Holidays in Ajaccio
If you’re looking for ‘la dolce vita’, then come to Ajaccio !
Ajaccio is located in the middle of the west coast, an ideal situation for discovering the region and travelling around Corsica in any direction.
The relaxed way of life is apparent everywhere – in the historic districts, harbours, narrow streets of the old town as far as the seafront pavement cafés from where you can watch the sun go down over the Iles Sanguinaires islands.
Napoléon Bonaparte was born here on 15 August 1769. He became a general and then Napoleon I, Emperor of France. He left a permanent mark on Ajaccio by making it the official capital of Corsica.
Sight-seeing in Ajaccio
There are plenty of attractions to see in Ajaccio :
The citadel,
The ‘vieux-port’ (old harbour)
16th century, Renaissance-style cathedral
16th century church of Sainte Érasme, a sanctuary dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, decorated with models of ships.
Place Charles de Gaulle (also known as the Place du Diamant)
Place Foch or Place des Palmiers with its fountain featuring 4 lions. Closeby is the statue of La Madonuccia (patron saint of the town since 1656).
The Palais and Musée Fesch, a remarkable collection of paintings from the Italian schools of 14th and 19th centuries.
Musée « A Bandera », museum of the history of Corsica.
Musée du Capitellu.
Chapelle Impériale : Renaissance-style chapel, burial place of the Imperial Family
Maison Bonaparte, where Napoléon Bonaparte was born on 15 August 1769.
Beaches on the road to the Iles Sanguinaires, to the north of the gulf.
Marinella, home of Tino Rossi, « the Corsican nightingale ».
Cemetery where Tino Rossi is buried
Pointe de la Parata, a headland topped with a Genoese tower, offering magnificent views of the islands.
and lots more …
What to do in and around Ajaccio
Stroll along the Cours Napoléon and the Rue Fesch (pedestrianised) in the old town to enjoy the relaxed daytime atmosphere which livens up considerably at nightfall. Ajaccio has all the facilities and leisure facilities you need for a memorable holiday : markets, beaches, shops, businesses, restaurants, bars, ice cream sellers, clubs, discotheques, theatre, cinemas, art galleries, swimming pool, boat trips, bowling alley, etc..
At the tip of Ajaccio lie the unrivalled Iles Sanguinaires which became a Grand Site de France in 2017 ! This status is awarded to exceptional, well-known, fragile natural attractions which are protected and managed in accordance with the values of sustainable development.
In the town centre, you can visit 16th century Ajaccio Cathedral which faces the sea, the Chapelle Impériale, Musée Fesch, Maison Bonaparte in the old town plus the Citadelle d’Ajaccio.
Next, take the Route des Sanguinaires which is lined with superb beaches. Enjoy a meal at the water’s edge at one of the many beach cafés known as pailottes or make the most of the peace and quiet of unspoilt, hidden coves.
At the end of the Route des Sanguinaires, visit La Parata, have a look at its tower and walk along the promenade where an amazing variety of plants grow like rockrose, iris, mugwort and groundsel.
There are many footpaths and trails to explore during your stay, including the Chemin des Crêtes, te Sentier des Douaniers, Capo di Feno, Monte Gozzi.
As you drive along the Route des Sanguinaires, you can see « A Marinella » the home of the famous singer Tino Rossi
How to get to Ajaccio
Daily flights from Ajaccio to and from many national and international destinations.
If you prefer to bring your car, several ferry companies run daily links to Ajaccio."
