Located right in the center of Ajaccio, we really liked Plage Saint-François. Alongside the seafront promenade, this stretch of sand offers a magnificent view of the bay. Whether you’re with family or friends, you’ll have a great time with your feet in the water!
See our practical tips and photos to help you plan your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Saint-François Beach worth it?
Yes, it’s a historic beach and well worth a visit. An icon of St. Francis and an extract from a book about Napoleon hang on the stone wall bordering the beach. They bear witness to the area’s past.
Nestled below the roadway, it extends all the way to the citadel. This stretch of golden sand and pebbles seduced us with its breathtaking panorama of the coastline. Warmed by the Corsican sun, you’ll enjoy a unique setting. In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Ajaccio!
It’s an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming, while still remaining in the city center. It’s featured in our article on must-do activities in Ajaccio!
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The beach floor is made up of golden sand and pebbles.
All you have to do is lay out a towel, and you’re ready for some sun!
Swimming conditions and supervision
Swimming conditions are good. The descent into the water is gradual. We recommend you take a mask and snorkel along the rocks by the citadel.
The sign indicates that the beach is unsupervised.
Installations
We didn’t see any showers or toilets on the beach.
Saint-François Beach in Ajaccio: how to get there
Where’s the beach?
- In downtown Ajaccio,
- Along the pier to the citadel,
- Opposite Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral.
Access by car and parking
Located right in the center of Ajaccio, you’ll need to take the Boulevard Pascal Rossini from the D111 departmental road to reach the beach by car.
Pay parking spaces are available in succession along the seafront promenade. Alternatively, the Q-Park Diamant parking lot is just a 3-minute walk from the beach.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Access from the parking lot
If you’ve managed to park along the jetty, all you have to do is walk down the stairs to the beach.
If you’re coming from Parking Q-Park Diamant, just head up Avenue Eugène Macchini. Along the way, you’ll come across Ajaccio Cathedral. It faces towards the beach. All you have to do is cross the road to get there!
Public transport access
There is a bus network that runs through Ajaccio. The Saint François – San Francè stop and the Place de Gaulle stop are both close to the beach. Find out more about our bus services here.
THINGS TO DO AROUND ajaccio
Discover all our articles on the region:
- Best things to do in Ajaccio
- Where to stay in Ajaccio
- Luxury hotels in Ajaccio
- Seaside Hotels
- Best restaurants in Ajaccio
- Visit the Palais Fesch
- Visit the Maison Bonaparte
- Best excursions
- Ajaccio’s most beautiful beaches
- Discover the Îles Sanguinaires
- Rent a car at Ajaccio airport
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 1 week
Special features
Dog
Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Reduced mobility access
There are no facilities for disabled access. The staircase leading down to the sand is rather steep.
With children
The slope to enter the water is gentle and gradual. Suitable for swimming with your children.
However, the beach is not supervised. You’ll need to keep a close eye on your toddlers at all times!
Naturism
It’s not possible to practice naturism on this beach, as it’s located right in the center of town.
Eating out
We recommend you read our article on the best restaurants in Ajaccio to enjoy a delicious meal. Restaurant Bistro Canaille is particularly close to the beach. Just cross the road to reach it.
Hotels
You’ll be right in the center of Ajaccio. Here are our recommendations for quality accommodation:
WHERE TO STAY IN Ajaccio
In the city center:
Hotel San Carlu and its panoramic view – see photos and availability
On the western seafront:
Hôtel Les Mouettes and its very pleasant terrace – see photos and availability
Marina side:
Best Western Amirauté Hotel, very practical – see photos and availability
In Porticcio:
Suite Home Hotel near the beach – see photos and availability
See our list of the 12 best hotels in Ajaccio, with our reviews
