Hello to all travelers, today we will visit what is the last stop of our tour around France and precisely our adventure will be in Ajaccio. Let’s get to know it.
Ajaccio is the capital of the Corsica region, to be specific to the Southern Corsica. It is located in the deepest part of the Gulf of Ajaccio, in the inlet of the Corsican sea at the mouth of the Gravona river. The inhabitants of the municipality are known as Ajacciens or Ajacciennes. Ajaccio is famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, therefore, there are many references connected to him (which we will have the opportunity to see during our tour). From this we can understand that its history has a great value, it was influenced by the Italian dominion (in particular by the Genoese) and today it is also influenced by nearby Sardinia. Referring back to the city’s past, various hypotheses have been put forward on the etymology of the name Ajaccio: the city was founded by the legendary Greek hero Ajax and was named after him; another hypothesis is that the name could be related to the Tuscan “agghiacciu” which means “sheep’s feathers” or derives from the Greek word “agathè” and therefore would have the meaning of “good luck” or “good mooring”. The city has an airport, a port (where many ferries depart to France, in particular to Nice, Toulon, and Marseille, but also to Sardinia and Genoa. A separate mention is that of its magnificent environmental heritage, but we will talk about this later. So we would say to enter in the heart of our adventure.
To know more ( what to eat, where to eat, where to have fun, things to visit…) continue to read.
Let’s start with knowing the history of Ajaccio. Let’s go!
PLACES TO VISIT (MUSEUMS/THEATERS…)
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption: it is the main place of worship in Ajaccio. The cathedral is in Baroque style, externally it is a cheerful orange color. Its interior is very simple with interesting paintings and sculptures.
Another church you can visit is the Eglise du Sacre Coeur. Completely different from the previous one, both as regards the architecture and for its predominant white color that gives brightness. - Musee Fesch: housed in the nineteenth-century Palazzo Fesch, it houses a vast collection of works of art, which includes Italian paintings, sculptures, furniture, goldsmiths and various objects. The museum follows a chronological order starting from the Italian artists of the fourteenth century to the courses of the twentieth century. Among the most important works we find, Sandro Botticelli, Tiziano, Paolo Veronese, Corrado Giaquinto and many others. The palace also houses a library with a prestigious collection of volumes of history, theology and literature. In addition we find an imperial chapel, built in the mid-nineteenth century in a neo-Renaissance style. The palace is quite large and at the entrance we find a small courtyard with a statue in the center.
- Maison Bonaparte: home of the Bonaparte family is located at Rue Saint-Charles. The museum preserves the memories of the family but also important relics concerning the life of the emperor. It is a very simple house as its family is a minor nobility. So being this city so important for Napoleon, we would say that it is a must stop on our tour. Also, if you decide to visit Ajaccio during the summer season, don’t miss the Napoleonic Days, organized as a tribute to the emperor. Every August for three days, you will have the opportunity to attend military costume parades, historical re-enactments, exhibitions and concerts.
- Naporama: it is a museum containing the Playmobil (similar to lego) of all the battles made by Napoleon. It is really beautiful and well made, with attention to every detail and is perfect for learning history with the right levity (perfect and fun especially for children). The scenes were made by a local artist. To be seen!
Musee Fesch
ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)
Let’s continue, there is still so much to see!
- Sanguinaires: archipelago of the Sanguinaires islands is part of the municipality of Ajaccio. This has four islands (Mezzu Mare, Cormorani, Cala d’Alga, Porri and in addition Punta di Parata) composed of typical dark red rocks, which at sunset release this nuance creating an amazing effect; and from here the name sanguinarie, but it is only one (maybe the most probable) of the various hypotheses that lie behind the name. On the top of the main island there is a characteristic lighthouse. All this heritage is named Grand site de France for its great symbolic value.
