Corsica Crossing, France
Corsica is a mountain in the sea. In five riding days we cross it from north to south, from the vineyards near Bastia over granite passes to the Gulf of Porto, through the pine forests of the interior, and down to the beaches of Porto-Vecchio. We eat charcuterie and brocciu cheese at a farm-auberge in the mountains and finish with dinner at Casadelmar.
Highlights
- The Porto climb to Col de VergioOne of the best roads in Europe, from the sea to the island's highest pass.
- The Gulf of PortoRed granite cliffs dropping into blue water.
- A farm-auberge in the mountainsCharcuterie, brocciu cheese and chestnut everything.
- Rest day in CorteTwo nights in the old mountain capital, with river swimming.
- Finale at CasadelmarDinner in Porto-Vecchio to end the crossing.
The route
This is the hardest trip of the season: a point-to-point crossing of the island over its big mountain passes, including the famous climb from Porto up to Col de Vergio. The van makes it work for everyone. Strong riders can do it all, and anyone can skip the longest climbs. The dotted line is the van through the middle of the island.
Day by day
Sleep: Hotel outside Bastia
Sleep: Spa hotel in the hills
Sleep: Hotel in Porto
Sleep: Mountain hotel in Corte
Sleep: Same
Sleep: Farm-auberge in Alta Rocca
Sleep: Hotel in Porto-Vecchio
Sleep: —
Please note: Routes, stays, restaurants and daily plans may change. We reserve the right to update the itinerary for weather, road conditions, availability or safety, and if something changes we'll swap in something just as good.
Is this trip for me?
Level 4 of 4
This is for strong, regular riders: think training three or more times a week and enjoying long mountain climbs on back-to-back days. The van makes the big days optional, so you can choose how much you take on.
- Back-to-back mountain days with big climbs
- Some days over 50 miles, with van shortcuts every day
- Narrow, winding mountain roads
A typical day
Breakfast together, then we roll out mid-morning. We stop for coffee and a long lunch along the way, and arrive at the next stay in the afternoon with time to shower, explore or nap. Evenings are for dinner, whether it's a group dinner or one of the places I've picked for you to try on your own.
How the riding works
- I ride with the group every day.
- A support van carries your luggage, follows the ride with snacks and water, and can pick you up anytime.
- You'll get every day's route ahead of time for your GPS or phone.
- Ride at your own pace. We regroup at coffee and lunch stops.
The food
The finale is dinner at Casadelmar in Porto-Vecchio. Along the way: Corsican charcuterie, brocciu cheese, chestnut everything, wild boar stews, mountain honey and local wines from Patrimonio, plus a farm dinner at an auberge in the Alta Rocca mountains.
Where you stay
Small, characterful 3–4 star stays: a hotel in the hills outside Bastia, a spa hotel in the Balagne, a hotel on the Gulf of Porto, a mountain hotel in Corte for two nights, a farm-auberge in Alta Rocca, and a hotel in Porto-Vecchio. Exact properties are confirmed closer to the trip.
What's included
- 7 nights of hand-picked stays
- Breakfast every day
- Group dinners, including the finale at Casadelmar
- Lunch at Col de Vergio
- Luggage van between stays, and van support on every ride
- Van shortcuts on the big climbing days
- Snacks and water on rides
- Rider jersey and cap
- Alex riding with you every day
- Pro photos and video of the trip
Not included
- Flights
- Airport and train transfers
- Most lunches
- Dinners on free nights
- Drinks beyond the wine at group dinners
- Bike rental (offered as an add-on)
- Travel insurance (required)
Price and booking
Pricing is announced Nov 16, 2026. Email subscribers get first access, and booking opens to everyone on Nov 19.
We confirm the trip is running by January 22, 2027. Please wait until then to book flights.
Getting there
Fly into Bastia (direct flights from Paris, Nice and Marseille, and the ferry from Nice or Marseille is an option). We meet at the start hotel on Saturday afternoon for the opening dinner. The trip ends after breakfast in Porto-Vecchio the following Saturday; Figari airport is about 30 minutes away. Want to arrive early or stay longer? Just ask and I'll help you book extra nights.
Your host
Alex Blosil, chef and ride leader
I'm a chef from Utah. I fell for France at 15, lived there in my early twenties and spent a winter cooking in Paris. I fell in love with cycling on a bike trip across Iowa with my mom, and my first food-and-bike trip was through Skåne in southern Sweden. Now I plan every trip around the best tables in each region, and I ride every mile with the group.
Questions
Do I have to ride the whole route?
No. Every big day has a van option, so you can ride the best parts and skip the rest. Most riders mix and match.
Can the route change?
Yes, sometimes. We reserve the right to change or update the route, stays and restaurants for weather, road conditions, availability or safety. If anything changes, we'll replace it with something just as good and let you know as early as we can.
How fit do I need to be?
See “Is this trip for me?” above. You don't need to be fast. The van can pick you up anytime, so you choose how much you ride.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. Or rent a quality bike from us as an add-on, fitted and ready when you arrive.
Can I get an e-bike?
Not on our 2027 trips. The van follows every ride, so if you need a break, you can hop in anytime.
I'm traveling solo. Can I have my own room?
Yes. You can choose your own room, or a shared room if you're booking with a friend or partner.
I have dietary needs. Is that OK?
Of course. Tell us when you book. I'm a chef, and I'll make sure you eat well.
Can a non-riding partner come?
Get in touch and we'll see what we can work out.
When do I pay?
A $1,500 non-refundable deposit holds your spot. The balance is due 120 days before the trip.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it's required. Choose a policy that covers cycling and trip cancellation.
What should I pack?
We'll send a packing list after you book. Plan on cycling kit for each riding day, a rain jacket, warm layers and casual clothes for dinners.
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
Yes. Just ask and I'll help you book extra nights.
How big is the group?
8 riders at most, plus me, our support driver and our filmmaker.
Still have a question? Email alex@chefalextours.com.