Saint Florent
San Fiurenzu, 1685 PopulationInsee Saint Florent 0 to 356 meters 1798 hectares
To discover
The Little Corsican Saint-Tropez
Saint-Florent (San Fiurenzu) is the "Little Corsican Saint-Tropez," a port city featuring bustling commercial streets and numerous restaurants lining the port of Saint-Florent, where the most beautiful yachts dock each summer. The city is also distinguished by its Citadel overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Florent and Roya Beach stretching for one kilometer.
Historical Heritage
Citadel of Saint-Florent
The port city is primarily known for its imposing Citadel that dominates the Gulf of Saint-Florent. It was built in 1440 during the Genoese period at the behest of Janus Campofregoso, who was then waging war against the island's rebellion, and who was a Genoese politician and nephew of the Duke of Genoa, Tomaso, bearing the same name.
The Citadel may have been constructed near an ancient sanctuary that, until the 12th century, preserved relics of Saint-Florent and Latin inscriptions indicating that the site was also the scene of a significant battle during the Roman era—possibly the Battle of the Field of Myrtles, according to the book History of Corsica by Marc'Antonio Ceccaldi.
Enhanced and fortified over the centuries, it now stands as the iconic monument of Saint Florent, attracting numerous visitors annually and often serving as a venue for music festivals.
Port of Saint-Florent
The port of Saint-Florent – Mare e Stagnu, Sea and Lagoon – spans the entire historic center on the southern side, extending into a breakwater. It is one of the town's major assets. Now a marina with a few fishing boats, it was once a bustling and strategic commercial port for trade with Genoa, significantly contributing to the development of Saint-Florent during the 15th century.
The first boats are moored at the quay beginning at the iron bridge spanning the Aliso River. In total, the port offers approximately 920 berths, including 670 annual moorings and 250 temporary spots managed by the Harbour Master’s Office.
Fountains
In the middle of Place Doria stands a four-sided fountain adorned with four frog statuettes at its base and a plaque inscribed with "La Fontaine de Jean - 1995."
Gate Square
Located in the heart of Saint-Florent, Gate Square marks the entrance to the old town and its commercial streets. With its small patch of land, it is a favored spot for pétanque players throughout the year.
Mortella Tower
The Genoese Mortella Tower was used to monitor the Gulf of Saint-Florent. Accessible via the Customs Path, its best view is from the sea. Built in the mid-16th century by the Genoese, it was partially destroyed at the end of the 18th century by British troops, but its resilience inspired a British admiral to have several dozen replicas constructed along the British coast, known as Martello Towers.
Saint Anne Church
Saint Anne Church dates from the 18th century, measuring approximately 20 by 10 meters. It features a square bell tower and is located in the center of the village on Church Square. In 2017, the church was renovated by local artisans with funding from the municipality of Saint-Florent, preserving the town’s religious and historical heritage.
Saint Anne celebrated on July 26
Every year on July 26, a mass dedicated to Saint Anne is celebrated, followed by a procession during which the statue of Saint Anne is carried through the streets of central Saint-Florent before returning to the church. It is also an opportunity for villagers to gather and share a friendly drink.
Beaches of Saint-Florent
Lotu Beach
The beaches of Lotu and Saleccia are separated by a coastal point (Punta di Curza) of only 2 km. Lotu Beach is smaller than its neighbor, with approximately 360 meters of beach plus a small cove (Little Lotu Beach). It straddles the municipalities of Santo-Pietro-di-Tenda and Saint-Florent.
Access is the same as for Saleccia, either via a track or by sea. Unlike Saleccia, Lotu Beach features a pier that allows for safe disembarkation and boarding on dry land.
Note that "Plage du Lotus" does not actually exist in Corsica; the "t" in Lotu (Loto in French) is pronounced as a "d," which probably explains why one rarely leaves Lotu richer than when arriving.
Roya Beach
At the southern entrance of Saint-Florent, just after the iron bridge, directly on the right, lies Roya Beach, which stretches for 1 km. It begins with a small beach offering all amenities—including a hotel and a sailing club (catamarans, optimists, windsurfing, kayaking)—followed by a much longer stretch. Ideal for children due to its shallow edges, this fine sandy beach is very popular in summer.
Ospedale Beach
Ospedale Beach is a straight pebble beach spanning over a kilometer, located at the northeastern exit of Saint-Florent on the road leading to Patrimonio. More urban in character, Ospedale Beach offers advantages over Roya Beach, such as easier access without dead ends and less congestion. It is also directly accessible on foot from the coastal hotels.
Punta Cavallata
Punta Cavallata, meaning "Wave Point," precedes Lotu Beach and also marks the beginning of the Gulf of Saint-Florent on the western coastline.
