The Port of Ajaccio, Corsica
ABOUT
Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica, a French island in the Mediterranean Sea. A port city on the rugged isle’s western coast, it was the birthplace of French Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte in 1769.
The origins of the settlement go back centuries and there various hypotheses as to who founded it. One legend is that it was founded by the Greek hero Ajax who gave the city its name. It is aso thought that it could originate from the Roman name Adjaccium, meaning resting place.
The city of Ajaccio was then founded in 1492 by the Genoese military organisation, the Bank of St George. The fortified city was transformed into a Citadel in the 16th Century
Corsica was conquered by several nations over the centuries. The Island was eventually sold to France in 1767. There was still a need to conquer the island and eventually the Genoese republic ceded rights in 1768. Hence Napoleon Bonaparte was born French.
In its more recent history, Corsica was occupied by German Forces. However French Resistance was strong and retreated from the island in October 1943. Corsica then became an allied air base.
The economy rests largely on tourism, but there is some light industry, including the manufacture of aeronautical components.
Population of Ajaccio just over 75,000
Currency is the Euro
THINGS TO DO
Ajaccio’s most famous son is of course Napoleon Boneparte and there is lots to do in and around the island pertaining to his history.
Napoleon’s birthplace, the Maison Bonaparte is located on rue St-Charles in the city centre. It is where he spent the first nine years of his life.
Ajaccio Cathedral was built in the late 16th century. It is where Napoleon was baptised in 1711.
There are other historic and cultural sites to visit, botanical gardens and boat trips too.
There are other trips that can be taken around the town and the island. These can be booked on the day and are great fun.
Cuisine on the island is also very important. There are local markets to visit with superb colours and tastes to explore. There is a huge cafe and bar culture to explore as well.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
We have been to Ajaccio and further afield in Corsica on previous occasions. One of our previous trips took us into the mountains and we loved it. This time we were on Princess Cruises Sky Princess and we decided to stay in the city and find our own way around.
As we got off Sky Princess we found one of the local produce markets outside of the dock gates. There were stalls outside and in so we headed to the covered market to look round. It was full of local produce. The produce was beautifully displayed and the aromas from all the fresh food were amazing.
We dared not stay there too long or we will have been tempted to try food from most of these stallholders. We wrenched ourselves away and headed along the quayside towards the centre of Ajaccio. Along the way we passed some of the smaller boats moored up. There were little parks, monuments and stylish buildings to walk past.
The Little Train
After a walk of only a few minutes we arrived at Place Foch which is the starting place for Le Petit Train d’Ajaccio. Whilst you can book trips online beforehand, there is a handy kiosk on site where you can purchase tickets. Card payments are not accepted.
There are two routes to choose from. Either a 45 minute tour visit of the imperial city, city and old town (8 Euros per adult in 2024). Alternatively a tour for 1hr40mins to visit of the imperial city, town, Iles sanguinaires and old town (11 Euros per adult in 2024).
We took the second option and the little train drove us through the city to a 15 minute stop at the Place d’Austerlitz. Unfortunately at that time this little park and monument to Napoleon was closed. This did cause us some amusement as the drivers had a somewhat heated discussion amongst themselves!
It did mean that no-one was late back to the train and we were only able to take photos through the gates.
The Place d’Austerlitz is known as the Casone in memory of an ancient building.
Legend states that Napoleon visited as a child. It is said he sheltered under large rocks, hence the term “Grotte Napoléon”. Fascinated by the great figures of history he dreamed of conquest and glory.
The statue of Napoleon dressed as a colonel of the guard is the work of sculptor Seurre. It is a replica of the statue at the Invalides.
Inaugurated in 1938, the monument’s sloping surface is a reminder of the Emperor’s victories and achievements.
If you have time, then the height of this area above the city gives great views.
Iles sanguinaire
The next part of the journey took us out of the city. We did start to wander where we were going and how far we would be from the city. However we enjoyed the views along the coast. Eventually we arrived at the archipelago of Iles sanguinaire.
Apart from its beauty this area has a rich history. There is a Genoese Tower which was part of the defense system to protect against pirates.
In 1806 a health post was built known as Lazaretto. It was used to isolate coral fishermen and sailors returning from Africa for 40 days to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
The lighthouse was built on the site of the Genoese Tower and still operates today, albeit remotely.
After a short photo stop (shame it wasn’t longer) we were whizzed back to the city for the end of the tour
All too soon we were back in Ajaccio and we strolled back to board the ship. Fortunately the market was closed by the time we returned so temptation was removed!
We did enjoy our day in Ajaccio and know there is yet more to discover.
We recommend a trip on Le Petit Train (the Little Train) if you are visiting Ajaccio. The slightly longer trip is better value if you have time. But you can certainly fit this in with other options in the city if you wish.
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