Tour
6 km
2h30
19 audios
Text version
Here you are in the capital of the Island of Beauty. The city where Napoleon I was born, has risen through the ranks, from coral city to imperial city. Founded in 1492 by the Republic of Genoa, Ajaccio’s strategic position caused many problems, and it was long envied by everyone, before coming under French control in 1768. This mountain in the sea, less than 400 km from Marseille, is blessed with a pleasant climate all year round! Its legendary sunshine attracts winter tourists from all over the world, who rush here to bask in the sun.Of course, Napoleon’s legacy is very present in this city. Numerous commemorative monuments and museums invite you to explore history. But Ajaccio is also a pretty Genoese town, with colorful facades and an ideal location facing the Mediterranean Sea. A visit between history, sea and mountains awaits you, combining artistic heritage, historic anecdotes and panoramic views!
This beautiful white neo-Byzantine church is the Sacred Heart Church, located in the heart of the foreigners' neighborhood. It takes its name from the date of its consecration, June 7, 1920, the holiday of the Sacred Heart. Read more
The huge yellow building you're now walking by is the Lycée Fesch. In 1805, an imperial decree handed over this former Jesuit house to the town, which transformed it into a college. Read more
You now find yourself on the General De Gaulle Square, which marks the border between the old town of Ajaccio and the new districts. Back in the day, it was called “Place d’armes”, which translates to “Weapons Square”, as a reference to a time where soldiers used to train. Read more
This beautiful yellow neoclassical building, in the middle of a tropical garden, is the head office of Corsica's prefecture. Its construction was authorized by royal order in 1822 and completed in 1830. Read more
You're on Napoléon Avenue, the main street of the city center. Designed by Napoleon I, this street was at the heart of his great project to embellish his native city. As soon as it was inaugurated, it became a popular place to wander, Read more
Let's talk a little about Cardinal Fesch. You've walked up his street, past his statue, the museum named after him and the imperial chapel we owe him. But who is this famous Cardinal? Read more
You're likely to see a crowd of people on this narrow street, but that's only to be expected as you approach the house of Napoleon Bonaparte. The future French emperor was born here on August 15, 1769. Read more
Commonly known as the Place des Palmiers, the Maréchal Foch Square was created in the early 19th century as the start of the faubourg leading to the old Genoese town. Overlooking the square, Read more
Here you are at Ajaccio's old harbor, Port Tino Rossi! He is a famous singer born in Ajaccio. Yes, the town wasn't just Napoleon's birthplace! It's an ideal place to sample the delights of Corsica. Read more
From the citadel pier, you're face to face with the horizon. It's the ideal place to capture a shot of the old port. Located in the Gulf of Ajaccio, the port consists of 3 basins, separated by a cruise mole. Read more
From the citadel pier, you're face to face with the horizon. It's the ideal place to capture a shot of the old port. Located in the Gulf of Ajaccio, the port consists of 3 basins, separated by a cruise mole. Read more
Don't let its small size fool you, this pretty Baroque cathedral, with its ochre facade and blue-grey dome, is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Read more
You now walk past the little church of Saint-Erasme. This former Jesuit chapel was consecrated to the patron saint of sailors after the French Revolution. It was built in the late 17th century. Read more
You now have a clear view of the silhouette of Ajaccio's citadel, outlined above the sea. In 2021, the citadel opened to public for the first time in 5 centuries! Don't hesitate to take a tour of this tourist landmark. Read more
There's nothing like a bay to provide a great view of a beach. You're looking at the Saint-François beach, surrounded by a promenade of palm trees. Read more
You'll walk past the Casino of Ajaccio, which stands peacefully facing the bay. It's well worth a visit, especially since it's Corsica's only casino! So if you enjoy slot machines and you're on holiday in Corsica, Read more
We come back to our view of the sea at the highly popular Miot square. This great overhang on the Mediterranean sea is an ideal place to try your hand at panoramic photography and, why not, pétanque tournaments! Read more
Arriving at Austerlitz square immediately sets the mood. This is the place to pay respect to Napoleon Bonaparte. The ramp leading up to the statue, identical to the one at "Les Invalides" in Paris, commemorates the emperor's military victories. Read more
The beautiful, extravagant facade you see around the corner is that of the Cyrnos Palace. In 1870, a wealthy Scottish woman, Miss Campbell, travelled to the Mediterranean islands and fell in love with Ajaccio. Read more
Découvrez Ajaccio avec l’application navaway®
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
19 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
If you’re visiting Ajaccio, don’t miss this unforgettable cruise to the Sanguinaires Islands with an aperitif at sea!
Once you’ve finished exploring the city of Ajaccio, why not move away from the city center and explore the surrounding wilderness of South Corsica.
If you’re looking for a place to go to the beach near Ajaccio, Arinella beach is just a few hundred meters from Miot Square. Barbicaghja beach, a little further away, is also very pleasant. If you want a less crowded beach, head for Ricanto beach, halfway between the town center and the airport. And finally, on the way to the “Pointe de la Parata”, don’t miss the beautiful “Terre Sacrée” beach, with its sandy coves.
