Sépulture de Tino Rossi, Ajaccio

Attraction, Cemetery and Tomb in Ajaccio

AjaccioCimetiere 2018 05
AjaccioCimetiere 2018 05
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mussklprozz

The Sépulture de Tino Rossi is the grave of the beloved Corsican singer and actor, located in Ajaccio's sea-facing Cimetière des Sanguinaires (also known as the Cimetière Marin) along the Route des Sanguinaires. It's a simple, meaningful stop for fans, but also a beautiful place for anyone interested in Ajaccio's local history, with mausoleums and family chapels set against the Mediterranean.

Because it sits within one of Ajaccio's most striking cemeteries, the visit works especially well as part of a walking tour-style day: pair it with a coastal bus ride, a stroll along the seafront, and a loop back toward the old town for cafés and museums. The best views are from the cemetery's sea-edge lanes, where the architecture and the coastline come together.

History and Significance of the Sépulture de Tino Rossi

Tino Rossi is one of Corsica's most famous cultural figures, remembered for his warm voice, popular songs, and screen presence that made him a household name well beyond the island. Visiting his grave in Ajaccio feels less like ticking off a “celebrity spot” and more like seeing how deeply he remains woven into Corsican identity.

The wider setting matters, too. The Cimetière des Sanguinaires is a historic marine cemetery created in the 19th century and later expanded, and it’s known for its urban-like layout of lanes and small “squares,” lined with elaborate chapels and mausoleums. In that context, Rossi’s resting place becomes part of a larger story about Ajaccio’s families, traditions, and the city’s relationship with the sea.

For travelers, the significance is twofold: it's a tribute to a major Corsican artist, and it's an easy way to experience a quieter, more reflective side of Ajaccio that many visitors miss when they stick to beaches and the old town.

Things to See and Do in the Sépulture de Tino Rossi

Start by finding Tino Rossi’s grave and taking a moment to appreciate the personal tributes visitors often leave behind. Even if you’re not a dedicated fan, the stop has a calm, contemplative feel that contrasts nicely with Ajaccio’s busier waterfront.

Next, wander the cemetery lanes: you’ll see impressive family chapels, ornate stonework, and older tombs that reflect changing styles over generations. The cemetery’s “marine” character is real—seek out the sea-facing edges for the most memorable atmosphere and photo-worthy perspectives.

If you want deeper context, consider timing your visit around a guided experience focused on the cemetery’s stories and notable names. It’s one of the best ways to connect the architecture and inscriptions to Ajaccio’s broader history, rather than seeing it as just a quick stop.

How to Get to the Sépulture de Tino Rossi

The nearest airports are Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) for the city itself, with other Corsican airports (like Bastia and Figari) as alternatives depending on your itinerary. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ajaccio on Booking.com.

Ajaccio is connected by rail within Corsica, and you can arrive by train to Ajaccio station before continuing by local transport or taxi toward the Route des Sanguinaires area. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

If you’re traveling by car, driving out along the Route des Sanguinaires is straightforward and makes it easy to combine the cemetery with coastal viewpoints and beaches in the same outing. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Sépulture de Tino Rossi

  • Official website: https://ajaccio.corsica/demarches-formalites-administratives/deces-cimetieres/
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Daily: 08:00–18:00.
  • Best time to visit: Go in the morning for softer light over the sea and a quieter, more respectful atmosphere; midday can feel bright and exposed along the coastal edge.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20–40 minutes for the grave and a short wander, or up to 60–90 minutes if you enjoy architecture, inscriptions, and slow coastal views.
  • Accessibility: Paths are generally walkable, but expect uneven surfaces and occasional steps typical of older cemeteries; mobility can be easier if you stick to the main lanes.
  • Facilities: Treat it as a solemn site with limited amenities; bring water on warm days and plan cafés and restrooms back toward busier parts of the Route des Sanguinaires or central Ajaccio.

