Saint Florent

Saint Florent is a commune in Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea.

The heart in Saint Florent is the old town, with its narrow streets and bustling cafes and bars. Relax in one of the waterfront cafés and watch the yachts arrive at the marina.

In rue du Centre, which runs west off the square, parallel to the seafront and marina, you'll find some restaurants, a few shops and a couple of wine-tasting places.

The 15th century citadel can be reached on foot from place Doria on the seafront in the old quarter.

The highly ornate Santa Maria Assunta was built in the 12th century, on the site of the ancient Roman city that existed before Saint Florent.

There is a pleasant coastal walk to the Mortella tower, 7km west of Saint Florent (be aware there is little shade). The ruined tower dates back to 1520 and is one of the most impressive examples of Genoese architecture in the area.

The Desert des Agriates is a landscape of wild shrubland and rocky cliffs. Take a boat trip to one of its beaches, inaccessible by car, or rent a boat yourself to explore the hidden coastline around the town.

Boats from the harbour will also take you to the beaches of Saleccia and Loto.

The main town beach in Saint Florent can be reached on foot from the port de plaisance or by car just west of the town centre. Activities here include windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, jet skis and diving.

Much of Corsica’s best wine is produced in the Patrimonio area and you will find dozens of vineyards to visit to sample their wine, just follow the brown road signs for the 'Route des vins'.

Behind Saint Florent is the attractive countryside of the Conca d'Oro, where its villages hug the slopes.

Sailing, diving, kayaking and quad biking are some of the activities on offer here.

Good local products to purchase include meats, cheese, wine, olive oil and local handicrafts.

Meat dishes may be served with pasta or polenta and popular options include 'civet de sanglier' (wild boar casserole), 'veau aux olives' (veal with olives) and 'agneau Corse' (Corsican lamb). There is also a good range of fresh fish and seafood such as oysters, red mullet (rouget), sea bream (loup de mer) and crayfish (langoustine).

The harbour of Saint Florent is located in the Gulf of Saint Florent on the west coast of the peninsula of Cap Corse.

Cruise ships generally anchor and tender passengers ashore at this port of call.

You can walk from one end of the town to the other in around 10 minutes.