- Les calanques de Piana: this is a curious geological formation, south of the town of Porto in the municipality of Piana, formed by red granite rocks. The narrow road that connects the villages of Porto and Piana runs through these rock formations and from it there are numerous paths that allow you to reach splendid panoramic points, absolutely not to be missed. Each rock has its own name as it represents that particular object, there is the dog’s head, the skull, the heart, the head. These badlands are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Réserve naturelle de Scandola: Scandola nature reserve is part of the regional natural park of Corsica and is a UNESCO heritage site. It was the first European nature reserve to have a protected part on the sea and a part on land. In any case, the nature reserve consists of two sectors, the islet of Elpa Nera and the peninsula of Scandola and its slopes overlooking the sea contain numerous caves and are flanked by many islets and bays unfortunately inaccessible. The excursion is mainly done by sea. A real show for the eyes!
- Torra di Capu di Fenu: it is a tower (well what remains of the tower) now only a part of it survives; but this is precisely the beauty because it is a beautiful historical testimony. It had been built by the Republic of Genoa against pirate attacks. The tower is located on a high part of the Ajaccio coast where you can enjoy a breathtaking view.
- Place Foch: this is between the main squares of Ajaccio, perfectly located between the port and the city center, this is where the various events of the city and the weekly market tae place. The area is full of shops, restaurants and a long, tree-lined avenue for strolling. Also in the center of the square is a small garden with a statue and a fountain. Another central square you can visit is place de Gaulle. A beautiful square in the center there are four statues (including Napoleon on horseback), benches, all inserted in this large open space. Not far from the square there is also a small casino.
- Sentier des Cretes: it is a beautiful path to do. It is located in the upper part of the city and there will be enough to walk, so arm yourself with sneakers and start this wonderful excursion with lots of views.
- For true lovers of trekking and for experts, don’t miss Mount Aragnascu. A belvedere with a splendid view over the entire Gulf of Ajaccio. It’s tough, but it’s worth it.
- La Grotte Napoléon: a very special place. It is a gastronomic place, but don’t be fooled by the appearance because it is much more. Inside you will find a simulation of a cave with wall screens that will make you relive the story of Napoleon through the projection of a film that tells his life from childhood. During the screening you can also discover Corsican specialties. A complete cultural, visual and taste experience. Inside there is also a shop where you can buy some souvenirs.
- There are plenty of beaches in Ajaccio, let’s see some of them: Plage Saint-Francois, Punta Di Sette Nave, Plage de Capitello, Plage de Vent, Plage de Lava, Plage de Capo di Feno, Plage du Ricanto, Plage d ‘Agosta, Plage de Porticcio, Plage de Marinella; all perfect destinations for a boat trip. It’s up to you the choice!
- Let’s see what other things we can do in the city: a nice stroll around Cours Grandval (which connects Place de Gaulle to Place d’Austerlitz). This district is also known as the district of foreigners, as it was established to welcome British and German tourists. During your walk you can admire beautiful buildings and much more. If you don’t feel like walking but you want to see the beauties of the city, you can opt for the small tourist train. The tours start from the Foch square and you have the possibility to choose 2 itineraries, that of the Sanguinaire and the tour of the city which focuses on the old part. It could happen a rainy or cold day, but don’t worry, you can go to the Corsica Arena which has a bowling alley, a virtual reality room, a play area with trampolines and obstacle courses.
- In the vicinity of Ajaccio there is a lot to see that you can’t miss: its fantastic villages, one among them is Villanova. Lake Tolla, when the cloudy summer hits, there is nothing more refreshing than enjoying the refreshing air near the lake (absolutely beautiful even in winter). In addition, you can rent a pedal boat for a ride in the waters. Cupulatta, a real city of turtles. The route develops through paths where different species meet in various habitats and the various streets take their name from the different breeds of reptiles. Bonifacio is known as the city of white cliffs, Bastia retains all the charm of a port city and then Calvi, Ile-Rousse, Sartène a picturesque town.
Place Foch
The nightlife of the city is focused more in the historic center where there are most of the trendy clubs and lounge bars. The discos are all focused in the coastal area.
Now let’s see some of the clubs in the city.
- Blue moon Ajaccio: night club
- Le Before: lounge bar
- Le Rooftop By Lodge
TYPICAL FOODS
Aziminu
It’s time for… typical dishes!
