
Please be advised that we make every effort to ensure that all the information given on this site is accurate. All statements and information have been researched and supplied by third parties.
The information given is accurate and reliable, to the best of our knowledge. Should errors be found, we will rectify them as quickly as possible. However, we accept no responsibility for errors or inaccuracies.

Included

Routes maps and information package
Breakfasts from day 2 to day 8
Luggage transfers from one hotel to another
Nights in 3-star hotels (double bedrooms)
Information package with maps and road-books on our app (a smartphone is required)
Local phone hotline

Not Included

Insurance
Carbon Road bike (Optional)
E-Bike (Optional)
Single room supplement €430
July, August & September departures €190
May & June departures: €75
Personal expenses
Transport options from and to Ajaccio
Meals and beverages
Bike rental (see options), repair costs
Everything not mentioned on the "included" part

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South Corsica road cycling

The self-guided South Corsica route is famous for its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, impressive cliffs, and spectacular views.

Moderate

March - Oct

3* Hotels

From €1490

Optional

€430

Description

South Corsica road cycling

Self-Guided South Corsica Road Bike Trip

Jump on your bike and cycle the South of Corsica

Itinerary