Ajaccio

This Genoese town with its colourful centre has many different faces. Its most famous son, Napoleon, turned it into an imperial city with impressive, elegant buildings. Later, it became a popular destination. Thanks to its past, this sea-facing city has inherited a wealth of heritage that justifies a visit. Of its iconic attractions, you must visit the cathedral, St Erasme church and Fesch Museum with its wonderful collection of Napoleonic art. The citadel that stands above the Mediterranean Sea has lost its defensive role but retains its majesty. The Place de Gaulle, Napoleon statues and imperial chapel, which houses the Bonaparte family crypt, evoke the deep ties between the city and the emperor. Opposite Ajaccio, the Sanguinaire Islands adorn the horizon. These little islands owe their name to their red rock and are home to hundreds of sea birds.