Plage de l'Île-Rousse, situated in L'Île-Rousse, Balagne, Corsica, is a charming beach destination known for its natural beauty and tranquility. The city of L'Île-Rousse, which is bordered by the sea, boasts of three main beaches: the "beach of the train station", Napoléon Beach, and Caruchettu Beach.
The "beach of the train station", although smaller in size, is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a splendid view of the ferries leaving the port. This beach is home to the Club Nautique de L'Île-Rousse and the Jet Loc leisure base, providing opportunities for water sports.
Napoléon Beach and Caruchettu Beach, located near Place Paoli, are perfect for family outings as they are supervised during the summer season. Napoléon Beach features fine sandy shores and vibrant beach establishments that provide restaurant services. Caruchettu Beach, distinguished by its rocky areas and clear turquoise waters, is a preferred spot for fishing and snorkeling enthusiasts.
These beaches can be accessed by a short walk from the city center, along a beautiful promenade lined with benches and tamarisk trees. Parking facilities are available near each beach, with paid parking options at the Marin parking near the train station and at Place Paoli for Napoléon Beach. Caruchettu Beach, on the other hand, has a free dirt lot for parking, although it may be used as a boules court during the mid-September weekend of the Challenge International de pétanque Pascal Paoli.
The beach at the train station is not supervised, unlike Napoléon Beach and Caruchettu Beach which offer lifeguard services from June to September. It is also important to note that pets are not permitted on any of the city's beaches.
Despite its popularity, Plage de l'Île-Rousse is not overly crowded, making it an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing beach experience. The beach is known for its clear waters and soft, white sand, providing a picturesque view of the city. One unique characteristic is the presence of leaves piled up on the sand, creating a soft surface to walk on. This beach also boasts a variety of amenities such as sunbed providers and proximity to a multitude of restaurants and cafes, as well as various sports activities.