Figurehead of the Gulf of Ajaccio, the Pointe de la Parata and its sea extension constituted by the Sanguinaires Islands form a rocky garland that many visitors come to admire. Its coastal landscape, leaning against the mountain, is underlined by marine buildings built between the 16th and 19th centuries. Local actors and inhabitants are committed to preserve their heritage and this mobilization has allowed the site to be labeled Grand Site de France.
A wild landscape
Protected since 1935, the Sanguinaires islands were then classified in 1974. This classification based on the "wild beauty" of the site recognizes the landscape, environmental and heritage qualities of the islands. It was extended to the Pointe de la Parata in 1995. The Grand Site de France is mainly discovered by land via the departmental road 111, called "route des Sanguinaires". This tourist road of great notoriety dating from the end of the 19th century begins in the center of Ajaccio. As for the Pointe de la Parata, it is composed of two hills, joined by an isthmus. Covered by a scrubland brushed by the winds, Parata looks off Mezu Mare, the largest island of the archipelago also composed of Isola di Porri, Isoloto and Isola di Cala d'Alga. The 38 hectares of the island of Mezu Mare are uninhabited and it emanates a singular atmosphere, bathed in a mineral silence pierced from time to time by the cries of gulls. One is even surprised to find human traces (tower, semaphore...).
The name "Sanguinaires" echoes various legends. Some attribute it to the blood red color of the rocks at sunset or to the reddish dress of the vegetation like that of the leaves of the frankenes... Nevertheless the most probable hypothesis would come from its geographical situation. The Sanguinaires islands mark the border between the Gulf of Ajaccio and the Gulf of Sagone. On a map of the end of the XVIth century, a geographer designated this chain of islands under the name Sagonares insulae, meaning "the islands which announce Sagone".
The men in these lands
Mezu Mare as the point of Parata, carry vestiges testifying of the human activities since the XVIth century. At the top of the hill of Parata, one of the oldest Genoese towers of the island, erected in 1550-1551, stands guard. It is part of a group of 90 towers designed to defend the coast. If a tower guard sensed a danger, he would light a fire to warn the nearest towers, which in turn would alert the next ones.
The site has known successive military occupations, especially from the Second World War.
Mezu Mare appears in the chapter of maritime history in the nineteenth century, until then it was simply the property of the Ponte family. The descendants of this family cultivated these lands in vineyards and orchards when in 1802, a decree of Bonaparte imposed the construction of a lazaretto whose remains can still be seen.
Not far from these ruins is the island's lighthouse, put into service in 1844. Celebrated by Alphonse Daudet in his writings, the lighthouse has the particularity of being crenellated. The island also has a semaphore. From its terrace, you can observe the mysterious square tower of Castellucciu.
Fauna and flora, an exceptional biodiversity
The Pointe de la Parata and the Sanguinaires islands are part of the European Natura 2000 network, as is the entire Gulf of Ajaccio. A remarkable natural space, the site benefits from protections linked to biodiversity: Natural Zone of Ecological, Floristic and Faunistic Interest (ZNIEFF category 1), Special Protection Zone under the "Birds" directive (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation under the "Habitats" directive (SAC).
The wild landscapes of the Grand Site de France are home to a varied fauna that includes protected species of reptiles such as the green and yellow snake, the European phyllodactyl (of the gecko family) and the Thyrenean lizard. Only one mammal has been recorded on Mezu Mare, the black rat. The last family of animals observed are the birds, whether they are passing through, such as the grey heron or the osprey, or whether they are nesting there, such as the Mediterranean crested cormorant and the yellow-legged gull. Within the framework of the management of the Natura 2000 zone, the Syndicat mixte du Grand Site, in collaboration with the Communauté d'agglomération du Pays Ajaccien, has set itself the objective of protecting habitats that ensure the survival and reproduction of birds. It is in this perspective that counting operations of marine birds are organized.
A vegetation adapted to harsh climatic conditions
The wind, the sea spray and the summer drought shape the landscape and the species organize themselves. To fight against the wind, the plants evolve in a creeping habit, with branches lying on the ground, or in a cushion habit, in other words grouped in compact balls. In summer, to survive the lack of water, they develop devices to recover a maximum of water.
