L'Île-Rousse (population 3400), 24 km (15 miles) northeast of Calvi (map), is a delightful small, easy-going beach-and-boating resort.

Its harbor is not suitable for mega-yachts so, unlike Bonifacio, it hosts mostly Corsican and French families on beach holiday. Many visitors stay in private or self-catering villas.

Transport to L'Île-Rousse is easy: Calvi's busy Aéroport Sainte Catherine is only a half-hour drive, as are Calvi's well-served ferryboat docks; L'Île-Rousse has its own ferry services from French and Italian ports; trains between Calvi and Bastia stop here; and the T30 highway connecting Calvi with central and eastern Corsica passes just south of the town.

What to See & Do

L'Île-Rousse ("The Red Island") was first settled thousands of years ago, but what you see today is a relatively new town founded by Corsican revolutionary patriot Pasquale Paoli in 1758, when the town was named Isola Rossa.

Thus there is an Old Town along the axis of Rue Pascal Paoli, and the Place Pascal Paoli, the main square shaded by ancient sycamore trees (map).

The classical Marché couvert (Covered Market) at the northeast corner of the Place Pascal Paoli is still used as a market, but also for other shows, events and performances.

Then there are the beaches: right next to the Place Pascal Paoli is the Plage Nautique along the Promenade de la Marinella; a bit farther east the Plage Napoléon and then, several kilometers east of the town center, Plage Caruchettu.

West of the center are Plage Digue, Plage de Bodri, and a few kilometers from the center, Plage du Ghjunchitu.

In short, L'Île-Rousse is a fine beach town.

On the beach at L'Île-Rousse, Corsica, France.

Transport

As mentioned, the nearest airport (24 km/15 miles) is at nearby Calvi.

Ferryboats from France and Italy dock a mere 10-minute walk from the town center.

The Chemins de fer de la Corse trains between Calvi and Ponte Lecchia, with connections to Bastia and Ajaccio, pass right along the edge of the Old Town and the Plage Nautique. The train station is at the northwestern corner of the Old Town year the Yacht Club.

Where to Stay

Many visitors stay in private or rental villas, but L'Île-Rousse also has numerous hotels. Use the Hotel Search Box to the right to find both hotels and room and villa rentals.—>

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