Visit the Isle of Beauty, its rugged coastline, magnificent beaches and mountains: here’s where to stay in Ajaccio!
The largest city on theisland of Corsica, Ajaccio is the prefecture of the Corse-du-Sud département, located on the island’s central south and west coasts. The birthplace of Napoleon I (1769-1821), Ajaccio is nicknamed the « Imperial City » and the « City of Coral ». With a population of 68,462 and an urban area of 105,000, it is also the southernmost city in mainland France. Moored by the Mediterranean Sea and sheltered on the island’s western flank in the Gulf of Ajaccio, its rugged coastline offers numerous coves and beaches, from the Gravona to the Pointe de la Parata, including the Sanguinaires islands.
Looking for a place to stay in Ajaccio? Its Mediterranean climate, Corsican hospitality – as long as you respect the island – and 2,726 hours of sunshine a year are sure to charm you. Here’s where to stay in Ajaccio.
The old town
Photo credit: Flickr – Paul Arps
The old town stretches along a small urban strip that no one misses when arriving in Ajaccio: the port. This is where fishing boats, tourist craft (including cruises to the Sanguinaires, excursions to the Scandola and Girolata nature reserves and visits to Bonifacio), sailboats, yachts, ferries and cruise liners dock.
Next to the marina is Place Foch, a must-see for its daily morning market, open until 1pm, featuring charcuterie, cheese, fruit and vegetables, and nougat. The changing of the guard at 7 p.m. every Thursday in July and August will take you back in time to Napoleon I’s time.
Along Cours Napoléon and rue du cardinal Fesch, the district shows off its commercial soul: this is where social activity is in full swing, with boutiques, bars, cafés, ice-cream parlors and restaurants. The Musée Fesch and its library, the Place Foch, the Citadelle and its ramparts, the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption cathedral, the Maison Bonaparte national museum – where the baby who would become First Consul of the Republic and then Emperor 30 years later was born in 1769 – the Chemin des Crêtes and the Plage Saint-François, are all must-sees in the old quarter.
This area of Ajaccio is the most touristic: the busiest and the most expensive.
Find a hotel in the old town of Ajaccio
Find a vacation home in the heart of Ajaccio
Casone
Photo credit: Flickr – leecohen
To the west of the town and up into the hills, follow the Cours Grandval: the Casone district, where the statue of Napoleon Bonaparte stands majestically at its memorial, is a wealthy, middle-class, quieter area in which to stay in Ajaccio.
You’ll find it quieter than the harbors. It’s a good place to find the Sentier des Crêtes and climb to the heights for a breathtaking view of the town and bay. The Boulevard Albert 1er offers many shops and restaurants, not far from Ajaccio’s Ferris Wheel, looking out to sea.
Western beaches
Photo credit: Flickr – JeanbaptisteM
Would you like to stay near Ajaccio and be as close as possible to the beaches? Not interested in tourist monuments to tyrants and the First Empire? Then head west to the beaches and archipelago of the Sanguinaires Islands.
Continuing along Boulevard Albert 1er and Cours Lucien Bonaparte, you’ll come to Barbicaja, Scudo and Vignola.
The long drive to the Genoese tower of La Parata (dating from 1550-1551), with its panoramic sea view, offers many places to sleep between the mountains and close to Ajaccio. A superb turquoise sea drenches the fine white sand beaches of Barbicaja, another popular spot with locals.