Peter Harrison

Corsican Rail Adventure

Slow Travel to a Mediterranean Island

Tour Overview

As slow travel continues to grow in popularity, especially among 50+ travellers, we invite you to consider the ultimate leisurely rail tour to Corsica, offering a seamless, flight-free journey to one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning islands.

Avoid the stress of airports and instead, sit back and relax as you travel from London to Nice by train, enjoying the changing landscapes of rural France before reaching the glamorous French Riviera. From Nice, a leisurely ferry crossing takes you to the shores of Corsica, where your adventure truly begins.
Once on the island, your journey continues in the best way possible—by rail. Corsica’s narrow-gauge railway winds through dramatic mountains, lush valleys, and alongside the island’s breathtaking coastline, making it one of the most scenic train routes in Europe. You’ll enjoy stays in Bastia, Calvi, and Ajaccio, experiencing a wonderful mix of coastal charm, historic old towns, and vibrant Mediterranean culture. With its Italian and French influences, Corsica offers delicious cuisine, picturesque harbours, and sun-soaked café culture to enjoy at every stop.
This unique holiday allows you to soak in Corsica’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace, from its pristine beaches to rugged mountain villages, all accessible by the island’s charming train network or we will arrange car hire for a few days. Whether you are admiring the turquoise waters of Calvi’s bay, exploring the cobbled streets of Ajaccio, or venturing into the island’s dramatic interior, this rail holiday offers a perfect balance of scenic journeys and cultural discovery. Each train ride is an experience in itself, with panoramic views and a leisurely pace that lets you truly appreciate the island’s landscapes.
A chance to embrace the joys of slow travel and create your special visit to Corsica. We will help you plan your route through France and stops en route and all you need to enjoy this stunning island in the most scenic and stress-free way possible!

Travel Tips

France has an extensive rail network (SNCF), and high-speed TGV trains make it easy to travel between major cities like Paris, Lyon, Nice and Marseille.
Whilst it is possible to travel from London to Nice in a day by rail from the UK, we advise a stopover en route to keep your journey as leisurable as possible. This also enables you to visit and experience more of France.
Spend a couple of days in Nice on the outward journey where there are several scenic rail journeys available. A must is the Train des Pignes (Pine Cone Train) which makes a lovely day out from Nice. Travel from Nice to Puget Thieners and connect with the steam train service to Annot. The steam train has limited departures so do time your visit accordingly if this is on your ‘to do list’.
Take a Corsican Ferries service from Nice to Bastia, which will take several hours. Relax on board and enjoy the views as you cross the Mediterranean to reach the beautiful island of Corsica.
The island is only 114 miles long and 52 miles wide but is recommended to do a two or three centre holiday to fully appreciate this mediterranean paradise.
Corsica’s landscape is diverse, with mountainous terrain, cliffs, and remote villages. Public transport can be limited, especially in rural areas, so renting a car is recommended if you wish to travel off the beaten path. This gives you the flexibility to explore the island’s natural beauty and hidden gems at your own pace. Cape Corse is well worth a visit.
If self-drive is not your thing, then the rail network can be used to visit the coastal towns of Bastia, Calvi and Ajaccio. This can be done quite easily and cheaply if you purchase 7-day travel card, which gives you unlimited travel on Corsican railways.
Corsica offers some of the best scenic rail journeys, with the line between Corté and Bocognano ranked as one of the most scenic in the world.
The best time to visit - April to June is when the weather is mild, and the island is less crowded. It’s a great time for hiking and exploring nature. From July to August expect warmer temperatures and more tourists. In September and October the weather is still warm, but the summer crowds have thinned, making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the beaches without the busy atmosphere.
Corsica’s coastline is stunning, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore by boat. There are several boat excursions available, the most popular being a boat tour from Calvi to Scandola, Corsica’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.