Saint-Florent Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, food to eat, and more in Saint-Florent, Corsica with our comprehensive travel guide.


Welcome to Saint-Florent, a charming seaside town located on the northern coast of Corsica, a beautiful French island in the Mediterranean. With a rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious food and drink, Saint-Florent is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ve put together all the essential information you need to plan your perfect trip to Saint-Florent. From the top attractions to the best places to stay and eat, we’ve got you covered.

Introduction to Saint-Florent

Located about 20 miles from Bastia, the capital of Haute-Corse, Saint-Florent is a picturesque harbor town with a rich history going back to Roman times. Throughout the centuries, the town has seen the influence of various cultures, including the Etruscans, the Phoenicians, and the Genovese, all of which have left their mark on the local architecture and traditions. Today, Saint-Florent attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire its beautiful landscapes, soak up the sun at one of its many beaches, and explore its cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Saint-Florent

Saint-Florent offers a wide range of attractions and activities that cater to all tastes and interests. Here are some of the most popular places to visit during your stay:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Citadel: Built in the 15th century by the Genovese, the Citadel is a stunning fortress that once served to protect the town from invaders. Today, it houses the Municipal Museum of Saint-Florent, where you can learn about the town’s history and cultural heritage.
  • The Saint-Anne Oratory: A small Baroque chapel dating back to the 18th century, located on a hill overlooking the bay of Saint-Florent. The chapel has been recently restored and is considered a prime example of Corsican rural art.
  • The Saint-Florent Church: Built in the 18th century, the church features a beautiful bell tower and a collection of baroque paintings and sculptures.

Natural Attractions of Saint-Florent: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Agriates Desert: A protected natural area located between Saint-Florent and Calvi, the Agriates Desert offers miles of unspoiled beaches and dunes that are perfect for hiking, sunbathing, and swimming.
  • The Cap Corse: A scenic route that circles around the northern tip of the Corsican peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding mountains.
  • The Gulf of Saint-Florent: A wide bay bordered by a series of sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sailing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint-Florent

For those who love hiking and biking, Saint-Florent has a wealth of trails and routes to explore. Some of the most popular include:

  • The Sentier des Douaniers: A coastal trail that stretches for about 25 miles along the Cap Corse peninsula, offering stunning views of the sea and the cliffs.
  • The Monte Stello Trail: A challenging hike that takes you to the top of Monte Stello, the highest peak in the Cap Corse massif. The trail offers breathtaking views of the coast and the surrounding mountains.
  • The Littoral Trail: A relatively easy path that runs along the coast from Saint-Florent to Lotu Beach, passing through beautiful maquis landscapes and offering stunning views of the Gulf of Saint-Florent.

Best Things to Do in Saint-Florent: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, Saint-Florent offers a range of activities and tours that are suitable for all ages and interests. Here are some of the best things to do during your stay:

  • Boat tours: From Saint-Florent marina, you can take a boat tour to discover the Gulf of Saint-Florent and the beaches of Saleccia and Loto.
  • Wine tasting: Corsican wines are famous around the world for their unique flavors and aromas. Saint-Florent is home to several wineries that offer wine tastings and guided tours.
  • Water sports: The Gulf of Saint-Florent is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saint-Florent

If you’re planning to spend a week in Saint-Florent, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Citadel and the Municipal Museum
2 Explore the beaches of Lotu and Saleccia by boat
3 Hike the Sentier des Douaniers
4 Visit the Saint-Florent Church and the Saint-Anne Oratory
5 Take a wine tasting tour in Patrimonio
6 Discover the Agriates Desert on a guided hike
7 Relax at the beach and enjoy the local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Saint-Florent

Corsican cuisine is a combination of French, Italian, and North African influences that make for a unique culinary experience. In Saint-Florent, you can find plenty of restaurants and bars that offer delicious local dishes and beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Civet de sanglier: Wild boar stewed in red wine and served with chestnut polenta.
  • Fiadone: A traditional Corsican dessert made with brocciu cheese, eggs, and sugar.
  • Fritelle: Small doughnuts made with chestnut flour and flavored with lemon or orange zest.

Local Beverages

  • Patrimonio wine: A red wine that is made from the Niellucciu grape and pairs well with local dishes.
  • Pietra beer: A beer brewed with chestnut flour, which gives it a unique nutty flavor.
  • Myrtle liqueur: A sweet liqueur made from the berries of the myrtle plant, which grows wild in Corsica.

