Corsica by bike

La Méridionale takes you on an unforgettable adventure on the Isle of Beauty. Once ashore, forget your hiking boots and the GR20. Instead, hop on your bike and tackle the GT20 in Corsica. 
Far from the crowds and off the beaten track, you'll discover the island's iconic landmarks from a fresh new perspective.

What is GT20 in Corsica?

GT20. In Corsica and everywhere else, this mysterious acronym stands for the Grande traversée. This cycling route inaugurated in 2020 connects Bastia to Bonifacio. Known locally as A traversata Maiò, it spans 600 kilometers, divided into twelve stages. This bike tour of Corsica favors secondary roads and less traveled departmental routes, to ensure your peace and safety.

To tackle the GT20, you can start in Bonifacio and ride all the way up to Bastia. But you can also start your adventure from the north. That way, the longest stage (71 kilometers between Zonza and Bonifacio) is mostly downhill!

Whichever direction you choose, you'll ride between sea and mountains. As you pedal, you'll pass through the village of Zonza in the Alta Rocca, the Col de Bacino and its breathtaking view of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, Corte, the island's historic capital all unfolding before your eyes.

But this Corsican crossing is not the Tour de France! While there's certainly some elevation gain, the route remains accessible to amateur cyclists. The more athletic riders can get on their mountain bikes or road bikes. If you're looking for a tour of Corsica, you can opt for an electric bike. 
Charging stations are available in every start and end point of each stage.

The full GT20 route in Corsica includes 12 stages:

• Stage 1: 58 kilometers between Bastia and Centuri;
• Stage 2: 58 kilometers between Centuri and Saint-Florent;
• Stage 3: 61 kilometers between Saint-Florent and Belgodère;
• Stage 4: 43 kilometers between Belgodère and Calenzana;
• Stage 5: 31 kilometers between Calenzana and Galéria;
• Stage 6: 51 kilometers between Galéria and Porto;
• Stage 7: 34 kilometers between Porto and Col de Vergio;
• Stage 8: 50 kilometers between Col de Vergio and Corte;
• Stage 9: 57 kilometers between Corte and Ghisoni;
• Stage 10: 45 kilometers between Ghisoni and Zicavo;
• Stage 11: 44 kilometers between Zicavo and Zonza;
• Stage 12: 71 kilometers between Zonza and Bonifacio.

Depending on your pace and preferences, plan six, eight or twelve days to cycle around Corsica with the GT20. Lovers of the Isle of Beauty recommend devoting one day to each stage. That way, you have time to stop along the way to explore the villages of Balagne, swim in Lake Calacuccia and visit the Aiguilles de Bavella.

Want to discover Corsica by bike in just one week, without rushing? Schedule a six-day loop starting from Ajaccio. From the imperial city, you'll be back on the GT20 route in just a few hours. Your journey then takes you through hamlets nestled on mountainsides, through laricio pine forests and into the calanques of Piana.

Another option is to start from Bastia and reach Ajaccio in eight days. On this coastal-oriented tour, each stop offers panoramic views of Corsica's most beautiful gulfs and beaches.

No matter where you bike to Corsica, you'll find plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties and rooms to welcome you. It's up to you to choose between a 4-star hotel, a guesthouse or a night in a local's home.

And if you don't feel like dealing with bookings, put your trust in the professionals of cyclotourism in Corsica. They offer turnkey holidays, with accommodation, bike rental and assistance during your journey.

Corsica cyclo GT20

Do you love a challenge? Then take on the Corsica Cyclo GT20. Held every year in May, this 598-kilometer sporting event runs from Bastia to Bonifacio. Four stages are planned:

• Stage 1: 107 kilometers between Bastia and Saint Florent via Cap Corse;
• Stage 2: 192 kilometers between Patrimonio and Porto via Galéria;
• Stage 3: 138 kilometers between Porto and Ghisoni via Corte;
• Stage 4: 151 kilometers between Ghisoni and Bonifacio via Levie.

While licensed cyclists can look forward to 215 timed kilometers and 10,047 meters of elevation gain, the race is open to everyone. You can even do it with an electric bike, and there's no pressure to finish every stage!