Where to Stay Close to the Sépulture de Tino Rossi

Best area to base yourself: Central Ajaccio near the old town and waterfront.

Staying central keeps you close to restaurants, museums, and evening strolls, while still making it easy to reach the Route des Sanguinaires by bus, taxi, or a short drive. Here are five solid options to consider, chosen for location, comfort, and how well they fit different travel styles.

Hôtel Les Mouettes A classic choice for sea views and a relaxed, slightly resort-like feel while still being close to the city.

Best Western Plus Ajaccio Amirauté Practical and comfortable with easy access for drivers and a good base for exploring beyond the center.

Hôtel Fesch & Spa Great for travelers who want to be right in the old town, with a spa option for downtime after sightseeing.

Hôtel Napoléon A straightforward, well-located pick for walking to central sights and keeping transport simple.

Hôtel San Carlu Ideal if you like being near the waterfront promenade and want an easy, walkable base.

Is the Sépulture de Tino Rossi Worth Visiting?

Yes—if you're already exploring Ajaccio, the Sépulture de Tino Rossi is worth it as a short, meaningful stop with a uniquely beautiful setting. The real payoff is the atmosphere: a sea-facing cemetery with striking memorial architecture that adds depth to a typical Ajaccio itinerary.

Honest Pivot: If you’re uncomfortable visiting cemeteries, short on time, or traveling with a checklist focused strictly on beaches and nightlife, you can skip it without missing a “must-see” monument. In that case, prioritize the old town, seafront viewpoints, and a coastal walk, and save this for a return trip when you want something quieter.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

3.7 (3)

Reviews are mixed but lean positive for the setting: visitors highlight the striking seaside cemetery atmosphere and the impressive, sometimes very old, tombs and chapels around the grave. The main downside mentioned is reliability of access, with at least one visitor reporting the gates were closed earlier than expected, so timing your visit earlier in the day can help.

anita anselin
8 months ago
"Marine cemetery located on the coast of Ajaccio where the singer is buried with magnificent seaside graves, some of which are very old."
Alain Trente
7 months ago
"I passed by this afternoon around 5:30 PM and the cemetery was closed, even though the sign on the gate says it's closed from 6 PM to 8 AM. It'sridiculous to make fun of people who are passing by...."
Moi Moi
2 months ago
"👍👍"

For Different Travelers

This is a small, reflective visit rather than a big-ticket attraction, so it tends to shine for travelers who enjoy local culture, calm viewpoints, and places that feel lived-in rather than staged. Your experience will depend on timing, weather, and how much you like wandering slowly.

Families with Kids

With kids, this works best as a brief stop: find the grave, take in the sea view, and move on before attention spans fade. It can be a gentle way to introduce respect for local customs and history.

If your family prefers hands-on attractions, keep expectations modest and pair the visit with something more active nearby, like a coastal stroll or a beach stop along the Route des Sanguinaires.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the appeal is the quiet atmosphere and the coastal setting—especially in the morning or near golden hour. It’s not “romantic” in the traditional sense, but it can feel intimate and reflective.

Make it part of a slower day: combine the cemetery with a scenic drive, a viewpoint stop, and dinner back in central Ajaccio for a well-rounded, unhurried itinerary.

Budget Travelers

This is an easy budget-friendly stop because entry is typically free, and you can reach it using public transport rather than tours. The value comes from the setting and the self-guided wandering.

To keep costs down, pack water and a snack, then head back into town for affordable cafés rather than relying on pricier coastal spots.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate the cemetery as a kind of open-air archive, where names, dates, and memorial styles reflect Ajaccio’s social history. The notable burials add another layer, turning a walk into a story-driven visit.

If you want more context, consider a guided visit focused on the cemetery’s personalities and anecdotes, then connect the themes back to Ajaccio’s museums and historic center.

