The town of
Ajaccio is located on the west coast of France on the Isle of
Corsica and is the capital of Corse-du-Sud department.
Ajaccio is a primary tourist attraction and is the birthplace of Napoleon. It is also known as a primary Mediterranean port and industrial town where the main industries are fruit growing, shipping, fishing, and timbering. The town has a population of over 60,000 inhabitants and the present site was established in 1492.
One of the main attractions in
Ajaccio is the Maison Bonaparte museum which is Napoleon’s birthplace and is also part of the town hall.
Ajaccio also contains an interesting historic district and offers a unique variety of dining and shopping venues with specialty boutiques and outdoor cafes. Cours Napoleon is the centre of nightlife with eateries ranging from quaint bistros to upscale seafood restaurants.
The most impressive site in
Ajaccio is the monument in Jardins de Casone which is a 16th century bastion that extends into the north and west region of
Ajaccio. The region also includes the Place Bonaparte and the Cathedrale Notre Dame where Napoleon was baptized.
There is a variety of festivals in the town of Calvi and the nearby Musee Fresch offers an exquisite display of French and Spanish art from the 17th century as well as exquisite Italian Renaissance art. In the centre of the town is the Place du Gualle where the Napoleon monument is located with a view of the Place Foch which is open to the waterfront.
Walking tours are offered for the central area of
Ajaccio and the nearby Corsican city of Sartene offers magnificent architecture with old religious traditions. The
Ajaccio regions offers a quiet laid back atmosphere that offers several first rate beaches with a boat tour that begins in
Ajaccio and travels to the Isles Sanguinaires.
