The capital of the French island of Corsica and the "Département Corse-du-Sud" is surrounded by beautiful mountainous countryside, valleys and little villages that make it the perfect place for walks and daytrips. But this city, which has a population of 59,300, is not only a popular winter resort, but also the birthplace of Napoleon I., who was born on August 15th 1769 in a house in the Rue Saint Charles. Today, many streets, statues and monuments commemorate the city's most famous son. The town hall also has some impressive exhibits relating to the coronation of the former emperor. Sights include: the Saint-Erasme church where Napolean was christened in 1539 , also dedicated to the patron of seafarers and decorated with model ships. The Fesch Museum has a collection of works by Boticelli, Bellini und Titian -donated by Cardinal Fesch, Napoleon's uncle. Sporting activities in Ajaccio focus mainly on water sports: all year round, visitors can enjoy diving trips, jet-ski, sailing, fun-boards and angling.

Tips for excursions

The Gorges of Prunelli, and wine tasting

Excursion with panoramic views of the gorges of Prunelli and trip to the port and gulf of Ajaccio. Stop at the Napoleon monument. Then it's on to a wine-tasting at a vineyard with regional speciality snacks. The tour ends with a stop-off in the village of Cauro with wonderful views of Ajaccio.

Trip to the palm beach

A trip to the Corsican palm beach with three hours free time to relax, sunbathe and swim. Restaurants and bars on the beach. Remember to bring suncream, towels etc. Payment by credit card is not accepted.

The city of Napoleon

First stop at the Place d'Austerlitz with its Napoleon monument, a copy of the statue on his grave. The tour continues to house of the Corsican singer Tono Rossi and the cathedral of Ajaccio, in which Napoleon was christened in 1771. Close by are the Place de Gaulle and the Main Street of Ajaccio, the Cours Napoleon. The trip ends with a visit to the house where Napoleon was born, in which the family lived for many years.

Landscape of Corsica and wine tasting

Past the Bay of Ajaccio to the little village of Basteliccaccia, famous for its oil mill. Here you will be shown how indigenous herbs flowers are made into perfumes and etheric oils. The trip continues to a local vineyard with a tour of the estate and wine tasting. There will be a free bottle of wine. The trip ends the visit to the nougat factory. Return journey over the Boca di Carbinica pass.