Day Three: Across the desert des Agriates towards L'Île-Rousse

Today promised to be quite long, and we knew the D81 from Saint Florent over the Agriates would be busy. So we made an early start. Had breakfast and bought the makings of a sandwich before we loaded and powered the bikes- a real chore. Still we were away and on the road by 9:00 am. We headed South and West over the Agriates. The ebikes made the climbs pretty easy. The traffic seemed heavier than we remembered, but tolerable in the main. Such a thrill to finally reach the Col and see the mountains opening ahead.

Then followed a very fast descent on a good road to join the main coast road. We took a left on to the D113 and followed it for miles- out to the lake. Google Maps led us astray as we searched for a non-existent track that would let us  go directly across the dam. Nothing for it but a long detour around the lake.  So we continued along the valley, feeling hungry and tired. No wonder -it was very late - about 3:00 PM - before we were able to find a place to eat our lunch. After that it was a rapid ride down the side of the other side of the lake before our bikes stormed up the climb to Santa Reparata. The Hotel Santa was immediately ahead opposite the church in the village centre. It was baking hot in the square even at 4pm in the afternoon.

it was with great relief we went and checked in. We were delighted to be given a room update to a very Superior triple with amazing views down to the Isle Rousse. Worth an extra €40 and the best room in the hotel! The Hotel Santa – possibly the best yet, divine location, classy and thoughtful décor, no expense spared and an extremely friendly place.

For the rest of the afternoon, we  made the most of the excellent swimming pool which cleverly perched high above the valley.

That eventing we ate in the hotel on the terrace,  sharing a fritto misto to start followed by scallops risotto, a  linguine a la carbonara and a bottle of Colombo cuvee prestige rose. Finished with coffee and Armagnac  to make a classic end to the day.