L'Île-Rousse

L'Île-Rousse (Corsican: Isula Rossa) is a town in the north of Corsica.

History
People settled in the area as early as Roman times, resulting in a fishing village. In 1759 Pasquale Paoli raised the village to a trading port with city fortifications, among other things to give the Genoese city of Calvi a Corsican counterpart.

By car

 * From Bastia: take the T20 in a southwesterly direction to Ponte Leccia, from there continue on the T30.
 * From Corte: take the T20 in a northerly direction up to Ponte Leccia, from there continue on the T30.
 * From Calvi: take the T30 in a north-easterly direction.
 * From Ajaccio: take the T22 in a north-easterly direction. From there you have two options: either go along the coast (winding but very beautiful) first via the D81 to Calvi, from there take the T30 in a north-easterly direction, or take the T20 through the mountains (less sinuous but also beautiful). From Corte continue north to Ponte Leccia, then take the T30.

See

 * The red rock that gives the city its name, with the small lighthouse of Piétra, in operation since 1857, and a Genoese tower at the top.

Do
Play petanque on the market square: France's national sport is practiced from morning to evening under palm and plane trees.

Beaches
The city has its own beach. This can be reached in two minutes from the city centre. It is very family friendly and the water is very shallow. Those taking the CFC trains a stop or two in either direction along the coast will also discover other beautiful beaches.

Buy
The Greek-style market hall with the 21 columns next to the Place Paoli offers a weekly market.

Go next

 * The mountain villages of Sant'Antonino and Corbara with their historic centers and churches offer a wide view of the western coast and the Balagne hinterland.
 * The small citadel town of Algajola is located halfway from Calvi, accessible by car or train.