L'Île Rousse is a modern city idyllically set where the River Balagne flows into a beautiful bay in the north western part of the French island of Corsica. In addition to natural attractions such as rugged coastlines, magnificent beaches and towering mountain peaks, this pleasant holiday resort features a charming Old Town area full of tall colourful houses, as well as a number of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors typically begin their tour at Place Paoli, a large square in the centre of the town offering easy access to the most notable monuments including two historic churches and the covered market on the edge of the square (built in 1845). Stretching both north and east from the town centre are two white sandy beaches, the popular Plage du Napoléon with its promenade dotted with beach cafes, and the quieter Plage de Ginepara. Don’t miss the chance to visit L'Ile-Rousse island, a large red rocky island boasting two lighthouses and a Genoese tower.