Sartène, dubbed“the most Corsican of Corsican towns” by Prosper Mérimée, embodies thevery essence of the Isle of Beauty. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Rizzanese valley, the medieval town offers a compendium of Corsican history and traditions.

Its austere architecture, narrow streets and breathtaking panoramas make it a unique destination. Beyond its exceptional heritage, Sartène is an ideal base for exploring the natural riches of the Alta Rocca and surrounding coastline.

Dive into Sarten’s history and heritage

Sartène’s cultural heritage is evident in every stone of its centuries-old buildings. The upper town, a veritable open-air museum, invites you to take a trip back in time.

The Place de la Libération and its surroundings

The beating heart of the town, Place de la Libération concentrates most of Sarten’s lively activity. Dominated by the imposing Sainte-Marie church, it offers an exceptional panorama of the surrounding mountains. The cafés lining the square are a great place to observe local life and soak up the town’s unique atmosphere.

Not far away, the Genoese Governors ‘ Palace now houses the Museum of Corsican Prehistory. This massive edifice bears witness to Sartène’s strategic importance in Genoese times. Inside, the collections retrace the island’s history from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, highlighting the region’s archaeological wealth.

Processions and living traditions

Sartène is renowned for its centuries-old traditions, which are still very much alive. The Catenacciu procession, held every Good Friday, is one of the highlights of the local calendar.

An anonymous penitent, wearing a heavy cross and a chain on his feet, walks through the streets of the town in an atmosphere of intense contemplation. Every year, this unique ceremony attracts large numbers of visitors from all over Corsica and beyond.

In addition, the Saint Anne’s Day celebrations at the end of July provide an opportunity to discover other aspects of Sarten folklore. Religious processions, Corsican polyphony concerts and craft fairs punctuate these festive days, offering a lively insight into local culture.

Adventures in the Sarten hinterland

Sartène’s hinterland, with its steep slopes and lush green valleys, is an exceptional playground for nature lovers.

Hiking in the Alta Rocca

The Alta Rocca massif, accessible from Sartène, offers hiking opportunities for all levels. The trail leading to the Aiguilles de Bavella is one of the most spectacular. The route reveals impressive rock formations and breathtaking panoramas of mountains and sea.

For less experienced walkers, the Rizzanese Valley Mills circuit offers a gentler stroll, punctuated by waterfalls and relics of Corsican rural heritage.

The region is also home to several fascinating megalithic sites. The Fontanaccia dolmen, near the village of Sollacaro, is one of the best-preserved examples of prehistoric architecture in Corsica. A guided hike reveals the importance of these remains in the context of Mediterranean prehistory.

Adventure sports and thrills

Thrill-seekers will find plenty to do in the many activities on offer around Sartène. Quad excursions allow you to explore difficult-to-reach areas and discover spectacular landscapes off the beaten track. These supervised outings can be adapted to suit all levels, from beginner to experienced rider.

Climbing is also booming in the region. The Baracci cliffs offer a variety of routes for all levels, with breathtaking views over the Gulf of Valinco. Qualified instructors offer introductory and advanced courses, enabling you to discover this activity in complete safety.

The via ferrata in Sartenais is attracting more and more enthusiasts. This secure cliff-side route offers a unique experience somewhere between climbing and hiking, with breathtaking aerial passages. Once again,professional supervision makes this activity accessible even to beginners wishing to discover the joys of verticality.

Maritime and coastal discoveries

Although located in the hinterland, Sartène’s proximity to the coast considerably broadens the range of possible activities.

Secret beaches and coves

Just a twenty-minute drive away, the beaches of the Gulf of Valinco offer an idyllic setting for swimming and lounging. The beach at Tizzano, with its fine sand and turquoise waters, is one of the most beautiful in the region. Less crowded than its neighbors, it retains a wild charm that’s ideal for relaxation.

For the more adventurous, the coves along the rocky coast between Tizzano and Campomoro are a treasure trove of hidden treasures. Accessible only by boat or after a short walk, these havens of peace promise moments of absolute tranquility facing the sea.

