4590 O. Gomez, Corbara Bodri 2
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4590 O. Gomez, Corbara Bodri 2

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Olivier GOMEZ

Family swimming

To each their own

Days out at the beach with children

When planning a family day out by the water in Lisula and Balagne, the first thing to do is make sure that everyone will enjoy the day from start to finish. To cater for everyone’s tastes, here are a few handy tips to put parents’ minds at ease, keep the children entertained and create shared moments that will stay with you for years to come.

On the beach

When the summer heat settles in for good on the beaches of Lisula and the water temperature is just right for long swims, it’s time tofind the beaches best suited to a family day out.
At L’Isula – In L’Ile-Rousse, Napoleon Beach and Caruchettu Beach are sure-fire choices. They are both situated in the town centre, just a short walk from car parks and lined with beach establishments, should you fancy a sun lounger, a refreshing drink or a tasty treat. 7 km towards Bastia, it’s the eastern part ofL’Osari beach , near the Casa di L’Osari, that proves to be the perfect spot to lay out the whole family’s towels, with its car parks, a beach hut just 100 metres from the sand, and its peaceful natural surroundings.

Its gentle slopes mean you can have a great time whilst always keeping your head above water. The rock formations at either end of the beaches are perfect for snorkelling or trying to catch a few shellfish with a landing net – whilst making sure to treat them with respect and set them free again. With lifeguards on duty during the season, all three beaches offer a reassuring and family-friendly environment.

Refreshing rivers

As you leave the coast and head inland towards the mountainous areas, the rivers of Tartagine, Figarella, Fangu andAscuprove to be little gems offering a refreshing change of scenery. FromL’Isula, it takes at least an hour’s drive to reach the first natural swimming pools. A word of advice: it’s best to take your time to find a pleasant spot where a steady flow of water ensures the water is suitable for swimming. Whether perching on a rock, jumping from a ledge or sliding down a mini waterfall, there’s something for everyone, young and old alike.  But caution is still advised: swimming in rivers must be supervised by parents at all times, and it’s important to check the weather conditions. If a mountain storm is forecast – particularly from August onwards – flash floods can occur rapidly, are powerful and are common in the afternoon.

The joys of ponds

When you fancy a dip, the municipal swimming poolinMunticellu -Monticelloinvites you to relax in its heated, indoor pools, which offer a captivating panoramic view of the Gulfof L’Isula. With its sun loungers, a paddling pool for the little ones and designated play areas in the main pool, complete with slides, it allows you to enjoy swimming whatever the season. Its programme of activities allows those wishing to keep fit to learn to swim or take part in aqua aerobics.