Ajaccio in Napoleon's Footsteps Walking Tour (Self Guided), Ajaccio

Foch Square (Place Foch), also known as Place des Palmiers (Palms Square), is one of Ajaccio’s most picturesque and historic squares, linking the old town to Fesch Street, once considered a suburb. Built in the early 19th century, it serves as an architectural and cultural landmark, featuring a striking white marble statue of Napoleon Bonaparte dressed as a Roman consul, created by Italian sculptor Massimiliano Laboureur.

The Four Lions Fountain, designed by architect Jerome Maglioli, enhances the elegance of the square, with its granite structure and protective lion sculptures surrounding Napoleon’s statue. Adding to its historical charm, a niche along Bonaparte Street houses the statue of the Virgin of Mercy (A Madonuccia), the patroness of Ajaccio, celebrated annually on March 18.

A lively market fills the square most mornings, offering a variety of Corsican specialties, including nougat, chorizo, cheeses, jams, spices, and wines. Visitors can sample local delicacies before purchasing, creating an immersive culinary experience. In the evenings, the square transforms into a vibrant social hub, with lights illuminating the palm trees and market stalls selling light dinners and refreshments. Nearby, several bars and cafés invite visitors to relax with a coffee or a crêpe, making it an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the city’s lively atmosphere. The square’s numerous benches and shaded areas make it a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike.

Historically, Foch Square functioned as a key access point between the town and the port, offering beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and Ajaccio’s waterfront. It remains a central location in the city, surrounded by important sites such as the Congress Palace, Bonaparte House Museum, and Fesch Museum. Every Thursday in July and August, the 2nd Regiment of Chasseurs of the Guard gathers in full historical attire to perform the Changing of the Guard, adding a touch of Napoleonic tradition to the square.

The City Hall of Ajaccio (Hotel de Ville), built between 1824 and 1830, is a historic monument housing the Salon Napoléonien, a collection of Napoleonic artifacts, portraits, and memorabilia. Enriched by bequests from Cardinal Fesch (1839), the Duke of Treviso (1892), and Prince Napoleon (1898), it offers insights into Napoleon Bonaparte’s legacy. Some items were lost during the world wars, while others are displayed at the Fesch Museum.

Inside, visitors find a statue of King Jerome, portraits of Letizia Bonaparte and Napoleon, and a Bohemian crystal chandelier, a gift from Czechoslovakia in 1969. The imperial portrait collection includes works by Girodet, Gerard, and Canova, along with Napoleon’s birth certificate and Winterhalter’s portraits of Empress Eugenie and Napoleon III. A ceiling painting by Dominique Frassati (1940) honors Napoleon, while Egyptian-style furniture from Cardinal Fesch completes the décor.

The second room displays Napoleonic coins and medals, donated by Prince Napoleon and Danish collectors (1974), marking key events of the Empire. As both a government building and historical landmark, Ajaccio City Hall offers a unique glimpse into Napoleon’s imperial legacy.

Bonaparte House (Maison Bonaparte) is the ancestral home of the Bonaparte family, standing as a symbol of Ajaccio’s rich historical heritage. The house was continuously owned by the Bonaparte family from 1682 to 1923, making it one of the most significant landmarks in Corsica.

Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte’s early years, offering visitors a chance to explore the childhood home of one of history’s most iconic figures. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, artworks, personal belongings, and historical documents, providing a fascinating insight into Napoleon’s formative years and the legacy of the Bonaparte family.

Visitors begin their tour on the ground floor, where they can explore the living quarters of the Bonaparte family, preserved with original furniture and décor. Walking through these rooms, visitors can imagine the daily life of young Napoleon, surrounded by the ambiance of his childhood home.

As the museum tour continues, displays chronicle Napoleon’s military career, highlighting his rise to power as a brilliant strategist. Restored artifacts from his campaigns showcase his tactical genius, illustrating how he reshaped European history through his relentless pursuit of victory on the battlefield.

One of the most compelling exhibits at Bonaparte House is the room dedicated to Napoleon’s family, featuring portraits, personal belongings, and letters exchanged between Napoleon and his siblings. These artifacts offer a rare glimpse into the close bonds that shaped his ambitions and success.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is a historic religious landmark in Ajaccio’s old town. Completed in 1593, it reflects the Counter-Reformation architectural style, featuring a Latin cross layout and a central dome. The cathedral is also dedicated to Saint Euphrasius and Saint Francis Xavier. It holds great historical significance, as it was here that Napoleon Bonaparte was baptized on June 21, 1771. In 1906, the cathedral was officially listed as a historic monument, cementing its status as one of Ajaccio’s most important religious sites.