Sea excursions and water sports

The port of Propriano, some fifteen kilometers from Sartène, is the starting point for numerous sea excursions. Boat trips to the Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve reveal a spectacular coastline of limestone cliffs and sea caves. The reserve is home to exceptional biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine.

In addition, scuba diving is becoming increasingly popular in the region. The seabed of the Gulf of Valinco, preserved and rich in biodiversity, offers remarkable diving sites for all levels. The islets of Les Moines, off Propriano, are a prime spot for observing a variety of marine fauna in ideal conditions.

Gastronomy and local flavours

Sarten’s cuisine, a blend of mountain and maritime influences, is a culinary journey in itself. From local produce to regional specialties, it perfectly reflects the diversity of the surrounding landscape.

Culinary specialities to discover

Local gastronomy is characterized by authentic products and recipes handed down from generation to generation. Not to be missed:

• prisuttu, a dry-cured ham matured in the Corsican maquis ;
• coppa, the island’s emblematic charcuterie.

These delicacies are best enjoyed with a local wine, such as Sartène AOC, whose vineyards stretch across the surrounding hillsides.

In the restaurants of the old town, you can also enjoy more elaborate dishes such as veal with olives or eggplants à la bonifacienne. These traditional recipes highlight the quality of local produce and the expertise of Sarten’s chefs.

Markets and local producers

Sartène’s weekly market, held every Saturday morning in the Place Porta, is a veritable institution. Local producers and craftsmen come together to offer their specialities: farmhouse cheeses, aromatic honeys, olive oils and artisanal charcuterie.

This immersion in local gastronomy is a cultural experience in its own right, providing an opportunity to talk with producers and discover the emblematic products of Corsica’s terroir.

In addition, several local wineries open their doors to visitors. Sartène’s wine route allows visitors to taste local vintages while discovering the region’s viticultural landscapes. Tasting workshops are regularly organized, offering the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Corsican wines and their specificities.

Events and cultural life

Sartène offers a rich cultural life all year round, with a particular intensity during the summer season. Festivals, concerts and traditional events punctuate the life of the medieval town.

Summer festivals and events

The “I Sulleoni” festival, which takes place in July, transforms the city into a huge open-air stage. Concerts, street shows and artistic performances take over the squares and alleyways of the historic center. The program focuses on Mediterranean music, building bridges between the different cultures of the Mediterranean basin.

Every year, Les Nuits Musicales de Sartène, a festival of classical music and Corsican polyphony, attracts renowned artists to the exceptional setting of Sainte-Marie church. These concerts offer moments of grace, where the beauty of the music blends with the perfect acoustics of the venue.

Traditional festivals

In addition to the famous Catenacciu procession, Sartène has many traditions throughout the year. The feast of Saint-Roch, in mid-August, gives rise to celebrations that combine religious and popular festivities. Processions, open-air masses and traditional balls follow one another for several days, offering a lively glimpse of Sartenese culture.

The Saint Lucia Fair, in early December, marks the start of the end-of-year festivities. This event brings together artisans and producers from all over the region, offering a wide range of local products andtraditional crafts. It’s the ideal opportunity to discover Corsican know-how and find original gifts.

In conclusion, what to do in the city

Sartène, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, is a must-see destination for those wishing to discover authentic Corsica. The medieval town offers a compendium of island traditions, from picturesque alleyways to centuries-old celebrations.

The diversity of activities on offer means that everyone can tailor-make their own holiday, alternating cultural discoveries, sporting adventures and culinary delights. Sartène’s unique atmosphere, with its austere granite facades and warm local welcome, leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

The ideal starting point for exploring the riches of the Alta Rocca and Valinco coasts, Sartène invites you to immerse yourself in the Corsican soul. Whether you’re wandering through the narrow streets steeped in history hiking through grandiose landscapes or sampling the local flavors, every experience in Sartène promises to be a memorable one.