Free walking tours in Ajaccio and what to see

Must-sees

Ajaccio is the capital of Corse-du-Sud and the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose mark is everywhere. The family house where he was born is now the Maison Bonaparte, a national museum telling the family’s story. Close by is the cathedral of the Assumption, where he was baptised, and Place Foch and Place De Gaulle have statues of the emperor. The Palais Fesch, founded by his uncle Cardinal Fesch, holds an important collection of Italian painting.

The old town, with narrow streets and colourful façades, runs down to the port and the citadel by the sea. It is worth stopping at the market for Corsican produce such as charcuterie, cheese and honey. In the late afternoon, the Sanguinaires road follows the coast to the Pointe de la Parata, with its Genoese tower and views of the Sanguinaires islands. The beaches of the gulf are a few minutes from the centre.

Free tours and guided visits

Ajaccio has no regular free walking tours. What Civitatis offers are boat trips: cruises to the Sanguinaires islands, including a sunset version, a sea trip towards Bonifacio and another to the Scandola reserve and Girolata on the west coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Gulf of Porto. The historic centre and the Napoleon sites are easy to explore on your own.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the old town, the Maison Bonaparte, the Palais Fesch and the port. Spend an afternoon on the Sanguinaires road to watch the sunset from La Parata. Boat trips to Scandola or Bonifacio take a full day, so with three or four days you can combine town, sea and the beaches of the gulf.

Where to stay

Central Ajaccio, between the port, the old town and Cours Napoléon, is the best base if you are travelling without a car: everything is within walking distance and the boat trips leave from the port. For more of a beach holiday, the Sanguinaires road has seafront hotels. Across the gulf, Porticcio offers holiday residences and apartments with wide beaches.