Hotels in L'Île-Rousse

Nestled at the base of the Balagne Hills, L’Île-Rousse is a seaside town named after the colour of the rocky islets that frame its bay. It was founded in the mid-18th century by the Corsican statesman Pasquale Paoli in an effort to create a port not ruled by the Genoese. It centres around an atmospheric old town and a sweeping stretch of sand that attracts beachgoers in the summer.

Things to do in L'Île-Rousse

Wander through the paved streets of the Old Town to admire the old Franciscan convent and marvel at the simplicity of the Eglise de la Misericorde. Superb stained glass windows decorate the Eglise Paroissiale de l'Immaculée Conception, which watches over a palm-lined square where locals congregate to play petanque.

A short stroll from the centre of L’Île-Rousse will take you to Île de la Pietra, a rocky island connected to the town via a short causeway. In addition to a ferry terminal, it features a Genoese watchtower and the Fanale di Petra lighthouse, which offers magnificent views across L’Île de Broccio and the Ligurian Sea.

A short drive east of L’Île-Rousse is the Parc de Saleccia, a seven-hectare botanical garden showcasing Mediterranean and Corsican plant species. You can stroll beneath the olive trees, cypresses and oleanders or take advantage of the children’s play area before dining on organic produce from the on-site gardens at the restaurant.

Getting around L'Île-Rousse

L'Île-Rousse is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Bastia and an hour from Bastia – Poretta Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect L’Île-Rousse to towns and villages throughout Corsica while ferries travel to Marseille, Nice and Toulon. The centre of L’Île-Rousse is compact enough to explore on foot.