If you fancy the challenge of crossing Corsica on a gravel bike then this the the expedition for you ! Armed with our local guide and a gravel bike you’ll discover every facet (well almost !) that Corsica has to offer, and tackle the physical challenge of riding from the sea to the mountains and back again.
Join a group of 10 people to live a unique experience. Bring your bike or rent ours (extra charge). Electric gravel bikes available too.
Don't have a gravel bike yet or don't want to travel with one? You can rent one directly from us for 330 euros (extra charge).
Possibility to privatise the group from 8 people - contact us for more information.
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By booking with us, you also do good for our planet!
Ready to cross Corsica by Gravel ? Our guide has prepared an exceptional route between mountains, coastal cliffs and arid deserts.
We will gather at our base camp in the southern part of the island, a sumptuous eco-shepherd's hut. Disconnection and well-being guaranteed to recharge the batteries before tackling a real physical challenge.
After a first pedal stroke to discover the Corsican maquis and its thorny bushes, we will leave due north, in the direction of Alta Rocca. The serious stuff starts with the crossing of several passes and in particular the crossing of the superb Coscione plateau, in theory only accessible to hikers of the famous GR20.
We will pass by Corte, cultural capital of Corsica with notably the presence of the only university in Corsican language, before attacking the famous col de la Vierge and its legionnaires' camp. Breathtaking landscapes, between pine forests and arid canyons, you will discover the true center of Corsica, cradle of the whole culture of the island. We will go back down through the forest of Aitone, mystical atmosphere, before joining the coast and taking the direction of Calvi and Ile Rousse.
An ascent through all the small villages perched on top of the mountains. Breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Corsica as you have never seen it before.
Finally, we will take you to the Agriates desert before ending our adventure in Cap Corse, another splendid and authentic region.
Moments of well-being are also on the program - yoga, meditation, relaxation - to allow you to disconnect to better reconnect and make the most of this unique trip.
The beauty of the landscape and the fresh waterfalls will make the physical challenge of this expedition almost easy for the seasoned bikepacker.
Our support vehicle will never be far away to assist you in case of technical or physical problems.
An exceptional trip to share with friends and adventure bike enthusiasts.
We select for you local guides, passionate about their territory.
Bike mechanic, bike shop manager and even eco-guard on the Coscione plateau, our guide is the best person to help you discover Corsica. Anecdotes, encounters and sharing of experiences, he/she will make sure that you have an unforgettable stay and above all that you soak up as much as possible of this fabulous territory.
Spoken languages: French, English
State certified for bike guiding (BPJEPS), he/she will make sure you are safe and will share with you various tips and tricks on how to ride the Corsican trails.
Ride on the Graxx, the carbon Gravel bike from the French brand Origine that combines performance, versatility, and lightness (only 8.1kg).
At ease on the road as well as on paths, the Graxx filters terrain imperfections through suspension tuning. Coupled with a comfortable and secure geometry and generous tire sections, it allows for engaging routes to be undertaken safely.
Price of the rental on this trip: 100 EUR (to be paid at the time of online booking).
Discover Origine Cycles
The complete list will be sent to you a few weeks before your expedition. You will find here the few essential items that you may not have at home:
Cycling shorts with chamois to be more comfortable
Bike gloves to avoid blisters
Cycling shoes
You are about to experience a Pathfinder expedition. This is our black trail and the regions we will cross offer an environment that can sometimes be demanding depending on the weather conditions. We are in a mountainous landscapes where the cumulative elevation gain will be very significant.
For this expedition, you need to have a strong technical/cycling background and be used to riding several days in a row.
To take full advantage of this expedition, we recommend that you practice an endurance sport such as jogging, swimming or cycling on a regular basis.
Having already completed several days of cycling trips will allow you to feel more comfortable and to better enjoy the breathtaking landscapes you will cross.
By plane : Figari airport
By car : Meet us directly at our base camp "Tribu"
By boat : Ajaccio or Porto Vecchio
As soon as you arrive in the south of Corsica, our teams will take care of you and drive you directly to our base camp where the beyond biking experience takes all its meaning. The disconnection can begin, don't worry about anything, we take care of everything!
For your arrival, we will meet you on Sunday at 3pm.
For your last day, plan a departure on Sunday at the end of the morning, the time to enjoy a well deserved rest.
Our Pathfinder expedition will end in the region of Bastia, several options are available to you:
Our teams will bring you back to our base camp near Sartene to pick up your car.
Take a return flight/boat from Bastia.
Equipment
Yes, our expeditions will go on paths and small roads where neither road bikes nor mountain bikes will be suitable.
You can bring your own gravel bike or hire one from ours. Our well specced bikes with tubeless tires means a much lower risk of punctures and mechanical problems during your trip.
Practicalities
Recharging your batteries is essential after a day on the bike. Post ride you can relax at our base camps or partner hotels and guest houses. We have chosen them carefully for their comfort, tranquility, location and the quality of their food.
Safety
Our guides will be able to repair small problems straight away. Their tips and advice can sometimes be useful when you get home too :) In the event of a more serious mechanical problems, spare parts and even a spare bike will be available nearby in the support vehicle.
Logistic
You can cancel at any time before the start of the trip subject to payment of a cancellation fee. If the cancellation occurs:
More than 90 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 75% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 100%
Between 61 and 90 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 50% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 75%
Between 31 and 60 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 25% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 75%
30 days or less prior to Departure => No Refund OR Trip Credit of 50%
Please note that a Trip Credit cannot be converted to a refund at a later date.
To protect yourself against last minute cancellation, we advise you to subscribe to our cancellation insurance through our partner Chapka insurance, with a guarantee which also covers you in case of contracting the Covid-19. Please note that such insurance can only be subscribed within 48 hours following the order of your trip. Subscription link available here.
Important: the realisation of the trip is conditional on the registration of a minimum number of participants to guarantee the departure. We commit ourselves to confirm a trip at the latest 30 days before the departure date. In the event that the trip cannot take place because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you will be reimbursed for any sums paid but will not be entitled to any compensation. You will be informed by email whether or not a trip is confirmed.
3 days of adventure with day rides from our Base Camp. Discover the mountains in the heart of Corsica with cols to climb and incredible 360 views out to sea.
Our 5 day point to point adventure will take you from our Base Camp through mountains to the coast of Corsica, taking in all the local culture en route, with the odd col to climb thrown in for a challenge. The ideal expedition to get away from it all.
Our team have come up with three expeditions to keep everybody happy, from regular social cyclists to bikepacking fanatics.
Between 3 and 7 days riding crisscrossing Corsica on a gravel bike with a group of like minded riders will allow you find landscapes and views that will take your breath away. GravelUp takes care of everything during the trip, from carefully chosen accommodation to local meals and snacks ideal for a days riding.
It’s not just this care that makes our expeditions unique, its the local knowledge of our guides and the chance to visit local people and places that make for genuine and beautiful picnic spots and overnight stays. All that’s left for you to do is choose which of our trips to start with and get your gravel bike ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Download our catalogue HERE to see all our offers
