L'Ile-Rousse

A Pauline city with hints of red porphyry

L’Ile-Rousse

It is very often in L’Isula that a trip to Balagne begins. This charming town, which once belonged to the Pieve di Sant’Anghjulu, is centred around its square and charms visitors with its village atmosphere. With plenty to do all year round, it proves to be a holiday destination that people grow fond of, generation after generation. Visitors enjoy a leisurely stroll around Place Paoli and along the A Marinella promenade, marvelling at the ever-changing hues of the sun as it dips into the sea, exploring shops of every style and savouring the delicacies on offer in the restaurants, cafés and biscuit shops. More than just a stopover, L’Isula is a home base from which to embark on the grand adventure of Lisula.

Getting there

The heart of the city Paoli Square

The square, as in every village, is the heart of L’Isula. Life goes on peacefully there, under the watchful eye of the statue of Pasquale Paoli, ‘u Babbu di a patria’ – the Father of the Corsican Nation. The hundred-year-old plane trees provide shade for the bustling café terraces, where conversations can linger quietly whilst passionate games of pétanque take place.

Behind the leaves of the plane trees, the Church of the Immaculate Conception reveals its façade and bell tower, which rings out to mark important moments in the lives of the people of Île-Rousse. Its shaded forecourt and inviting steps welcome, day after day, people of all ages who enjoy gathering there, whilst the building watches peacefully over the town.

At the far end of the square, between its 21 columns erected in 1844, the covered market awakens the senses every morning: the stalls are filled with seasonal fruit, characterful wines, olive oil, cheeses, cured meats and local fish, all helping to celebrate the richness of the local terroir and its AOCs each morning. The picturesque alleyways of the historic centre, such as Rue Napoléon, Rue Louis-Philippe and Rue Agila, are steeped in history, lined with artisan shops where the sweet aromas of traditional canistrelli sometimes seem to waft out from beneath the vaults.

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An art of living

Enjoying a coffee in Place Paoli or sharing a brunch, strolling through the town’s narrow streets and past its statues, sitting down for a meal in a restaurant, sipping a drink whilst waiting for the sunset… L’Isula invites you to take your time. The A Marinella promenade is where we love to meet up for a stroll along the beaches, towards the Quai d’Orléans and on to the Pietra Islands, whatever the time of day.

During the summer season, the churches of the Immaculate Conception and of Mercy, with their ideal acoustics, host concerts where Corsican polyphonic chants resonate, bringing the culture to life in unison. On certain evenings, the whole town comes alive to the sound of a convivial musical evening – the perfect opportunity to enjoy a homemade treat at one of the ice-cream parlours on the square.

The sea just round the corner

L’Isula, which combines a friendly atmosphere with a sense of well-being, is a favourite holiday destination for families. As you turn down one of the town’s narrow streets, the sea comes into view and leads you to the A Marinella promenade, which runs alongside the two town beaches.

Just a stone’s throw from Place Paoli, Napoleon Beach and Caruchettu Beach, with their pristine sand, offer access to swimming in crystal-clear waters, right in the town centre. Beach establishments invite you to enjoy the pleasures of the beach on a sun lounger, or to share a sunny lunch or dinner with your feet in the sand. Their gentle slopes make swimming easy, whilst their rocks serve as diving platforms – to be shared with the cormorants – or natural pools perfect for searching for small crustaceans.

Water sports – scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, jet-skiing, sailing or the sailing club – are very varied, and there’s something for everyone, whatever takes your fancy.

The Pietra Islands

The Pietra Peninsula

An unmissable landmark of the city of Saint Paul, and a symbol of happiness for a famous French fashion designer, the red porphyry islands of La Pietra – meaning ‘stone’ in Corsican – give the town its name.

You can reach them via the A Marinella promenade to the town’s harbour, before heading up towards the lighthouse along a restored path. The walk takes you through native flora such as the Corsican immortelle, under the watchful eye of the Genoese tower. Up there, the breathtaking view of the Balagne coastline stretches from Calvi to Cap Corse.

Come evening, it is a perfect spot to watch the sun set, setting the horizon ablaze before sinking into the starry night.