Inside, the high altar, a gift from Napoleon’s sister, Elisa, in 1811, serves as a focal point. Several side chapels add to the cathedral’s artistic and historical value. The Chapel of the Madonna del Pianto houses a painting by Eugène Delacroix, The Virgin of the Sacred Heart, while the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy honors Ajaccio’s patron saint, credited with saving the city from the plague in 1656. The Bonaparte family tomb is located beneath the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, further linking the cathedral to Napoleon’s legacy.

Notable highlights include the baptistery where Napoleon was baptized, adorned with the coat of arms of Mgr Giustiniani, and the altarpiece from the Church of the Dead in Lucca, another gift from Princess Elisa Bacchiochi. The Cavaille-Coll organ, donated by King Louis Philippe in 1847, adds to the cathedral’s grandeur.

Naporama is a unique museum in Ajaccio, blending history and creativity through detailed Playmobil dioramas depicting key moments from Napoleon Bonaparte’s life. The museum was created by a group of enthusiasts who faced an initial challenge—Playmobil had no Napoleonic figures. To bring their vision to life, they hand-painted 800 figurines and meticulously crafted historically accurate models based on lithographs, ensuring the dioramas faithfully represent real events.

The exhibition features 15 dioramas, each showcasing an important battle or event from Napoleon’s career. Visitors can explore miniature recreations of the siege of Toulon (1793), the Arcole Bridge (1796), the Battle of the Pyramids (1798), the crossing of the Grand Saint Bernard Pass (1800), and the Battle of Marengo (1800). These models represent over 1,200 hours of painstaking work, making Naporama an impressive labor of love and a one-of-a-kind attraction in Corsica.

Perfect for both children and adults, Naporama offers a fun and educational experience that brings Napoleonic history to life in a playful, engaging way. The museum provides an accessible introduction to Napoleon’s legacy, making it an ideal stop for families and history enthusiasts alike. Admission is €4 for adults, while children under 10 can enter for free, making it an affordable and entertaining visit in Ajaccio.

Charles de Gaulle Square, also known as Place du Diamant (Diamond Square), serves as a landmark dividing Ajaccio’s old town from its modern districts. Once called Place d’Armes, the square was historically used as a military training ground for the Ajaccio garrison until the mid-19th century.

Facing the Mediterranean Sea, it is home to a monument dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte and his four brothers, inaugurated in 1865. Designed by Viollet-le-Duc, the monument features Napoleon I on horseback in Roman-style attire, sculpted by Barry, while his brothers Joseph, Lucien, Louis, and Jérôme were created by Petit, Thomas, and Maillet.

Initially facing inland, the monument was reoriented toward the sea in 1969 as part of Ajaccio’s urban redevelopment plan during the bicentenary of Napoleon’s birth. The large open space of the square makes it a popular gathering spot, offering visitors a chance to admire its impressive monument and historical significance.

Throughout the year, Charles de Gaulle Square is a hub of activity, but it becomes especially magical during Christmas. A seasonal ice-skating rink is set up in front of the Napoleon statue, surrounded by festive decorations, snack bars, and holiday market stalls.

Austerlitz Square, also known as Place du Casone (Casone Scquare), is a historic site in Ajaccio linked to Napoleon Bonaparte’s childhood. According to local legend, young Napoleon often visited this area, seeking shelter under large rock formations, now called "Napoleon’s Cave", where he dreamed of conquest and glory.

In 1938, a monument honoring Napoleon was inaugurated, featuring a grand sloping structure symbolizing his victories and achievements. At its peak stands a statue of Napoleon dressed as a colonel of the guard, sculpted by Seurre, a replica of the statue at Les Invalides in Paris.

Visitors to Austerlitz Square are greeted by an imposing granite monument, with two eagles at Napoleon’s feet and an engraved stele listing his triumphs. The dates 1769 and 1821 mark Napoleon’s birth and death, reinforcing the site’s deep connection to his legacy. Climbing the monument’s staircase offers a panoramic view of Ajaccio, making it a popular spot for both history enthusiasts and sightseers. The square itself is a spacious open area, often used for public events, concerts, and cultural activities.

Beyond its historical significance, Austerlitz Square is a peaceful retreat where visitors can sit, reflect, and admire the lush surroundings. A charming porch adorned with flowers adds to its appeal, offering a serene escape in the heart of the city.