The nearby Sardinia has influenced Corsica also on a gastronomic level, sharing the Mediterranean culture. Mainly the dishes are based on fish, seafood and crustaceans, such as Ajaccio crabs; but let’s see them more closely.
- Soupe de poisson a l’ajaccienne: fish soup. The dish is made up of different fish typical of the area (Rascasse, Girelles, Congres, Vives…) with the addition of tomatoes and herbs.
- Aziminu: is a typical fish soup cooked using at least seven different types of fish. Everything is flavored with pastis (typical French aperitif), olive oil and various aromatic plants. It differs from the previous one not only for some ingredients but also because it is more soupy.
- Civet de sanglier: another main course of Corsican cuisine (no, it is not fish) is the wild boar prepared in a casserole with carrots, chestnuts, fennel, garlic, onions. Here is the mountain side of the city.
- Fiadone: its shape is similar to ravioli. This baked cake is composed of a dough prepared with egg, oil, white wine and flour. The filling is made with Corsican cheese (brocciu), sugar, eggs and lemon peel. Other additions include raisins and candied fruit. There is also a savory version. Sweet or salty, the important thing is that it should be eaten!
- Fritelli: are fried Corsican beignet, made with wheat or chestnut flour stuffed with fresh cheese. A real goodness!
- To all these dishes you can accompany Vermentini white wines or vigorous red wines or also fresh rosés.
Fiadone
WHERE TO EAT (RESTAURANTS/CAFE’…)
Now we just have to go in search of places where we can taste the dishes of Ajaccio.
- A Terrazza: French, Mediterranean, European cuisine.
- Produits Corses a Casetta: French cuisine.
- A Cantina Di Ghjulia: French, Mediterranean, European cuisine.
- Le Saint Pierre: French, Mediterranean cuisine.
- A Merendella Citadina: French, Mediterranean, European cuisine.
- Le directoire: French, Mediterranean, European cuisine.
- Le St Charles: French, Mediterranean, vegetarian cuisine.
- Le Petit Clos: wine bar with French, European cuisine.
- Le Roi de Rome: French, European cuisine.
- A Marinasca: French, Mediterranean, European cuisine.
With this we end our tour in Ajaccio and unfortunately also our trip to France. We are sad but always ready for the new adventures that await us. What will be next? Keep following and discover it with us.
Let us know your opinions about this place. If you liked it or not, if you’ve been there or you’re going to go there? What you liked the most or least? We’re curious to read your opinions.
A big kiss to everyone.
Thanks for sharing this list, miss travelling badly while reading your travel sharing here to ease my miss. Have added this to my to travel list, hope I can travel around freely soon. Cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Hello, it’s our pleasure to share these info with you! Thanks for saving our guide, so proud 🙂
Meravigliosa meta. La Corsica è una di quei posti di cui ho sempre sentito parlare, ma che ancora non sono riuscita a visitare.
Prendo nota per un futuro viaggio. Tenendo sotto mano questi consigli. Ovviamente appena ci libereremo di questo incubo del virus.
Considerando che è vicinissima all’Italia non è impossibile programmare un viaggio.
Grazie per aver salvato la nostra guida. Fieri di poterti guidare nella tua visita 😀
Great info! Thanks for sharing. It feels like I haven’t traveled in forever and I have no idea when I will again. Hoping it’ll be in the near future and this is a great place to consider.
Ajaccio is a good destination to start traveling again. You’ll be surprised how amazing it is!
Non ci sono mai stata ma ne ho sentito parlare da amici che ci vanno regolarmente ed e’ un piccolo paradiso per i turisti. Proverei SUBITO il Fiadone! 😀
I tuoi amici ti raccontano il vero ahahah Ajaccio è piaciuta a chiunque l’ha visitata. Una garanzia!
The food there looks amazing! I love fritelli!! Great read!
The culinary tradition is one of the strengths of the city.
I love it when I learn about a place that I have never heard of or was even on my radar. But I have a friend who is infatuated with Napoleon which by the way, many of us here in New Orleans are. We even have a replica of his Death Mask in our Cabildo Museum. So Ajaccio sounds like a great adventure for Napoleonic history lovers. From the Maison Bonaparte & Naporama (such a funny name) to La Grotte Napoleon, you can get your fix here in Ajaccio!
