The best riding in France… isn't in France

I love the Alps. And the Pyrenees. And the Auvergne, the Ardeche, the Vosges... all the great biking areas of France. I do... but Corsica has stolen my heart. The scenery is stunning, the roads are immaculate and amazingly twisty, the weather is good and there's hardly anyone there. It's simply the most amazing place to ride a bike.

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There is a catch: it's a long way from the UK. So this tour uses some high-mile days that mix motorways with cross-country riding to cover the distance to the Mediterranean ports efficiently.

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What’s included on the route? Each day’s route has recommended places to stop for coffee in the morning and afternoon, a suggested lunch stop and planned fuel stops. The interactive notes that accompany the tour include hotel recommendations and information on attractions along the way.

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How long is each day’s ride? The transit days across France are long days. On the road at nine, off the bike at six. The time on Corsica is more relaxed but each of the three days is still a full-day ride. There's still time for plenty of pics, a bit of sightseeing and stops for coffee and lunch - it is still a holiday. But the mainland sections are more demanding, Saddle-time rating: eight out of 10.

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What are the highlights? Well, Corsica – all of it. Whether you like mountain passes, sun-kissed coast roads, historic towns or sleepy villages, it's an island that really does have it all. There are some great rides on the mainland as well, cutting through the alps and Provençe on the way to the port – but this trip really is about making the most of the three days on Corsica.

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Why nine days? The tour fits in with one week off work, taking a Saturday morning Eurotunnel and returning the following Sunday afternoon. 

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How is it supplied? The download consists of an interactive eBook of notes supported by individual GPX files for each day's route. You can simply download the GPX files and install them in your sat nav or phone app. However, I strongly recommend getting the tour pack of tankbag route notes and marked-up maps (not sold separately) which really make running the tour so much easier.