Ajaccio: Humble Home of Bonaparte
Ajaccio, France is well known as the hometown of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born in 1769. The commune started to flourish in 1942 when the Genoese built a citadel. In the 1800s, it was a winter destination among members of high society. While it is a considerably large commune, only a few parts of it is urbanized. Visitors may get to Ajaccio through Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport or Propriano Airport.
Best Time to Visit
With a Mediterranean climate, the ideal time to visit Ajaccio is during the months of April through November. The busiest tourist period is during April through June. To get the best local experience, it is highly recommended to visit Ajaccio in August. Every August 15, the local community commemorates the birth of Bonaparte through a festivity. In fact, it is declared a non-working holiday in the community. Another interesting annual event is Madunnuccia, which happens every March 17 to 18. The festival is a celebration of the commune’s patron saint, Madunnuccia. There is a massive procession through the streets and a concert at the city hall, as part of the celebration.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The ancestral home of the Bonapartes has been converted into a museum, Maison Bonaparte or National Museum of the Bonaparte Residence. The Bonapartes stayed at home from 1682 to 1923. Another interesting destination in Ajaccio is Ajaccio Cathedral or Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Ajaccio or Cathedral of the Assumption of Saint Mary. Some of the best hotels in the commune include Hotel Fesch, Hotel San Carlu Citadelle, and Mercure Ajaccio, all located less than a mile from downtown and offers complimentary wireless internet connection.