For a lover of Napoleon this is the right place, no doubts. The history has a crucial part in the culture of Ajaccio.
We didn’t know that New Orleans is linked in some way to him so thanks for letting us know this.
Ironically, I was just asking my husband about places to visit in France. He gave me the obvious places but had nothing about any place that wasn’t the main touristy places. I can now mention a place that sounds very cool that he isn’t familiar with! Hopefully, one day we can travel again!
You came here in the right moment and this is not a coincidence. There are so many wonderful places to explore but we usually know the most famous…
Check the France archive here on the site, there are other amazing travel guides that might be good for you.
I wanted to spend some time in Corsica for years now. Actually, after I visited very briefly from Sardegna. Hence, I didn’t get to see Ajaccio, only Bonifaccio, but it was nice enough to put the island on my bucket list. And after having read this post, I can’t wait to visit for a longer time.
Corsica has a good position and it is perfect to spend a memorable trip. You were so close hahaha You have a reason to back here, not bad at all 😉
The building of this place is amazing and has clean and calm colors. I would love to visit it as well. Your pictures are amazing!
If you have the possibility we really recommend you to travel here, it’s worth it.
Ci sono stata, purtroppo, da piccolissima dunque leggere il tuo blog post è davvero un ottimo modo per ricordarmi quanto la Corsica sia belle e quanto sicuramente devo recuperare… Adoro!
È sempre piacevole rievocare dei bei ricordi e noi siamo lieti di averti ricordato quei momenti. – Amalia
È sempre piacevole rievocare dei bei ricordi e noi siamo lieti di averti ricordato quei momenti. – Amalia
It’s a beautiful island in Mediterranean sea. I’ve been there, so wonderful the downtown but a bit expensive… Highly recommendable place for a vacation.
Ajaccio is elegant and yes we agree with you, highly recommended for a vacation to remember.
Non sono mai stata in Corsica, ma mi piacerebbe molto visitarla. Spero che questo brutto periodo termini presto per poter tonare a spostarci come prima.
Essendo la Corsica vicina all’Italia può essere tranquillamente raggiunta e questo è un punto a favore. Sarebbe un ottima meta da visitare appena finisce la pandemia.
The place looks so dreamy! I would so love to see it with my own eyes!
This is what we wish our readers do after reading our guides 😀 😀
The only reason I visited Ajaccio was that it is Napoleon’s family home and birthplace, is worth a visit, as is the town cathedral. But otherwise, also It is a pretty town!
Tourists visit Ajaccio mainly because of it, like you and then after arrived on the place they notice that there is more. Good!
Quanto deve essere bella la Corsica e quante volte mi sarebbe piaciuto andarci e non ci sono mai riuscita, anche se ho il traghetto che mi parte praticamente sotto casa.
Ma presto, Covid permettendo, ci andrò… Mi salvo l’articolo, è interessantissimo e non pensavo ci fossero così tante cose da vedere ad Ajaccio!
Alle volte basta poco per motivarci e noi siamo contenti di essere riusciti nel nostro intento 😀 😀 Ancora più contenti che tua abbia trovato utile la nostra guida!
Non ci sono mai stata ed ammetto di non averci mai pensato. Chissà perché poi. Quest’articolo mi ha fortemente stuzzicato l’interesse!
E non è nemmeno lontana dall’Italia, un traghetto e subito si arriva.
Che bello sapere di averti incuriosito e spinto a visitarla. Missione compiuta!!
Sono stato ad Ajaccio lo scorso anno, ehm, volevo direi nel 2019 e confermo tutto. Bellissime le isole sanguinarie così come il Museo Fesch che mi ha lasciato un ottimo ricordo.
Già, Ajaccio è una città che difficilmente non si apprezza. Sia dal lato culturale che culinario passando per quello legato allo svago questa città ti stupisce e rapisce ahahah
Parlando di Ajaccio, inevitabilmente si pensa a Napoleone Bonaparte e alle sue battaglie. Tuttavia questa realtà è ricca anche di bellezze naturalistiche che vanno assolutamente vissute appieno come les calanques e la grotte Napoleon. Tuttavia non avevo mai sentito parlare del Naporama che con i Playmobil ripropone tutte le battaglie compiute del generale. Lo visiterei senza alcun dubbio.
