L'Ile-Rousse

L'Ile-Rousse is a coastal town in north-western Corsica, within the Balagne region, often referred to as the 'garden of Corsica' for its olive groves and orchards. Founded in the 18th century by Pascal Paoli as a rival port to Genoese-controlled Calvi, the town retains a central square bearing his name, lined with plane trees and home to a covered market. The harbour, still active today with ferry links to mainland France, sits alongside the Île de la Pietra, a pink granite islet connected to the shore by a causeway and topped with a 19th-century lighthouse, making for a scenic waterfront walk. Fine sandy beaches, such as Marinella, stretch along the seafront and draw swimmers during the summer months. The town also serves as a gateway to the Balagne hinterland, with its perched villages and hiking trails. A small tourist tramway runs along the coast to Calvi, stopping at several beaches en route. The Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers, supports outdoor activities for much of the year.