Visit Ajaccio

Why not visiting Ajaccio? Embark with La Méridionale to discover the most beautiful cultural and natural sites in Corsica's capital.

What to do in Ajaccio

Located close to the iconic sites of southern Corsica, the imperial city is an ideal base camp if you're planning to explore the rest of the island. But the town itself is well worth the trip. From the narrow streets of the old town to the turquoise-water beaches, from museums to hiking trails, follow the guide to find out what to visit in Ajaccio.

Napoléon Bonaparte and the city of Ajaccio

The most famous Ajaccian is undoubtedly Napoléon. It's impossible not to think of the corporal when you walk the streets that bear his name, come across his statue in the Place du Casone or enter the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Bonaparte, born in Ajaccio in 1769, remained very attached to his native town. Leaving for the continent at the age of nine, he returned during the French Revolution and then one last time in 1769.

On his return from the Egyptian campaign, General Napoléon stayed, with his staff, in his family's country house, in the Milelli parc. The building is closed to the public, but you can enjoy a stroll through the park in the shade of the olive trees. On the other hand you can visit the Bonaparte mansion in Ajaccio. Here you can see the room where the future emperor was born and admire some period furniture.

What to visit in Ajaccio: must-see places

Take advantage of the mild climate on the bay and your vacation in Ajaccio to explore natural sites you won't soon forget.

Hiking in Southern Corsica, GR 20 and GT20

There's nothing like walking to appreciate Corsica and its landscapes. Whether you're visiting Ajaccio as a family or you're an experienced walker, you'll find the itinerary that suits you.

Walks

For a stroll or a hike, head to the Grand site de la Parata. The Sentier des Douaniers is a delight for those who love to walk, but hate hills. This 2 1/2-hour excursion, between scrubland and coastline, offers several viewpoints over the Sanguinaires Islands. Without ever forcing you to climb. A shorter walk, the Parata Tower trail takes you, in less than 25 minutes to the tower's platform. After climbing the stairs, you're rewarded with an unobstructed view of the Sanguinaires Islands.

Fancy a challenge? Take on the Sentier des Crêtes. This four-and-a-half-hour hike takes you through the garrigue, amid rockroses and cactus plants.

GR20

The GR20's reputation has long since spread beyond the circle of hiking enthusiasts and lovers of human adventure. A star itinerary, the GR20 fascinates and intrigues. But the distance and difficulties discourages many walkers from taking the plunge. If you'd like to try the adventure for the first time, why not start with a half-GR20 from the imperial city?

After a short visit to Ajaccio, hop on the train to Vizzavona, the tenth step in the north-south direction. Then set course for Conca. Your journey will be marked by exceptional sites such as Monte Renoso and the Aiguilles de Bavella, and you'll avoid the more technical steps. But you can also head for Calenzana and measure yourself against the Spasimata suspension bridge and Monte Cinto.

Parks

Didn't come across any dolphins or monk seals during your stay in Ajaccio? Comfort yourself with an outing to A Cupulatta Park. 3,000 turtles await you. In all, 170 species from the four corners of the globe are spread over 2.5 hectares. Here, everything is done for their well-being. And the reptiles appreciate it! The site, the largest in Europe, records the birth of dozens of babies every year.

If you have a car, leave Ajaccio for a few hours for the Galea Park, in Taglio-Isolaccio. This is an open-air museum of Corsica. The nine-hectare site features exotic gardens, exhibition halls and a barefoot trail. The aim? To showcase the island's historical and natural heritage.

Ajaccio beaches

If you've chosen to visit the imperial city, it may be for its beaches. Between June and October, the water temperature in Ajaccio is ideal for swimming: it's between 23°C and 27°C. The more adventurous even swim in May or November, when the Mediterranean is at 19°C.

There's no need to stray far from Ajaccio's city center to take a dip. Put down your towel at Saint-François beach. This sandy beach, overlooked by the palm trees of boulevard Rossini, is just a few minutes from the commercial port.