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Europe France Bonifacio Do & See Jeudis Polyphoniques

Overview

Jeudis Polyphoniques

The guide was updated: 2025-06-23

From April to October, every Thursday residents and guests of Bonifacio are treated to an evening of polyphonic mastery. This Corsican art form, commonly featuring three male voices of varying registers is listed as an intangible UNESCO World Heritage tradition. Performances take place in various locations across Bonifacio, with the church of Saint Dominique and the church of Saint François being the two most iconic.

Useful Information

Address: Eglise Saint Dominique, Bonifacio
Opening hours: April 4th–October 31st
Website: www.visit-corsica.com/Mon-sejour/Manifestations/Toutes-les-manifestations/LES-JEUDIS-POLYPHONIQUES-DE-BONIFACIO
Phone: +33 4 95 73 11 88

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Citadel

Citadel

The narrow, winding streets that tether the Citadel of Bonifacio together are a pleasing reminder of Medieval engineering and architecture that culminates in the surprisingly efficient and practical design of the fortress. At the entrance to the Genoese inspired walled town lies the imposing Bastion de l’Étendard, protruding from the cliff face to visibly demonstrate the military capabilities of the fortified stronghold which had in the past been the muster point for troops protecting the city. Scale the steep staircase from the Marina, cross the drawbridge of the Porte de Gênes and pass through the adjoining museum to get a sense of what life was like on the cliffs of Corsica hundreds of years ago.

L'Escalier du Roi d'Aragon

L'Escalier du Roi d'Aragon

The so called 'Staircase of the King of Aragon' is not for the faint-hearted! Legend has it these stairs on the cliff were created in just one night to allow the king of Aragon to escape from the siege of the city. The vertiginous view over the sea and the city is breathtaking but be careful, you will need the courage of a knight to climb them.

Îles Lavezzi

Îles Lavezzi

Surrounded by waters as clear as the Caribbean's, in a fishy haven just off the coast of Corsica, the Îles Lavezzi offer intrepid travellers a world of uncharted marvels. This granite straight separating Corsica from Sardinia was the cause of the famous wreckage of Semillante, a French frigate that crashed into the dense reef in 1855. Make sure to bring essentials like water, food, and parasols as there are no shops on the islands. To get there, either rent a private boat or take the ferry from the port of Bonifacio.

Mérouville

Mérouville

On the south-east coast of the Lavezzi Islands, a short boat ride from Bonifacio lies Merouville, or as its known in scuba diving circles, Grouper city. Here you can dive surrounded by shoals of the friendly fish whilst floating past red gorgonians and other bioluminescent underwater fauna. Several companies rent out boats and organise tours from Bonifacio harbour.

Boat Tours

Boat Tours

A boat tour is a must for discovering all the hidden gems of Bonifacio. It is advisable to hire professional services as opposed to private tour operators as the waters of Bonifacio can be perilous, just ask the sailors of the Semillante shipwreck. There are various companies conveniently located on the dock offering a range of enticing routes, some of which explore enchanting caves, cliffs, and coves whilst others embark on island-hopping escapes.

Grain de Sable

Grain de Sable

This is probably one of the most famous postcard views of Bonifacio and a must for any social media page. Le Grain de Sable (or 'The Big Finger' as it's known in Corse) is a giant block of cylindrical limestone perched beside the King of Aragon's Staircase. It is very noticeable from much of the South side of the island so there are plenty of interesting angles that highlight the varying stages of erosion which sculpted the pointy lump of rock.

Plage du Petit Spérone

Plage du Petit Spérone

Ranked by Le Figaro as one of the most beautiful beaches in France, La Plage du Petit Spérone transports visitors to an entirely different world. With pure waters and fine golden sand, it's as if a tropical island has magically appeared in the Mediterranean. What sets this beach apart is its serenity, even during the peak summer months it remains remarkably uncrowded.

Eglise Sancte Erasme

Eglise Sancte Erasme

This modest church next to the harbour is dedicated to Saint Erasme, the patron saint of seamen. A few commemorative benches, decorative offerings in the form of fishing boats and a spirit of quietness and contemplation make it worth a visit.