Maria Domenica
L’associazione è immediata in effetti e questo è un punto a favore della città che viene visitata maggiormente per queste ragioni ma poi una volta su posto si ha la possibilità di scoprire che Ajaccio offre anche molto di più.
It’s been so long since I have been to the water. I would love to just go sit and take in the ocean view.
We understand you… It’s one of the best feelings ever!
I used to google a place for a vacation and I think this is one of the suggested places. Thank you for your very detailed guide. This would definitely help especially first time travellers in Ajaccio.
Thank you for considering us, makes us so happy 🙂 🙂
It’s our goal and we are excited to guide you to discover in Ajaccio (even in other destinations hahaha)!!
Thank you for sharing so much information about this place. It wasn’t on my bucket list before, but have considered adding it now.
Hi Kimberley, don’t hesitate and add it! 100% you’ll love Ajaccio!!
I am foodie and the food that you share looks interesting. I would definitely enjoy visiting there.
We are talking about a centuries-old culinary tradition that has undergone Italian influences as well as French ones, truly original.
I would love to visit Ajaccio. It looks very beautiful and very calm. Looks like the city has everything, different restaurants to choose from, many entertainment places and a worship place.
Exactly! Ajaccio is the right place if you are looking for an awesome destination.
What a beautiful place! This has now been added to my list of of places to visit, thank you for providing so much information about this lovely destination.
Hello Jemma, it’s our pleasure! Thanks for choosing us ❤
Ogni volta che apro il vostro blog so che potrò sognare per qualche minuto. In questo caso ho iniziato a esplorare la Corsica con voi, Ajaccio la segnerò tra i posti da visitare appena si potrà viaggiare.
Davvero bello il tuo commento, lo apprezziamo tantissimo! Grazie mille Veronica ❤
Adoro i tuoi consigli di viaggio perché tra i consigli ci sono anche oltre a cosa visitare anche quello da assaggiare e dove. La Corsica mi sembra un bel mix tra la Francia e la Sardegna!
Ti ringraziamo per il commento, apprezzato!!
Quello che dici è giusto perché bisogna considerare che ha subito influenze sia dalla cultura francese che quella italiana. – Amalia
Ciao, quanto mi piacerebbe andare ma mio marito odia le navi e aereo, per ora me la godo con le foto e racconti di viaggio. Grazie delle info.
Magari per amore supererà anche questo, chissà ahahah
Grazie a te per averci dedicato del tempo e lieti di averti fatto conoscere qualcosa in più su Ajaccio 🙂
I had heard of Ajaccio before, but only through football. So, I never knew it was such a lovely place. Your pics alone just draw one in.
Glad to know we’ve helped you to know other things about Ajaccio 🙂
This just reminds me how much I miss traveling so much! I’m definitely adding this to my list.
Hope you’ve added Ajaccio in the first positions hahaha
I have never heard of Ajaccio, but thanks to you I now want to visit. Unfortunately, most of us only explore the famous cities and sites in Paris and never beyond.
We are here for this! There are so many wonders in our world but often we know only the most famous… Keep following us to discover more 😀
I have never heard of his place before and it is so nice to know beautiful things about the beautiful place like this. This is definitely a new place for me to visit. Thanks for sharing this information, I really appreciate it.
It’s our pleasure and our goal. Thanks for choosing us, stay connected and have fun discovering new places!
Yes please, I would love to be able to travel here someday!
You might consider Ajaccio like your next destination 😉
The foods looks great. I hope to visit there someday.
You can’t miss this travel, really can’t hahaha
Truly fascinating. Learned so much about his unique part of the world. The foods, the architecture, place to visit – wow, what a thrill it is, even from a distant screen and typed up text.
Would like to visit it one day.
It’s a wonderful world and we need to discover it. Proud to be by your side and guide you 🙂 🙂