Plage d'Argent (Mare e Sole): 1km of fine sand 30km south of Ajaccio
Plage d’Argent, or Mare e Sole in Corsican, is one of the longest sandy beaches in the gulf of Ajaccio, stretching along the southern shore. Its poetic name derives from the fineness of the sand, almost white, which takes on silvery reflections in the summer sun. It is one of the rare beaches near Ajaccio accessible by car and offers both public spaces and private beaches with restaurants.
The setting: 30km from central Ajaccio, southern shore of the gulf
The beach straddles the municipalities of Pietrosella and Coti-Chiavari, situated on the D55 road which follows the southern shore of the gulf of Ajaccio. Allow 30km from central Ajaccio, roughly 35 minutes’ drive depending on traffic, and considerably longer during peak season.
The arc of sand extends for approximately 1km, opening due north onto the gulf, with views of Ajaccio and the summits of Monte d’Oro in the background. The water is turquoise in calm conditions, and the seabed slopes gradually (suitable for family swimming).
The origin of the name “Plage d’Argent”
The name originates from the first colour postcards circulated in the 1950s and 60s, which highlighted the silvery shimmer of the sand in sunlight. The sand is fine-grained, almost white, with a content of mica and quartz that produces these reflections under certain light. The Corsican name “Mare e Sole” (Sea and Sun) is used in parallel, and many Corsicans prefer this latter.
Before the 1970s, the beach was frequented only by shepherds, semi-wild herds and a few Ajaccian families who came to picnic in the shade of stone pines. The D55 road was merely a difficult track, and vehicle access only became widespread with the growth of tourism.
Current arrangement: public and private
The beach is largely public, freely accessible, with a large free car park before the D55 bend. Additional spaces are available near the restaurants.
Several private beaches line the shoreline: La Plage d’Argent (the eponymous establishment with restaurant), Le Mare e Sole and other concessions offering deckchair, parasol and windsurfing board hire. Sunbed and parasol packages typically start around 20-25€ for a half-day in high season.
When to visit
High season tourism in July and August attracts significant numbers, which fills the car park from 10am and makes the beach very crowded in mid-afternoon. For those seeking to avoid the peak:
Before 10am or after 5pm in midsummer: the atmosphere is more relaxed and the light more beautiful, especially in the late afternoon with the sun low in the sky.
June and the first half of September often provide the best compromise: water still warm (22 to 24°C), fewer visitors, car park accessible.
Off-season (May and late September/October), the beach is virtually empty, the water cooler but still suitable for swimming, ideal for long walks on the sand.
Dining on site
Several establishments are located right on the sand: grilled fish, salads, Corsican charcuterie boards, daily specials, at prices reflecting the standing of the gulf of Ajaccio (20-35€ per dish in season). Booking is advised for lunch in July and August.
Towards the Sanguinaires or wild south
From Plage d’Argent, two directions open up for a half-day excursion:
To the north, returning towards Ajaccio via Porticcio, another established coastal resort, with the option of visiting the Sanguinaires islands at the end of the day for sunset.
To the south, heading down the coast towards Pietrosella, then back up via the panoramic road of Coti-Chiavari, a hilltop village which offers one of the finest panoramas of the gulf of Ajaccio.
Planning a stay in Ajaccio
AEC Collection selects and represents high-quality villas and apartments in Ajaccio and around the gulf. Plage d’Argent remains 30km away, accessible by car, and beaches closer to the centre (Saint-François, Trottel) remain preferable for shorter stays.
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