The Old Town of Ajaccio is perfect for a scenic and historic walking tour. Just off the cruise port everything to see and do is easily reached afoot. Nestled along the Ajaccio harbor, it’s filled with beautiful beaches, a citadel, shops, picturesque squares, museums and restaurants. Being the Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the town retraces his controversial and monumental legacy. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I enjoyed my Ajaccio Corsica walking tour and love sharing tips. So, read on to discover how to make the most out of your day in Ajaccio!
About Ajaccio, Corsica
Corsica is the 4th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, north of Sardinia. It is a territorial collectivity of France. Corsica was ruled by the Republic of Genoa and annexed with France in 1769 to pay off debt. So, the island has Italian cultural influences. The 3 languages of Corsica are French, Corsican and Italo-Dalmatian. Corsica is home to many natural wonders, such as, 600 miles of coastline, pine forests, Prunelli Gorges and Les Calanches.
Ajaccio is the capital city of Corsica and the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. There are many monuments and squares paying homage to him, even though he never returned home. The city lies along Corsica’s west coast on the Gulf of Ajaccio. The Old Town is a charming, historic area with pastel buildings, a citadel, museums and picturesque squares. In town beautiful beaches adorn the coast along with restaurants and bars. The sprawling modern city spreads along the entire harbor east of Old Town.
My One Day Walking Tour in Ajaccio
After spending about 3 different port days in Ajaccio, I decided to design the perfect walking tour. So, I researched and planned this tour. I enjoyed every bit of this walking tour in about 5 hours. If you have more time, you could easily spend a whole day in Ajaccio and dig a little deeper into this historic town.
Check out my YouTube video!
Ajaccio Corsica Walking Tour Highlights in Old Town
Marcatu D’Aiacciu
The best way to start a walking tour is at the Ajaccio waterfront market open daily. It spreads out on the colorful Place Campinchi next to the cruise port. Stalls line up filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, pastries, wines, olives, cheeses, nuts, fish, clothing, jewelry and souvenirs.
Open Daily 7 am to 2 pm
Place Foch
The picturesque Place Foch is a block west along the quai from the market. The tree-lined square offers shade and benches with historic landmarks. Here, stands the Statue de Napoleon Empereur Roman with 4 lions. This represents Napoleon Bonaparte, symbolically as a Roman emperor, connected to his Italian roots. Also, the Salon Napoleon, the pink and white old town hall, offers tours with Napoleon memorabilia. Many restaurants and cafes surround the square. Plus, the popular La Petit train begins here for tours.
Musee De La Maison Bonaparte
Just down the Rue Bonaparte from Place Foch is the Musee De La Maison Bonaparte. This casa has been home to the Bonaparte family since the late 1700’s. Outside the casa is a lovely quiet garden.
The tour takes you through the home with restored rooms and furniture with memorabilia. It offers an intimate window of how the Bonaparte family lived as one of the richest families in Corsica. One display shows a replica of Napoleon’s golden leaf crown worn as emperor at coronation in Paris in 1804.
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10 am to 5:30 pm (closed for lunch)
Cathedrale de l’Assomption
The Ajaccio Cathedral is closely located west on Rue St. Charles from Casa Napoleon. It’s also known as Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Ajaccio. This Roman Catholic church is dedicated to Virgin Mary and built as a Baroque/Mannerist style in 1593. Napoleon Bonaparte was baptized here in 1771. You can visit inside if there are no services happening.
Miollis Citadelle
Ajaccio Corsica Walking Tour
From Ajaccio Cathedral, go south on Rue Forcioli Conti to the nearby citadelle. The Genoese strategically built this fortress and lower wall in 1492. The French enlarged the citadelle from manning less than 100 soldiers to 800 French soldiers. Today, the citadelle is open to the public with free admission. It is used for stores and restaurants with panoramic views of the harbor and beaches.
Saint-Francois Beach
The turquoise Saint-Francois Beach is located near the wall of the citadelle. It stretches north from below the citadelle towards the Route des Sanguinaires. It goes along the palm-lined Boulevard Lantivy. The sandy beach is widest near the citadelle. Parking is scarce, but it’s near the Place de Gaulle bus stop.
Shop and Eat on Rue Fesch
Tall pastel-colored buildings line the narrow pedestrian Rue Fesch, filled with places to shop and eat. This rue stretches from the Place Foch to past the Palais Fesch Musee. It makes for a good walking tour to indulge in the good shopping and eateries, such as, glaciers, patisseries, cafes and restaurants.
Palais Fesch Musee De Beaux Arts
It’s fun to eat and shop your way going east along Rue Fesch to the Musee Fesch. Located in the gated Palais Fesch, this fine arts museum is most known for its collection of Italian paintings.
The 4-storied palace is arranged in halls featuring periods of Early Italian and Renaissance, Roman Baroque and Neapolitan Baroque.
This museum displays more than 400 artworks, including some of France’s (outside The Louvre) finest collection of Italian masters. For example, it houses Veronese’s Leda and the Swan, Titian’s Man with a Glove and Botticelli’s Virgin and Child.
Chapelle Imperiale
The Imperial Chapel forms the right wing of the Palais Fesch. Its admission is included with the museum. Blessed in 1860, it’s the sanctuary of the imperial family. In the crypt lies members of the Bonaparte family, including Napoleon’s father and mother and Cardinal Fesch. The interior lays out in the shape of a Latin cross crowned by a dome.
If you have more time in Corsica!
Archipel des Sanguinaires for hiking trails and beautiful views
Calanques de Piana for massive red-rock cliffs
600 Miles of Coastline and beaches
Enjoy Ajaccio!
This Old Town is such a treat and so accessible in a compact area. It’s charming, clean, historic and fun to explore. Even better, if you have more time, there is plenty more to see on this beautiful island. If your travels take you to Corsica, please leave any comments below on tips on how best to enjoy Ajaccio!
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