You are here: Visit France Regions of France CorsicaCorse-du-Sud > Sartene

Sartene

Car Hire

Hotels

Visit Sartene (Corsica, France)

The historical town of Sartene is situated in south-west Corsica between Porto-Vecchio (to the east) and Ajaccio (to the north-west). Between the sea and the mountains, it refers to itself as 'the most Corsican of the towns in Corsica'.

Although the region has been occupied since prehistoric times Sartene itself dates from the early 16th century, followed shortly after by the construction of the fortifications. Unfortunately the fortifications were not entirely successful and in 1583 the king of Algeria breached the defences and took much of the population for slavery.

Exploring Sartene

Park in the car park at the south of Sartene and the first thing you see is the far-reaching views across the mountains and out across the Valinco Golf. head into the centre of the town around the Place de la Liberation (the place was previously and is often still known as Place Porta). Here in the bustling centre of Sartene you can find cafes and the weekly market, and more views across the valley.

Take a look at Sainte Marie church on the edge of the square while you are here, the highlight is the square three storey clocktower. Other important buildings around the square include the Town Hall and the Governor's Palace.

The old town areas of Saint Anna, Maniguedda and Pitraghiu are reached through a vaulted passageway next to the Town Hall.

The narrow streets are crammed with tall ancient houses, linked by arches, arcades and alleys, occasioinally blocked by unexpected outcrops of mountain, spreads out down the hill, with a myriad of ever narrower passageways and staircases providing a fascinating glimpse of 'old' Corsica. You will also see the 12th century watchtower in the old town.

When you have finished exploring the old town the Museum of Prehistory in Sartene is an excellent museum with prehistoric artefacts from all parts of Corsica.

Attractions nearby

A particular local highlight is Roccapina, south of Sartene. At Roccapina there are large natural rock formations, some in the shapes of animals such as the 'Lion of Roccapina', a small scenic bay and a large beach.

The route from Sartene that leads between the mountains and along the Ortolu valley towards Bonifacio is an especially scenic drive, and the 13th century arched bridge across the Rizzanese River is also very picturesque.

Sartène is also a good base for exploring the important prehistoric sites at Cauria and Palaggiu, with their fine dolmen and menhirs, and also the standing men stone carvings at Stantari. The stunning wilderness interior of this region of Corsica is on the town's doorstep, and the beaches around Propriana are in easy reach.