This famous archipelago, which has been awarded the Grand Site de France label along with the Pointe de la Parata right across, takes its name from the red color of its rock, which becomes more vibrant at sunset. Don’t miss out on a trip there during your stay in Ajaccio. Numerous excursions are available. You’ll be able to observe large colonies of seabirds, such as Leucophée gulls, black-headed gulls and Audouin’s gulls. Surrounded by mystery, they are best known to adventurers, notably Alphonse Daudet, who cites them in his “Lettres de mon moulin”. The classic tour usually includes a swimming break in the Gulf of Ajaccio, a visit to the lighthouse, built on the site of the old Genoese tower, and the ruins of the Lazaret, an establishment built in 1806 to serve as a quarantine facility for passengers arriving from the port during the Black Plague. If you don’t want to go all the way to the islands, you can also enjoy the sunset from the Parata peninsula.
If you love hiking, you’re well aware that Corsica is a paradise for walkers. The 8km-long “sentier des douaniers” is one of Ajaccio’s greatest classics. It starts at the La Parata parking lot and heads north along the coast to the Saint-Antoine beach at Capo di Feno. The round trip takes just over 2 hours, through splendid scenery, with panoramic views of the Bloody Islands and hypnotic turquoise beaches.
Another of the region’s major walks is the “sentier des crêtes”. Over a distance of almost 12 km, and with a difference in altitude of almost 600 m, you’ll follow a circuit of paths overlooking the sea. An oxygenated hike to discover the flora and fauna of Corsica’s mid-range mountains. Start is on Verdin Avenue in the “Bois des Anglais”.
If you haven’t hiked the “sentier des douaniers”, don’t miss Capo di Feno, only 30 minutes away from Ajaccio. This exceptional natural area is famous for its two sublime beaches: the Grand and Petit Capo (literally big and small capo), which both are renowned surfing spots. You can get there by car, but we strongly advise you to take the “sentier des douaniers”, which offers unforgettable views over the turquoise sea.
And if there’s one activity that can’t be missed, it’s exploring the Scandola nature reserve and discovering the calanques of Piana. This marine and terrestrial nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of France’s marine protected areas. Formed by a series of volcanoes that have collapsed into the sea, the reserve’s unique landscapes make it one of the most beautiful excursions on the island.
And if you love turtles, don’t miss a visit to the “A Cupulatta park”, a 2.5-hectare natural site unique in Europe, where you’ll discover everything you’ve always wanted to know about these charming hard-shelled reptiles!
Explore Ajaccio between sea and mountains, culture and Corsican flavors.
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
Download
Our rating
Budget
A boat trip, anyone? There’s plenty to see around Ajaccio, especially the Calanques de Piana, one of Corsica’s most stunning natural sites, and the Scandola Nature Reserve.
Two gems listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. You and your family or friends are sure to love exploring these towering cliffs made of…
Read more
Our rating
See Our Full Review
Our rating
Budget
See Our Full Review
Our rating
Budget
The “Dolce Vita” hotel? The place where you can take the time to refocus on yourself, relax, and reach…
Read more
Highlights
Free parking
High-speed internet
Bar/Lounge
Pets allowed
Car rental
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Electric vehicle charging station
Location: Route des Sanguinaires, 20 000, Ajaccio, France
Our rating
Budget
See Our Full Review
Our rating
Budget
See Our Full Review
Most restaurants in Ajaccio are located in the Old Town. You’ll find several places to eat near the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral. Being close to the port, you can enjoy fresh fish caught that very morning! The variety of restaurants in this area is sure to please everyone.
Ajaccio is a city where life is good, no matter which neighborhood you choose to stay in. The Mediterranean Sea is within reach, the Corsican sun warms your neck, and the ochre-colored Mediterranean houses soothe your spirit. To make the most of this idyllic setting, one neighborhood stands out. The Old Town is the historic center of Ajaccio. This is the port district, the liveliest part of the city. You’ll find all the charm of Corsica here, with its colorful streets and traditions that have been preserved over the years.
The Island of Beauty is much more than just Ajaccio, Bastia, or Porto-Vecchio. Some of the most breathtaking places are nearby, whether along the coast or in Corsica’s mountainous regions. You can visit the stunning Sanguinaires Archipelago, a breathtaking natural site. The name “Sanguinaires” refers to the sunsets that bathe the rocks of the four islets in an orange glow. You can also explore Ajaccio’s surroundings by hiking. North of Ajaccio, in Tavaco, you can discover the “U Chjassu Di A Purcarecchia” trail, which hides treasures from the past. Along this accessible route, you’ll come across authentic remnants of Corsica’s heritage.
If you plan to stay within Ajaccio’s city center, one day will be enough to explore this beautiful city. However, if you want to visit both Ajaccio and its surroundings, you should plan for more time. A long weekend of three days would allow you to check off all the activities on your list.
Visiting Ajaccio in one day is possible. You’ll have time to explore the Old Town and the Quartier des Étrangers. Start your day with a morning coffee near the port while enjoying the sunshine. Then, dive into the city’s history, starting with the most famous attraction: the National Museum of the Bonaparte House. Here, you’ll discover the home where Napoleon lived, which still contains relics from that era. With your ticket to the Fine Arts Museum, you’ll also gain access to the Imperial Chapel, a classified historic monument. After a good lunch in the Old Town, head to Place d’Austerlitz and the nearby Bonaparte Cave. Finally, take advantage of Corsica’s beautiful weather by dipping your feet in the sea. You can visit Saint-François Beach or Trottel Beach.
Ajaccio is the best-connected city on the Island of Beauty. In addition to a train station, it also has an airport, making access easy. If you’re in the southeast of France, you can take a ferry from Toulon, Nice, or Marseille. If you don’t suffer from seasickness, you might enjoy the roughly 10-hour Mediterranean crossing. For air travel, major cities offer direct flights to Ajaccio.
Comments