FAQs for Visiting Sépulture de Tino Rossi

Getting There

It’s in Ajaccio but not in the tight old-town core, set along the Route des Sanguinaires within the marine cemetery. Plan a short ride by taxi, bus, or car rather than expecting a quick hop from every central hotel.
Yes, local buses serve the Route des Sanguinaires corridor and can be a convenient way to visit without driving. Double-check the stop closest to the cemetery entrance before you set out.
There is typically public parking in the area, but availability can vary with season and time of day. Arriving earlier makes parking and walking calmer.

Tickets & Entry

No ticket is usually required to enter a public cemetery and visit a grave. If you join a guided tour, that tour may have its own fee.
Yes, guided visits focused on the cemetery’s stories may be offered at certain times. These can be worthwhile if you want historical context beyond a quick look.
For a self-guided visit, no booking is needed. For guided tours, booking ahead is smart in peak season when group sizes can be limited.

Visiting Experience

Yes, as long as you treat it as a place of remembrance and keep your behavior respectful. Keep voices low and avoid stepping onto graves or private family areas.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven paths and bring sun protection in warmer months. Modest, respectful clothing is a good idea in any cemetery setting.
Ask at the entrance if staff are available, or use a map/notes before you arrive to avoid wandering too long. Once you’re in the right section, take your time and follow the main lanes.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it pairs naturally with coastal viewpoints and beaches along the same road. It’s an easy add-on to a half-day scenic outing.
Yes, because the cemetery itself is visually striking and culturally interesting. You can enjoy it as a scenic heritage walk even without being a fan.
Do the old town and museums earlier, then head out to the cemetery and coast later for views. Finish back in town for dinner to keep logistics simple.

Photography

Generally yes, but be discreet and respectful, especially if other visitors are mourning. Avoid photographing people without permission.
The sea-facing edges and longer lanes with mausoleums create the strongest compositions. Morning and late afternoon light tends to be most flattering.
Assume no unless you have explicit permission and are compliant with local rules. Cemeteries and urban coastal areas often have restrictions and privacy concerns.

Accessibility & Facilities

Some areas may be manageable, but older cemeteries often include uneven paving and steps that can be challenging. If accessibility is a priority, stick to the widest main lanes.
Facilities can be limited, so don’t rely on restrooms being available inside the cemetery. Plan a café stop before or after your visit.
Shade can be limited in open coastal sections. Bring water and sun protection, especially in summer.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the Route des Sanguinaires area has places to stop depending on how far you continue along the coast. Central Ajaccio also offers the widest choice once you return.
It’s better to keep food outside the cemetery itself out of respect. If you want a picnic, choose a nearby coastal viewpoint or beach area.
Head back toward the waterfront promenade in Ajaccio for an easy café stop. It’s a natural way to shift from a reflective visit back into sightseeing mode.

Safety & Timing

Arrive earlier in the day to reduce the risk of finding gates closed unexpectedly. If you’re visiting late afternoon, build in a buffer.
In general, yes during open hours, especially in daylight. As with any quiet place, stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
Have a backup plan along the Route des Sanguinaires, such as a viewpoint stop or a coastal walk. You can also return another day earlier to avoid disappointment.

Nearby Attractions to the Sépulture de Tino Rossi

  • Cimetière des Sanguinaires (Cimetière Marin): The wider sea-facing cemetery is worth exploring for its mausoleums, lanes, and coastal atmosphere.
  • Route des Sanguinaires viewpoints: Scenic pull-offs and sea views make this one of Ajaccio’s most memorable coastal drives.
  • Sentier des Douaniers: A coastal walking path that's great for fresh air, views, and a more active outing.
  • Ajaccio Old Town: Narrow streets, lively squares, and local shops create the classic city-center experience.
  • Maison Bonaparte: A key historic site in Ajaccio for travelers interested in Napoleon and the city's heritage.

The Sépulture de Tino Rossi appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ajaccio!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: 08:00-18:00.

Price:

Free.

Address: 20000 Ajaccio, France
Ajaccio: 3 km
Official Website

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