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L'Île-Rousse

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Upper Corsica

L'Île-Rousse - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Upper Corsica
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L'Île-Rousse

Seaside resort of Haute-Corse, L'Île-Rousse is a town of the Island of Beauty located in the district of Calvi, facing the island of Pietra. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it extends over a territory of small area.

L'Île-Rousse was founded in 1758 under the Corsican Republic of Pascal Paoli. Nicknamed the paoline city, it becomes an important fishing port of Corsica. It is now the third of the island in terms of freight and passenger traffic.

Surrounded by preserved nature and exceptional architectural heritage, the commune of L'Île-Rousse is today very appreciated for its tourist activity and its idyllic setting. Its dream beaches, which give access to the Mediterranean Sea, attract visitors visiting the island and eager to enjoy the most beautiful sites of the territory.

Things to see and do

The island of Pietra is the largest of the archipelago of the same name. Located off L'Île-Rousse, it is now connected to Corsica via a road leaving the port. On the spot, you will discover the lighthouse of the Pietra, taken from the general inventory of cultural heritage. Built in the second half of the 19th century, it rises to nearly thirteen meters in height. You can also admire an ancient Genoese tower built in the 15th century on the island. It was formerly used for the defense and surveillance of the seas in the face of barbarous attacks.

Another tower takes place in the commune, on the present square of the town hall. The tower of Scalo was built in the 17th century as the Fabiani tower, an important family of the region. It has for a time been used to store the salt of the commune.

Built at the end of the 19th century, the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Mary dominates Paoli Square and its bust of the founder of the city. Rebuilt in the early 1930s after a fire, it presents two paintings classified to the Historic Monuments and belonging to the Fesch collection: the Temptation of Christ of the seventeenth century and Saint-Jerome, of the same era.

Walking through the town, you can also discover the covered market of the middle of the XIXth century and classified to the Historic Monuments, the town hall which takes place in an old barracks military of the eighteenth century, or even the church of the Mercy.

Do not forget to admire the Baigneuse, a sculpture by Antoniucci Voltigero or Gabriel Diana's L'Île-Rousse Mermaid. The latter, in bronze, melted with lost wax, today sits on a rock a few meters from the shore at the Scalu. On this marina you can also enjoy the sea view and many shops.

A windmill of the early 19th century testifies to the old agricultural activities of the region.

The garden of the Hotel Napoleon Bonaparte, now the Hotel des Voyageurs, is now a private property that can be admired from outside or as a guest.

The beach Napoleon is one of the most popular sites of L'Île-Rousse. On the shores of the Mediterranean, it reveals a fine and warm sand to enjoy the sun and the sight.

Places of interest

Information points
Leisure centres
Monuments
Transport

Events and festivities

The market is held every day of the week, all year round, in the morning.

On 2 June, the municipality celebrates Saint Erasmus with many professionals of the sea.

The Saint John fire is installed at the end of June on Paoli square with many activities.

Fireworks are fired to celebrate the national holiday every July 14th.

During the summer season, L'Isula in Festa offers several concerts and other free activities.

All summer, in the evening, you can discover the Nocturnes of Art under the covered market.

The fair of L'Île-Rousse is held between the end of September and the beginning of October on the Paoli square.

A large Christmas light is lit between 24 and 25 December.

Photos

Sunrise over the Gulf (© J.E)
Sunrise over the Gulf (© J.E)
See photo

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
A hotel
A vacation rental
A bed & breakfast
A campsite
A leisure activity
A restaurant
A rental car
A plane ticket
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