Village of the Island of Beauty, Saint-Florent is located in Haute-Corse, in the Nebbiu at the foot of Cap Corse. Seaside resort, it offers direct access to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, not far from Calvi and Agriate, a huge natural area bordered by 35 km of coastline with numerous fine sandy beaches including that of Saleccia.
A former Genoese city, Saint-Florent is a territory occupied since the Neolithic era, as evidenced by archaeological excavations carried out on site. In ancient times, the city was known as Nebbio before being replaced by Saint-Florent, a city created by the Genoese in the 14th century. Surrounded by a citadel from the middle of the 15th century to resist the Ottoman, French or Aragonese invasions, the Corsican town had to wait until the 18th century to obtain its independence, like the rest of the island.
Today, Saint-Florent is mainly known for its tourist activity and its architectural heritage testifying to the different cultural influences suffered over the centuries. The beaches and the pedestrian paths are also the fame of this village.
Vestige of the Genoese era of Saint-Florent, the citadel was built in 1440 to protect the city from foreign invasions. Overseeing the gulf it dominates, it passed into the hands of the Aragonese, the French, the Anglo-Corsicans, the Italians, and finally the Corsicans, over time. Former gendarmerie barracks, it takes place on the remains of an ancient sanctuary which previously housed the relics of Saint Florent. The site was classified as a Historic Monument in 1994.
Another relic of the occupation of the Genoese in Corsica, the Mortella tower takes place on the east coast of Agriate. Built in the middle of the 16th century, today it only has a section of wall and a piece of machicolation. Formerly serving as a place of defence, it was destroyed during the siege of Saint-Florent by the British in the early 19th century.
The Nebbiu Cathedral, Santa-Maria-Assunta, is a completely restored medieval construction. Listed as a Historic Monument, it was built in the 12th century and still houses the relics of Saint Flor, a martyred Roman soldier. Pisan Romanesque style, it reveals a sober and luminous architecture and one can admire several works classified in its interior such as a statue of the Virgin and Child from the 17th century, a Christ on the cross from the 16th century or the funerary plaque of Thomas Giustiniani.
The town has other religious buildings such as the 18th century Sainte-Anne church, or the Saint-Antoine chapel, recently restored to house the intercommunal tourist office.
While walking through the village of Saint-Florent, you can also discover the Fornali tower built by Pascal Paoli in the second half of the 18th century with the aim of controlling maritime navigation in the region.
The fountain in Place Doria also deserves a short admiring break.
But Saint-Florent is also and above all great beaches appreciated by tourists. The only fine sandy beach on the outskirts of the village, Roya beach enjoys a family atmosphere, in particular because it allows you to have a very long walk. The site also serves as the starting point for the coastal footpath which runs along the coast to Agriate. Located in the protected site of the Agriate coast, Lotu beach is accessible by boat in the summer. Departure is from the village marina. We can also note the presence of the beaches of Ospedale and Tettola, covered with pebbles.
Many events take place all year round at Saint-Florent and more particularly during the high season. Many concerts are offered free of charge by the municipality, on the Place des Portes or on the port.
At least in August, the town hosts the famous Porto Latino music festival every summer. On the program, artists from all over the world to present Latin music concerts.
In summer, you will find every evening a night market of local craftsmen.
A clothing market is held every first Wednesday of the month, in the morning, near the footbridge.
Every three years, on Pentecost Monday, the feast of Saint-Flor takes place, during which all the inhabitants of the Nebbiu micro-region come to honor the relic of Saint-Flor carried by men in procession, to the rhythmic accents of the brass band, to the Sainte-Anne church, where it was exposed to the veneration of the faithful.
Every year, on June 2, the day of Saint Erasmus, patron saint of fishermen, the statue of the Saint is hoisted on a boat to be carried in procession at sea, in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Florent.
On the evening of December 24, the tradition is that the inhabitants gather around a big fire after Midnight Mass.
The "Catenacciu" (from catena, chain in Latin) is a Corsican tradition that takes place during the Good Friday procession. The "Catenacciu" makes a Stations of the Cross through the village, and symbolizes the ascent of Christ to Calvary. The tradition of this oldest procession in Corsica dates back to the 13th century, when it was established by the Tuscan Franciscans. It continued in the 14th and 15th centuries under the influence of the Kingdom of Aragon and penitential religious practices, then in the 16th with the development of religious brotherhoods.
Many hiking trails are possible from Saint-Florent, such as the customs trail.
Various water sports activities are offered from Roya beach: sailing, jet skiing, water skiing, paddle, flying boat, kayak, towed buoys...