Maison Du Laurier Rose

Close to Saint-Florent, Maison du Laurier Rose enjoys a spectacular location within vast grounds overlooking the wild landscapes of the Desert des Agriates. There are wonderful views of the Saint Florent bay and the Cap Corse from the large upper terrace.

The estate is set just off the winding road connecting the north-west of the island and Saint-Florent (12km). You can fly into Bastia Airport (41km) or Calvi Airport (55km), both within a 60-minute drive whilst ferries arrive into Bastia (36km), L'Île-Rousse (33km) and Calvi (56km).

Rent a 4x4 vehicle/quad bikes or join a guided excursion and venture to the famous wild beaches of Plage de Saleccia (12km) and Plage du Lotu (12.5km) – less adventurous guests can reach the bays by boat from Saint-Florent in the summer months. This region is wonderful for keen hikers with trails across the Desert des Agriates as well as routes along the coast from Saint-Florent (including a 90-minute coastal trail from Saint-Florent to Plage de Fiume Santu and beyond).

In terms of nearby facilities, there is a local restaurant around a 10-minute drive away or just head straight into Saint-Florent and dine out overlooking the harbourfront, sea and distant mountains. Saint-Florent is also home to several attractive shops and a delightful market on a Wednesday morning. Take time to stroll around the picturesque seaside town and soak up its authentic charm as you admire old houses, pretty squares and idyllic scenery.     

Saint Florent’s main beach is Plage de la Roya with gently-shelving water, great for families with young children, and a range of seasonal watersports including paddle-boarding, kayaking, windsurfing and kite-surfing. There is also jet-ski and boat hire in Saint-Florent near the marina.

The area is known for its AOC wine production with vineyards around the charming village of Patrimonio (21km). Continue north to the heart of the Cap Corse and try the traditional Corsican apéritif made with island herbs. The landscapes of the Cap Corse peninsula are incredible with tiny fishing villages perched above the coast, Genovese watchtowers and little hamlets. The lovely village of Nonza (31km) and its unique beach is a great trip out or keep on the dramatic coastal road until you reach much-loved Centuri (70km).

Heading west instead, pass Plage de l'Ostriconi (20km) en route to the delightful town of L'Île-Rousse (33km) and visit some of the Balangne’s gorgeous hilltop villages including Monticello, Pigna, Corbara and Sant'Antonino – perfect for a traditional lunch out with beautiful views of the Balagne countryside. 

Read more about Northern Corsica

Northern Corsica offers diverse landscapes, idyllic beaches and picture-perfect villages where you can truly appreciate the Corsican way of life. From delightful seaside towns to rugged cliffs and mountains, Haute-Corse is an ideal holiday destination for keen hikers, nature enthusiasts and gastronomes as well as couples, friends and families seeking beautiful beaches for swimming, snorkelling and watersports.

Backed by mountain peaks, Calvi is so loved for its  Genoese citadel, charming old town and long sandy beach. Enjoy lunch on a restaurant terrace overlooking the rose façade of Église Sainte Marie Majeure or by the vibrant marina with its seafood restaurants and bars. Boat trips depart to the Scandola Nature Reserve where you can admire some of the most incredible coastal scenery on island.

The beaches between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse are fantastic – favourites include Plage de Sant'Ambroggio, an idyllic spot for snorkelling in the crystal-clear sea, and Plage de Bodri with soft white sand backed by wild maquis. The Balagne is also renowned for its characterful hilltop villages and the countryside is criss-crossed with walking paths where donkeys once roamed. Amongst others, visit ancient Pigna for its pottery and Corsican music, Monticello for its olive groves and perched Sant’Antonino for its rich history and panoramic views.

Soak up authentic island life in L'Île-Rousse as you watch locals play boules on the main square near the beach accompanied by an apéritif of local beer flavoured with maquis herbs or a glass of Cap Corse. The town hosts a lovely covered market every morning selling delicious Corsican delights and there are many restaurants along the narrow lanes – specialities include wild boar and chestnuts, Corsican lamb with rosemary and Cannelloni au brocciu. As the sun sets, follow the coastal promenade towards Île de la Pietra for romantic red-hued vistas.

Meanwhile, the little train, U Trinichellu, chugs along the coastline between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse with wonderful views - hop on early as it can get very busy, especially when coming home from the beach.

That said, a car is essential when exploring northern Corsica. When leaving L'Île-Rousse towards the north-east of the island, detour to Plage de l’Ostriconi, a wild beach on the edge of the remote Désert des Agriates. Follow the winding road to the attractive seaside town of Saint-Florent backed by the impressive mountains of the Cap Corse. Visit the vineyards of Patrimonio before venturing to little fishing villages and more outstanding landscapes of the Cap Corse.

Whether travelling with friends, loved ones, young kids or teens, a wealth of outdoor activities await across northern Corsica from watersports in Calvi, Algajola, L'Île-Rousse and Saint-Florent to quad-biking, horse-riding and even donkey rides in hilltop Balagne villages. Golf-lovers can play at the 18-hole Golf Reginu whilst there are so many hiking opportunities across the Balagne countryside, Désert des Agriates and Cap Corse landscapes.

Our carefully curated selection of villas in northern Corsica allows you to experience the many pristine beaches, characterful towns and stunning scenery in this mesmerising part of Corsica, the fourth largest Mediterranean island so lovingly referred to as l'Île de Beauté.