L’Île Rousse, sea, fish and sun

Between sea and maquis, L’Île-Rousse enjoys an exceptional geographical location in the northwest of Corsica. This former fishing village, nicknamed the Paoline City, captivates with its sun-drenched summer atmosphere. It will be the finish city of the 2026 Adventure Racing World Championship (#ARWC2026). The town makes hearts race with its incredible bay, crowned by orange-tinted islets of red porphyry. Visitors come for its stunning landscapes painted in turquoise blue and bright green. Wandering through its narrow streets, L’Île-Rousse reveals itself—authentic and generous.

Around 1758, this fishing village entered Corsican history thanks to Pascal Paoli. He transformed this small trading post into a fortified town built around a port to weaken the Genoese activities of the neighboring harbors of Algajola and Calvi. Its main square, naturally named Paoli, is the heart of the town, with the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, its forecourt, and the towering date palms under whose shade the elders rest and recount history.

The town is also blessed with three beaches. Caruchettu, with its rocky outcrops on the sand, silky shores, and crystal-clear waters, is undoubtedly the wildest.