Ajaccio: History, Art and Coastal Paths
Accommodation in Ajaccio
Ajaccio offers a range of points of interest for your trip: Napoleon’s family history, art collections, religious architecture and paths along the coast. If you’re looking for a hotel in the city, these themes can help you assess Ajaccio based on the interests you want to shape your stay.
Napoleon and the History of Ajaccio
Maison Bonaparte is the family home where Napoleon was born on August 15, 1769. It was first classified as a historic monument, then granted the status of a national museum in 1967. The house is therefore linked both to Napoleon’s birthplace and to its historical recognition.
Another connection to the Bonaparte family can be found in the Chapelle Impériale. It forms the right wing of the Palais Fesch and is protected as a historic monument. Some members of the Bonaparte family, including Napoleon’s father and mother and Cardinal Fesch, rest in its crypt. The Palais Fesch and the chapel thus bring together an art collection and a site of family history.
Art and Religious Architecture
The Palais Fesch houses one of the most important collections of Italian paintings in French museums. It includes works from the early Italian Renaissance, as well as Roman and Neapolitan Baroque paintings. The collection is complemented by Flemish landscapes, genre scenes and still lifes, as well as a Napoleonic collection and Corsican paintings. Its range thus extends from different periods of Italian art to other European and local subjects.
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption was built between 1583 and 1593 and illustrates the religious architecture of the Counter-Reformation. Its ochre-colored façade, Latin-cross floor plan and dome overlooking the old town define its architectural character. The cathedral also contains the marble font in which Napoleon Bonaparte was baptized. Every year on March 18, a Mass and celebrations are held there in honor of Madunnuccia, a tradition deeply rooted in local culture.
Coastal Paths and Walks
The Sentier des CrĂŞtes is an easy, 10.6-kilometer hiking trail in Ajaccio. It starts at Bois des Anglais and ends at the Route des Sanguinaires. It follows the coast from the city center toward the heights of the ĂŽles Sanguinaires. Along the way, the trail offers exceptional coastal views and expansive vistas from a balcony high above the sea. It also offers the chance to discover the vegetation of the mid-mountain landscape. Check local conditions before hiking.
The Sentier des Douaniers has different landmarks: it connects the well-known Sanguinaires area with Saint-Antoine beach farther north. A prominent rock along the route is also used as a climbing practice area. Together with the Sentier des Crêtes, the trail shows how Ajaccio’s coastal landscape can be explored both via longer hiking routes and by visiting specific destinations along the way.
The Domaine des Milelli offers a different setting for a walk: it is a public garden and a popular place to stroll. On the heights of Ajaccio, the grounds also contain a centuries-old olive grove. The garden and olive grove thus combine their use as a place for a walk with a landscape that has enduring character.
Market and Local Flavors
The gourmet hall at Ajaccio’s market has fish stalls supplied by local fishermen. Food and drink served on site and tastings are also available. As individual vendors and services may change, check what is on offer on the day of your visit. The market adds a glimpse of local food culture to the historical, cultural and landscape themes.
Discover more destinations: Bonifacio, Soccia, Sant Andrea-Dorcino, Alata, Santa-Maria-Siché, Marignana, Cauro, Belvédère-Campomoro.
For the broader travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.