Roman Ruins of Piantarella

Roman Ruins of Piantarella

Beside the much loved Petit Sperone beach lie the enchanting ruins of Piantarella which served as the beginning and end of the only road built by the Romans in Corsica during the Roman Empire. This huge villa comprises stables, offices, workshops, salt warehouses, a private port, apartments and even a dry dock to repair boats. Despite being located on privately owned land, visitors can see them clearly from the outside and enjoy the stunning landscape surrounding it.

Phare de Pertusato

Phare de Pertusato

For adventurous hikers unafraid of heights, a journey to the Pertusato Lighthouse is a thrill. A scenic two hour trek from Bonifacio leads amblers up to a cliff overlooking some breathtaking views and down to a secluded beach, so make sure to bring your swimmers. The lighthouse itself is closed but the surrounding areas covered in bright limestone make it well worth the walk.

Eglise Sainte Marie Majeure

Eglise Sainte Marie Majeure

Nestled on a quaint side street beside the Citadelle of Bonifacio, the main church of the city might be discreet but it is certainly worth a visit. The altar, columns, and rose stained glass windows of the Eglise Sainte Marie Majeure are just some of the spectacular Roman Catholic designs on show. This architectural gem is recognised as a Historic Monument, its origins dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Come during Easter to join in with all the eccentric easter festivities and processions.

Plage de la Tonnara

Plage de la Tonnara

Famous within the surfing community for its strong winds and barrelling waves, this idyllic beach off the beaten track is the worst kept secret of Bonifacio. The Plage de la Tonnara also shows off one of the most mesmerising sunsets in Corsica. For those looking to get involved in the action, there are various aquatic vessels for rent such as kayaks, windsurf boards and surfboards nearby.

Le Golf de Sperone

Le Golf de Sperone

Considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, Le Golf de Sperone comprises 75 hectares of lush greenery on a cliff beside the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. This eighteen-hole golf course attracts golfers from across the globe not only for its beauty, but also for the demanding challenge it presents, especially at hole 16 where golfers must start by driving the ball over the sea to a cliff on the other side. Get some hot tips from pro Marc Aurele Simonpietri who expertly guides players through the course.

Plage de Paraguan

Plage de Paraguan

Paraguan Beach, protected from the winds and the turbulent Strait of Bonifacio serves as a tranquil refuge for aquatic flora and fauna thanks to protective measures taken by the environmental agency. Making the journey to this petite beach on foot is a rewarding adventure, just be aware of jellyfish during the summer months as they are often found washed up on the shore.

Jeudis Polyphoniques

Jeudis Polyphoniques

From April to October, every Thursday residents and guests of Bonifacio are treated to an evening of polyphonic mastery. This Corsican art form, commonly featuring three male voices of varying registers is listed as an intangible UNESCO World Heritage tradition. Performances take place in various locations across Bonifacio, with the church of Saint Dominique and the church of Saint François being the two most iconic.

Cimetière Marin de Bonifacio

Cimetière Marin de Bonifacio

Perched atop the Bosco plateau, just a stone's throw away from the Saint François Church and overlooking the Mediterranean sea, this cemetery dating back to 1823 enjoys some of the best views on the island. The captivating scenery of the Cimetière Marin make it a favourite amongst photographers, especially during breathtaking sunsets when the pink granite really comes to life. Impressive family tombs and individual crypts carved out of the limestone terrain make this a very special, if sombre experience.

Easter Celebrations

Easter Celebrations

Easter is always a good time of year to visit Bonifacio due to all of the religious ceremonies and processions taking place during this pentecostal period of celebration. These events organised by the church brotherhood include Medieval chants, pagan rites and the 'Procession of the Five' in which the five confraternities of Corsica march together through the city carrying lanterns and holy effigies, dolling out blessings on their merry way.

Bonifacio Windsurf

Bonifacio Windsurf

For those looking for something a bit more extreme, water-sports are always a great way to scratch the itch for adrenaline. Several companies provide aquatic experiences in a secure environment, Bonifacio Windsurf being the most decorated of them all. Kayaks, wing-foils, paddle boards and of course, windsurf boards are available here, so there are plenty of ways to get a fix.

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