Where to Stay in Saint-Florent: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Saint-Florent offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a cozy guesthouse, or a budget hostel, you can find it in Saint-Florent. Some of the best options include:

  • Hôtel La Florentine: A charming hotel located in the heart of Saint-Florent, offering comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the gulf.
  • U Palazzu Serenu: A stylish boutique hotel located in the nearby village of Oletta, featuring luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, and a restaurant.
  • Hotel Thalassa: A budget-friendly hotel located a short walk from the town center, offering simple rooms and apartments with kitchenettes.

What to Buy in Saint-Florent: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to bring home from your trip to Saint-Florent, here are some options:

  • Corsican honey: Made from the flowers of the maquis, Corsican honey is famous for its unique flavor and therapeutic properties.
  • Filippi biscuits: Delicious cookies made with local ingredients such as chestnut flour, hazelnuts, and almonds.
  • Corsican knives: Handcrafted knives that are famous for their quality and durability.

Local Culture and Customs of Saint-Florent

Corsica has a rich cultural heritage that is still alive today in the local traditions and customs. Some of the most important customs in Saint-Florent include:

  • The Corsican language: Corsican is a Romance language that is closely related to Italian and is still spoken by almost half of the population.
  • Music and dance: Corsican music is famous for its polyphonic singing, which consists of several voices singing different melodies at the same time. In Saint-Florent, you can also enjoy traditional dances such as the Catenacciu.
  • Cuisine: Corsican cuisine is an essential part of the local culture, and many dishes have been passed down from generation to generation.

Best Time to Visit Saint-Florent

The best time to visit Saint-Florent is in the spring or fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. In the summer months, from June to August, Saint-Florent can get busy and crowded with tourists, making it harder to find accommodation and access some attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saint-Florent

To make the most out of your trip to Saint-Florent, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Try the local food and wine
  • Explore the beaches and natural landscapes
  • Learn about the local history and culture

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate clothing in churches or other religious places
  • Leave your valuables unattended on the beach or in public places
  • Litter or damage the natural environment

Safety and Health

Saint-Florent is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a friendly local population. However, as with any destination, it’s essential to take some basic safety precautions, such as:

Safety in Saint-Florent

  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded places
  • Don’t leave your valuables unattended in rental cars or accommodation
  • Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated in the sun

Health in Saint-Florent

  • The tap water in Saint-Florent is safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available.
  • There are medical facilities in Saint-Florent, but if you need emergency care, you may need to go to Bastia.

Getting to Saint-Florent: Transportation Options and Logistics

Saint-Florent is accessible by various means of transportation, including:

Airports Near Saint-Florent

The nearest airport to Saint-Florent is Bastia-Poretta Airport, which receives flights from Paris, Marseille, and other major French cities.

Bus Stations Near Saint-Florent

Saint-Florent has a bus station that connects it with other towns and cities on Corsica. You can check the schedules and routes on the Corsica Bus website.

Other Options

You can also rent a car in Bastia and drive to Saint-Florent, which takes about 30 minutes along the D81 road.

How to Get Around in Saint-Florent

Saint-Florent is a small town that can be easily explored on foot. However, if you want to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car is highly recommended. You can also rent bicycles and scooters in Saint-Florent.

Where to Go Next from Saint-Florent: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some more time to explore the area around Saint-Florent, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Calvi: A beautiful town located about 40 miles from Saint-Florent, with a stunning citadel and beautiful beaches.
  • La Balagne: A region located between Calvi and L’Ile-Rousse, offering beautiful villages, lush valleys, and stunning seascapes.
  • Cap Corse: A rugged peninsula that stretches northward from Saint-Florent, offering breathtaking views and unspoiled natural landscapes.

Conclusion

Saint-Florent is a beautiful and welcoming destination that has something to offer everyone. From the historic citadel to the stunning beaches and natural landscapes, to the delicious food and wine, Saint-Florent is a must-see destination for any traveler. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has been helpful in planning your perfect trip to Saint-Florent, and we look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful corner of Corsica soon.

Saint-Florent Saint-Florent Cows on the beach Cows on the beach Nebbiu Cathedral Nebbiu Cathedral