Ajaccio

Ajaccio's historic centre brings together Mediterranean streets, Genoese heritage and the places that made the city famous as Napoleon's birthplace.

The old town lies between the harbour, citadel and sea. Narrow streets pass colourful façades, small squares, the cathedral and houses that reflect Ajaccio's long connection with Genoa and the Mediterranean.

Napoleon Bonaparte's story is visible throughout the centre. Maison Bonaparte stands on rue Saint-Charles, and monuments, street names and collections connect the city with the emperor and his family.

A leisurely walk can be combined with the market, marina and Saint-François beach. The compact area makes the old town an excellent starting point for your first day in Ajaccio.

The famous coastal road west of Ajaccio follows the gulf past beaches, small coves, maquis and viewpoints all the way to Pointe de la Parata.

The route is one of Ajaccio's classic experiences. Along the way are Trottel, Marinella, Terre Sacrée and several smaller swimming spots between granite rocks and clear water.

The farther west you travel, the wilder the scenery becomes. The coast opens towards Îles Sanguinaires, and many visitors stop for a swim, a short walk or dinner beside the sea.

The area is especially known for its sunsets. Bus, car or bicycle can be used for parts of the route, but local conditions and seasonal traffic should be checked before setting out.

Maison Bonaparte is the house where Napoleon Bonaparte was born on 15 August 1769 and one of Ajaccio's most important historic sites.

The family home stands in the old town and is listed as a historic monument. It became a national museum in 1967 and tells the story of the Bonaparte family and Corsica in the late eighteenth century.

The interiors display furniture, paintings, decorations and family possessions. A visit offers insight into Napoleon's parents, childhood and the family's position in Ajaccio society.

The museum fits naturally into a walk through the old town alongside the cathedral, Place Foch and Ajaccio's other Napoleonic monuments.

Palais Fesch is Ajaccio's major fine arts museum and houses one of France's most important collections of Italian painting outside the Louvre.

The museum stands on rue Cardinal Fesch and is based on the collection of Cardinal Joseph Fesch, Napoleon's uncle and one of the great art collectors of his time.

The displays span several centuries of Italian art, from early masters to the Baroque. They also include Napoleonic works, Corsican art and objects connected with the Bonaparte family.

Palais Fesch reveals a broader side of Ajaccio than imperial history alone. Allow plenty of time and combine your visit with the shopping street, market and harbour.

The central market at Place Campinchi offers a lively introduction to Corsican producers, ingredients and food traditions.

The market is close to the harbour and tourist office. Inside the hall and at the outdoor stalls, you will find seasonal fruit and vegetables, charcuterie, cheese, fish, honey, olive oil and Corsican pastries.

It is an excellent place to discover products such as brocciu, bastelle, cured meats and flavours from the maquis. The selection varies with the season and the producers attending that day.

Arrive early in the day and combine the market with the old town, rue Cardinal Fesch or lunch in the centre.

Pointe de la Parata lies at the end of Route des Sanguinaires and offers one of the best-known views across the Gulf of Ajaccio and Îles Sanguinaires.

The headland lies around eleven kilometres from the centre and forms part of a protected coastal landscape. A short walk leads towards the Genoese watchtower and several viewpoints over the sea.

The area has paths for short walks and links onwards to the Sentier des Douaniers. Granite, maquis and open sea shape the landscape, and the wind can be strong at the tip of the headland.

Parata is especially popular late in the day when the sun sets behind the islands. Wear suitable footwear and check transport and weather conditions before your visit.