In the open sea, the Sanguinaires islands constitute an invaluable reserve. Mezu Mare shelters two remarkable endemic species: the arum mange-mouche and the nananthée minuscule. Mezu Mare counts other important species at the Corsican patrimonial level such as the rounded evax and the fetid iris. One also finds the famous claws of witches, crawling plants.
A living site between land and sea
A place for walks and outings, the Pointe de la Parata is a site much appreciated by the people of Ajaccio and is prized by botany and archaeology enthusiasts.
The hill and the peninsula of Parata are crossed by the Path of scents. This walk offers an amazing sensory experience. At first, the eye marvels at a striking picture where the intertwining of fierce shrubs and the ardor of waves breaking on the rock contrast. The ear is constantly rocked by the rolling of the surf sometimes incised by the high-pitched cry of birds. And all along the way, one is transported by the aromatic perfumes of the maquis.
The bay of Ajaccio has been frequented by ships since ancient times. The sailors often preferred the shelter of the Sanguinaires to protect them. In spite of these precautions, some unlucky ones perished at sea. At the end of the 1980s, wrecks and their cargoes were discovered.
The network of vigilance constituted by the Genoese towers declined in the 18th century and the towers were totally abandoned a century later. Then the lookout posts were modernized, first by means of lookouts, later replaced by semaphores. Owned by the French Navy, these control towers ensure a continuous surveillance of maritime activities.
A site to discover and feel
The proximity of the city invites city dwellers and visitors to take advantage of this sumptuous setting to practice various activities on land and at sea. Upon arrival on the site, the visitor is welcomed by the Maison du Grand Site open all year round, 7 days a week.
This is a privileged place for outdoor activities. In addition to the walk to the Parata tower and the bike rides, three hiking trails are accessible: the small trail of the Scents, the trail of the Crests which follows the coastline to the city center and the trail of the Customs officers which leads to the beach of the Petit and Grand Capo. Following this path, you will discover a beautiful climbing site with 9 routes. On the sea side, the area is naturally suited to boating, angling and scuba diving. Excursions are also offered to discover the archipelago of the Sanguinaires Islands, some of which are aboard hybrid boats, combining thermal and electric energy.
The Grand Site de France is also a school of awareness, it appeals to the senses and its discovery allows visitors to be aware of the fragility of places. Liliane Lambinet, educational animator at the CPIE of Ajaccio, participated in the creation of a Nature Rally on the Pointe de la Parata. The Grand Site also lends itself to actions combining outdoor activities and environmental preservation with the "Recycla Raid". The event combines sports activities and waste collection along the coastline on foot, in a kayak or in the water for snorkelers.
Behind the scenes of a Grand Site de France
The Pointe de la Parata - Îles Sanguinaires was awarded the Grand Site de France label in 2017. Awarded by the Minister in charge of the Environment for a renewable period of 6 years, this label recognizes a responsible management that aims above all to preserve these great landscapes, their history, their values and everything that makes them unique.
Faced with the ever-increasing flow of visitors causing damage, several actions have been carried out over the past 20 years. Various interventions have made it possible to restore coherence to the site, starting with a reflection on the paths of the isthmus and the peninsula, which were heavily damaged by trampling. The entrance and access to the site have been completely rethought to organize optimal reception conditions while controlling its frequentation.
The Grand Site de France is managed by a Syndicat mixte since 2016. This organization brings together in the same project all the local authorities concerned: the city of Ajaccio, the Collectivité de Corse and the Communauté d'agglomération du Pays Ajaccien.
The site of the Pointe de la Patata and the Sanguinaires Islands is part of the Réseau des Grand Sites de France, created in 2000. The Network of the Great Sites of France federates 46 Great Sites within which 18 are labeled Great Site of France.
The Sanguinaires Islands are also part of our selection of 23 must-sees in Corsica!
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GRAND SITE ÎLES SANGUINAIRES ET POINTE DE LA PARATA - More information on the site
GRAND SITE DE FRANCE - More information on the website
