Tour de Corse Historique 2026

The Tour de Corse Historique returns to Corsica from Saturday, 3 October to Saturday, 10 October, bringing historic rally cars, international crews, and eight unforgettable days of island motorsport. The 26th edition will travel more than 1,000 kilometres across Corsica, with five competition stages, around 18 special stages on closed roads, and a route that links Calvi, Lucciana, Propriano, and Ajaccio.

For motorsport fans, classic-car lovers, and travellers who want to see Corsica at full speed, the Tour de Corse Historique is one of the island’s most atmospheric autumn events. The combination of vintage engines, mountain roads, coastal scenery, and village welcomes creates a rally experience that feels deeply connected to Corsica itself.

"The Tour de Corse Historique is one of the island’s most atmospheric autumn events, deeply connected to Corsica itself."

The Story of the Tour de Corse Historique

Honoring a Legendary Rally

The Tour de Corse Historique is a major historic rally held annually on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica. It honors the legacy of the original Tour de Corse, one of rallying’s most demanding and celebrated road events, while welcoming historic competition cars and crews from across Europe and beyond.

The event is not a static car show. It is a travelling competition that moves through Corsican landscapes, with rally cars tackling closed-road special stages and liaison sections between towns. Every day brings a new combination of winding roads, elevation changes, village stops, and dramatic views.

• VHC: Historic Competition Vehicles
• VHRS: Historic Regularity Sport Vehicles
• Légende: A non-competitive category for eligible historic cars, including vehicles dating from 1947 onward

"Serious competition sits alongside historic motoring passion, allowing spectators to see a wide range of rally machinery from different eras."

The 2026 Experience

Confirmed Dates and Schedule

The confirmed dates for the Tour de Corse Historique are 3 October to 10 October. The event includes two days of administrative and technical scrutineering, a driving session and opening evening, then five full competition days.

• Saturday, 3 October: Administrative and technical scrutineering in Calvi
• Sunday, 4 October: Administrative and technical scrutineering in Calvi
• Monday, 5 October: Driving session and opening evening in Calvi
• Tuesday, 6 October: Stage 1, Calvi to Calvi
• Wednesday, 7 October: Stage 2, Calvi to Lucciana
• Thursday, 8 October: Stage 3, Lucciana to Propriano
• Friday, 9 October: Stage 4, Propriano to Ajaccio
• Saturday, 10 October: Stage 5, Ajaccio to Calvi

"The itinerary is subject to event and safety adjustments, as is normal for a rally that crosses complex island terrain."

Into the Island of Beauty

Corsica's Scenic Rally Route

Corsica is often called the Island of Beauty, and the Tour de Corse Historique makes that nickname feel earned. In one week, the rally connects mountain routes, rugged inland roads, coastal bends, historic towns, and landscapes that can change dramatically within an hour’s drive.

• More than 1,000 kilometres in total
• Around 18 special stages held on closed roads
• Approximately 380 kilometres of timed competition
• About 620 kilometres of liaison sections
• Five competitive stages averaging around 200 kilometres each

For teams, the challenge is not just speed. It is concentration, mechanical sympathy, accurate pace notes, and the ability to read narrow, technical roads that twist through Corsica’s hills and villages.

The Heart of the Rally: Calvi

Opening and Closing in a Historic Town

Calvi is the centre of the Tour de Corse Historique’s opening days. From 3 to 5 October, the town hosts scrutineering, the driving session, and the opening evening, giving visitors several chances to see the cars and crews before competitive stages begin on 6 October.

Calvi is an outstanding place to begin a motorsport holiday. Its famous citadel rises above the marina, while its bay combines beach scenery with mountain views. The town is also a practical base for travellers who want restaurants, accommodation, coastal walks, and easy access to the northwest of the island.

• The Citadel of Calvi, with panoramic views over the sea and harbour
• Calvi marina, ideal for an evening stroll and dinner
• The sandy beach stretching along the bay
• Notre-Dame de la Serra, a hilltop viewpoint with one of Corsica’s classic coastal panoramas
• The Balagne region’s artisan villages, including Pigna and Sant’Antonino
• Local restaurants serving Corsican charcuterie, goat cheese, fresh fish, and regional wines

"The rally also returns to Calvi on 10 October for the final stage from Ajaccio, creating a satisfying finish where the island’s mountain and coastal worlds meet."

Historic Cars and Motorsport Heritage

A Celebration of Classic Rally Icons

The Tour de Corse Historique is especially appealing because of the cars. Rather than seeing modern machines only, spectators get to experience rally icons that shaped generations of motorsport fans.

The exact entry list evolves before the event, but the rally attracts a mix of historic competition models, regularity cars, and heritage vehicles. The 2026 registration launch drew intense demand, with 400 available places allocated in six minutes and a waiting list reportedly nearing 200 entries.

• Jos Verstappen
• Julien Saunier
• Olivier Capanaccia
• Matthieu Fassio

"Competitors do not come only for results. They come for the roads, the island, the atmosphere, and the prestige of completing a rally that pays tribute to Corsica’s legendary motorsport history."

Planning Your Tour de Corse Historique Trip

Tips for an Unforgettable Rally Experience

The Tour de Corse Historique takes place at an excellent time for a road trip. October brings a calmer pace after peak summer, while much of the island remains pleasantly warm. Weather can change quickly in mountain areas, so pack for both sunshine and rain.

