Discover Ajaccio on the Island of Corsica

Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica and one of the island’s most historic and pleasant cities. Located on the west coast, it combines a wide bay, palm-lined promenades, and a compact old town. With a population of just over 70,000, it’s Corsica’s largest city, but it still feels easygoing and welcoming.

The Town Where Napoleon Was Born

Ajaccio is best known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, and you’ll find reminders of him throughout the city. His childhood home, the Maison Bonaparte, is now a museum open to visitors. A statue of Napoleon stands in the central Place de Gaulle, one of the city’s main gathering spots.

The Old Town stretches behind the port, with narrow streets, traditional houses and open-air markets. Here, you can shop for Corsican cheeses, fig jams, and olive oil or simply enjoy a coffee under the plane trees.

A short walk brings you to the Fesch Museum, which holds one of France’s best collections of Italian paintings outside the Louvre, thanks to Napoleon’s uncle, who was a cardinal.

A Relaxed City With Island Flavor

Ajaccio has a warm, sunny climate and a lifestyle shaped by the sea. Locals walk the Route des Sanguinaires, a scenic coastal road that leads to lookout points and beaches just west of the city. The waters here are calm and clear, great for swimming or short boat rides.

The city has many small restaurants offering fresh seafood, local charcuterie and Corsican wines. In summer, open-air concerts and cultural festivals bring extra life to the evenings, especially along the waterfront.

Corsican Spirit in a Seaside Setting

Ajaccio reflects the island’s strong sense of identity. French, Italian, and Corsican influences all meet here in the language, food, and traditions. The city is proud of its history but doesn’t try to impress. It invites you to explore, observe and enjoy at your own speed.

From the Napoleon landmarks to the sunsets over the Gulf of Ajaccio, this coastal capital leaves a lasting impression.