L'Île-Rousse
L'Île-Rousse (Isula Rossa)
A seaside town founded by Pasquale Paoli, with plane-tree squares, a covered market and a town beach. It is the second hub of Balagne.
L’Île-Rousse was founded in 1758 by Pasquale Paoli, the leader of Corsican independence, to rival Genoese-controlled Calvi. Its name comes from the red granite islet off the port. The town centre, Place Paoli, is shaded by trees and lined with cafés. Beside it, the classical covered market sells Corsican cheese, cured meats, fruit and vegetables every morning. Fine-sand beaches lie at the edge of town, with shallow water that is good for swimming. It is about 25 km from Calvi, reachable by car or by the Balagne tourist train.
Opening hours
All day; market in the morning
Nearby sights
- Île de la Pietra & Lighthouse
- Plage de Bodri
- Couvent Saint-Dominique de Corbara
- Pigna
- Sant'Antonino
- Church of the Trinity, Aregno
- Algajola
- Plage de Lozari