Ajaccio, Corsica
On the West coast of Corsica—southwest of Italy and southeast of France—lies Ajaccio, the island’s largest town. Replete with all the charm and sophistication one would expect of a French Mediterranean resort—palm trees, sandy beaches, bountiful shopping, beautiful marina and colorful cafes, bars and bistros—you would not be amiss to liken Ajaccio to the more well-known South-of-France hotspots, such as the Cote d’Azur, Cap d’Antibes or Marseille.
A great place to start your investigation of Ajaccio on your Corsica cruise is to stroll down to the Maison Napoleon, the eponymous birthplace of the iconic French military leader, and the nearby cathedral where he was christened. Famed for being Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace, Ajaccio tips its hat to its most famous and storied resident throughout town, from his childhood home to seafront statues, museums, and street names. Take a scenic tour to the Austerlitz Square, Iles Sanguinaires viewpoint and the narrow, picturesque streets of old Ajaccio.
Sample some of the local fresh market’s delights for in-season delicacies, pastries and the fresh fish, vegetables, cheeses, and Corsican wines. Dining in town is essentially a French experience with a bit of Italian tossed in. Be sure to try the island’s popular pork charcuterie and fritelli, the doughnut made with chestnut flowers.