Port of Ajaccio

About Ajaccio, Guide and Tourist Attractions
(Ajaccio, Corsica, France)

Located on the island of Corsica, Ajaccio is a modern, laid-back coastal city with an interesting historic district. The town hosts a variety of dining and shopping options, with outdoor cafés complemented by a mild, pleasant climate.

Well-known as the birthplace of Napoleon, the region has many historical attractions.

What to Do in Ajaccio

The commercial centre of Ajaccio is situated westward from the Place de Gualle. Free walking tours of the inner city can be arranged at the boulevard du Roi tourist office. Restaurants abound, ranging from simple bistros to mid-scale pizzerias and expensive seafood establishments. Cours Napoléon is the primary nightlife scene, while a more laidback atmosphere can be found at Place de Gualle.

The surrounding region, especially the town of Calvi, is renowned for its year-round festivals. Nearby, Sartene is a quintessential Corsican city with impressive granite architecture and deeply imbedded religious traditions.

Information on the area can be obtained from the main tourist office on the boulevard du Roi.

Tourist Attractions

Located in the heart of the old city, Place Foch is open to the waterfront. The medieval gate was once located here. The Place de Gualle can be seen from here. Across the city, this area serves as the primary point of reference for navigating the area.

The grandiose Napoléon monument looms over the Place de Gualle. This particular specimen, made from bronze, shows its subject donning Roman attire, with each of his four brothers surrounding him.

The Musée Fesch is a popular place to absorb 17th century French and Spanish masterpieces. Even so, Italian pieces are the primary attraction here, with the museum featuring work by Titian, Botticelli and Raphael.