Napoléon Street

This charming little street is the gateway to Terra Vecchia, the oldest part of Bastia. Welcome to Rue Napoléon.

If you’re wondering why Napoleon Bonaparte pops up everywhere in Corsica, it’s because he was born on the island, in Ajaccio. He spent the first nine years of his life on the island before going to school in mainland France. While he’s most famous for his military campaigns, Napoleon also left a lasting mark on French society, including the Civil Code he established in 1804, which is still the foundation of French law today.

But back to Rue Napoléon. This picturesque lane links Place Saint-Nicolas to the Old Port, weaving its way past a string of boutiques selling everything from local crafts and Corsican delicacies to fashion and souvenirs.

Whether you’re in the mood for shopping or a leisurely stroll, it’s a lovely place to wander around. It’s also the only fully pedestrianised street in Bastia. Renovated in 2013, it’s paved with stone from the village of Brando and lined with traditional Bastia-style houses.

Full of charm and always bustling, Rue Napoléon is one of the city’s liveliest streets.