Napoleon was born in Ajaccio; the Palais Fesch houses an important collection of Italian paintings, and the Sentier des Crêtes runs along the coast. History, art and scenery offer different focal points for planning your trip.
Bonaparte history, art and fortifications
Maison Bonaparte is the family home where Napoleon was born on 15 August 1769. It was first designated a historic monument and became a national museum in 1967. The Citadelle Miollis offers a different perspective on the city’s history: the Genoese fortress was built from 1492 to protect Ajaccio and its port.
The Palais Fesch offers another point of interest: it houses one of the most important collections of Italian paintings in French museums. The collection includes works of the Italian Early Renaissance and Roman and Neapolitan Baroque painting. It also includes Flemish landscapes, genre scenes and still lifes, as well as a Napoleonic collection and a collection of Corsican paintings. The Chapelle impériale forms the right wing of the Palais Fesch and is protected as a historic monument. Some members of the Bonaparte family rest in its crypt, including Napoleon’s father and mother and Cardinal Fesch.
Cathedral and Madunnuccia
The Cathedral of Notre Dame de l’Assomption was built between 1583 and 1593 and illustrates the religious architecture of the Counter-Reformation. Its distinctive ochre façade, Latin-cross floor plan and dome rising above the old town define the building’s architectural character. Napoleon Bonaparte was baptised in the cathedral’s marble font.
A Mass and celebrations in honour of the Madunnuccia are held here every year on 18 March, continuing a tradition deeply rooted in local culture. If you would like to plan your visit around this occasion, check the latest event dates in advance.
Coastal trails and walks
The Sentier des Crêtes is an easy, 10.6-kilometre walking trail. It starts at Bois des Anglais and ends at Route des Sanguinaires, both in Ajaccio. Its route follows the coast from the city centre towards the heights of the Îles Sanguinaires. Along the way, you can enjoy exceptional coastal views and far-reaching vistas from a balcony high above the sea; the trail also offers a botanical discovery of nature at mid-mountain altitude. Check local conditions before setting out.
The Sentier des Douaniers connects the well-known Sanguinaires area with Saint-Antoine beach farther north. A distinctive rock along the route is used as a climbing school. The routes described here therefore differ in their points of reference: for the Sentier des Crêtes, the length, difficulty rating and coastal route are specified; for the Sentier des Douaniers, these are the connection between the two named areas and the rock along the trail.
Another option for a walk is the Domaine des Milelli in the hills above Ajaccio. The grounds are a public garden and are home to a centuries-old olive grove; they are also considered a popular place for walks.
Market visit and hotel search
The gourmet hall at Ajaccio market has fish stalls supplied by local fishermen. Food and drink are also available on site, along with tastings. As vendors and services may change, check what is currently available if you plan to make use of these options.
If a particular sight or route is a deciding factor for you, compare the accommodation’s exact address with your own plans.
Discover more destinations: Sant Andrea-Dorcino, Sotta, Bonifacio, Bocca del Oro, Serriera, Partinello, Campo, Tizzano
Back to the main travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.