Best Places to Stay

• Calvi: Best for scrutineering, opening events, Stage 1, and the final finish on 10 October
• Bastia or Lucciana: Best for Stage 2 and convenient airport access
• Propriano: Best for Stage 3, Gulf of Valinco scenery, and southern Corsica
• Ajaccio: Best for Stage 4, city culture, museums, and the final-stage departure
• L’Île-Rousse: A quieter northern alternative, with beach access and a short drive to Calvi
• Sartène: A characterful base near Propriano for visitors wanting a more traditional village atmosphere

Transport and Driving

A rental car gives you the greatest flexibility, but do not try to race the rally schedule. Road closures, crowded village parking, and route changes can complicate travel.

• Book your rental car early
• Allow generous driving time between towns
• Carry water, snacks, and a charged phone
• Download offline maps for rural areas
• Avoid parking on narrow bends or emergency-access routes
• Follow all road-closure signs
• Arrive at spectator areas well before the official closure time
• Never attempt to access a stage through unmarked tracks or private land

"Corsica’s roads demand patience, but the rewards are extraordinary. The journey between rally towns can be as memorable as the rally itself."

Spectator Access and Pricing

What to Expect for Viewing the Rally

No official general spectator ticket price has been published for the Tour de Corse Historique. The rally is held on public roads that are temporarily closed for special stages, so many viewing areas may be accessible without a grandstand-style ticket.

However, spectators should not assume every location is open or free to access. Some areas may have restricted entry, controlled parking, or safety limitations.

• Accommodation in rally towns
• Rental car, fuel, and parking
• Food, drinks, and local purchases
• Optional hospitality or special events, if announced
• Museum, winery, or guided-tour visits between stages
• Travel insurance and flexible booking arrangements

"Competitor registration is separate from spectator access. The competition’s 400 available places were allocated quickly, so anyone hoping to participate should consult the official organiser directly and well in advance."

Enjoying the Rally Responsibly

Safety and Respect for the Corsican Community

Historic rallying is exhilarating, but it relies on spectators acting responsibly. The roads are narrow, speeds are high, and mountain terrain can be unforgiving.

• Watch only from approved spectator areas
• Never stand on the outside of a corner
• Stay well back from the edge of the road
• Keep clear of escape roads, junctions, and emergency routes
• Do not use drones without official authorization
• Never throw objects, wave flags into the road, or distract crews
• Take all rubbish with you
• Support village cafés, bakeries, and local producers
• Respect residents, farms, and private driveways

"You will have a better experience, and so will everyone around you, when you treat the roads, communities, and safety teams with respect."

Frequently Asked Questions

The Things People Always Want to Know

When is Tour de Corse Historique?

Tour de Corse Historique takes place from 3 October to 10 October.

Where does Tour de Corse Historique take place?

The rally takes place across Corsica, with confirmed stage towns including Calvi, Lucciana, Propriano, and Ajaccio. The event begins and ends in Calvi.

How long is the Tour de Corse Historique route?

The planned route covers more than 1,000 kilometres, including around 380 kilometres of timed special stages and around 620 kilometres of liaison sections.

How many stages are in the Tour de Corse Historique?

The rally includes five competitive stages over five days, following two days of scrutineering and a driving-session day.

Can spectators watch Tour de Corse Historique for free?

No general spectator ticket price has been published. Many rally viewing areas may be accessible from public locations, but all spectators must follow official safety rules, road closures, and event staff instructions.

What types of cars compete in Tour de Corse Historique?

The rally welcomes historic competition vehicles, historic regularity sport vehicles, and eligible heritage cars in the Légende category.

Which drivers have been announced for Tour de Corse Historique?

Early announced entries include Jos Verstappen, Julien Saunier, Olivier Capanaccia, and Matthieu Fassio. The final entry list may change before the event.

Verified Information at a Glance

• Event name: Tour de Corse Historique
• Event category: Historic motorsport rally and classic-car competition
• Edition: 26th edition
• Confirmed dates: 3 October to 10 October
• Primary island: Corsica, France
• Opening town: Calvi
• Scrutineering: 3 and 4 October, Calvi
• Driving session and opening evening: 5 October, Calvi
• Stage 1: 6 October, Calvi to Calvi
• Stage 2: 7 October, Calvi to Lucciana
• Stage 3: 8 October, Lucciana to Propriano
• Stage 4: 9 October, Propriano to Ajaccio
• Stage 5: 10 October, Ajaccio to Calvi
• Route distance: More than 1,000 kilometres
• Timed competition distance: Approximately 380 kilometres
• Liaison distance: Approximately 620 kilometres
• Special stages: Around 18, subject to route adjustments
• Eligible categories: VHC, VHRS, and Légende
• Spectator pricing: No confirmed general ticket price has been published
• Competitor availability: 400 registration places were allocated in six minutes, with a waiting list reported near 200 entries.

Plan your Corsica adventure around 3 to 10 October, begin among the rally legends in Calvi, follow the island’s mountain and coastal roads through Lucciana, Propriano, and Ajaccio, then return to Calvi to welcome the crews home. It is the kind of week where classic motorsport and Corsican island spirit meet at every hairpin bend.

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