Making the most of L'Isle Rousse Corsica
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships berth at the port or occasionally anchor, in which case tenders carry passengers into town.
L’Ile-Rousse stands on Corsica's north-west coast and was founded in the 18th century to rival Genoese-controlled Calvi. Curving islets of red porphyry in the bay inspired its name. The main square, shaded by plane trees and enormous 120-year-old date palms, remains peaceful apart from clicking pétanque balls and players' quiet remarks. Inland lies the rugged maquis, fictional refuge of the Corsican Brothers.
Getting around
A small two-carriage train follows the coast to Calvi, carrying beachgoers to stretches of shore that roads cannot reach. A ticket costs €6.
A separate little visitor train also operates.
Nearby places
Traditional Monticello lies 5 kilometres from L’Ile Rousse and offers impressive coastal views. Alongside its shops and restaurants are attractive walks, horse-riding and tennis.
Food and shopping
Roam the lanes of L'Ile Rousse old town and visit the market held each morning beneath a magnificent covered marketplace. Fresh local produce includes fish, vegetables, honey, charcuterie and cheeses. Restaurants fill the narrow streets and the main square under the plane trees, while the silver sand on Ile Rousse beach is particularly inviting.
Money
The currency is the euro.
Staying connected
For a local emergency, call 112.
Opening Hours and
Most French shops, companies, information offices, museums and banks remain open throughout the day. Smaller shops and businesses may instead close for lunch between 12.30pm and 2pm. Usual hours are 8 or 9am to 6.30 or 7.30pm, Monday to Saturday for larger stores and Tuesday to Saturday for small shops; some smaller businesses open on Monday afternoon. Even when others close, boulangeries and food shops can always be found open, normally until noon on Sunday.
See the National holiday dates.