Travel Eye on Ajaccio (Corsica, France)

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Overview:

Capital and second-largest port of the French island of Corsica; population (1990) 59,300. Founded by the Genoese in 1492, Ajaccio was the birthplace of Napoleon; it has been French since 1768. It is without doubt one of the warmest places in France, the "White City" was once a wintering spot for Victorian gentry. These romantic connotations are still suggested by certain broad boulevards, squares with statues and fountains and faded villas with huge, exotic gardens. However, the overall aspect of the "imperial city" was disrupted by the building of multistorey administrative buildings and concrete blocks of flats in the 1950s and 1960s; the steepish hill rising from the small 15th-century citadel, the charming old Genoese quarter and the port (with regular car ferries from mainland France) is now a visual "concrete jungle". Fortunately, such massive despoilment has not taken away the relaxing quality of Ajaccio, with its glorious views of the bay and distant mountains, plentiful animated cafe terraces, a bustling yacht marina and handsome, well-frequented beaches stretching into the outskirts of town. Main streets are choked with impatient traffic all day long, yet side streets are a haven for old-fashioned shops and tranquillity. This is a thriving little city in its own right, and the wealth of restaurants, souvenir shops, travel agencies and large hotels is merely an addition to its summer plumage.

Locality:

Ajaccio is located on the SW coast of Corsica, 95 mls SW of Bastia. 4 mls W of airport. Ajaccio is situated on a hillside overlooking Bay of Ajaccio with fine views of distant mountains.

There are a fine choice of excellent sandy beaches, accessible by reasonably regular public transport. Entertainment is centred around souvenir shopping, water sports, the French Museum (in former home of Napoleon Bonaparte) for paintings. There are no shortages of restaurants for all price ranges . Fish and Corsican specialities are popular. Local wines are also very good. Tennis is also popular and abundant here and is often integrated amongst the variety of hotels and apartments that are also present. By night there are numerous discos, nightclubs, municipal casino, fashionable cafes and bars. There is also a medium sized Cinema. One-night stands by French popular singers are also a popular attraction. Excursions generally consist of: Boat trip to uninhabited islands in the bay or to resorts across the bay. Scenic coach trips to famous island beauty spots, Bonifacio at the S tip of Corsica, Sartene. Picturesque train service to Bastia and Calvi through the mountains.