Blogs from Ajaccio, Corsica, France, Europe

Jutting out from the foaming Mediterranean like an impregnable fortress, Corsica resembles a miniature continent, with astounding geographical diversity. Within just a 30-minute drive from the provincial capital city of Ajaccio, the landscape ranges from glittering bays, vibrant coastal cities, and fabulous beaches, sawtooth mountain ridges, verdant valleys, dense forests, and hilltop villages that time forgot. Though Corsica has been part of France for more than 200 years, it feels different from the mainland in everything from customs and cuisine to language and character. Locals love to explain their Corsican identity, so plenty of engaging evenings await tourists, especially if the holy trinity of food, wine and harmonious Corsican music is involved. A Little Bit of History: In 1769, not long after the island was annexed by France, the future Emperor of the French... read more

Dag 13 – donderdag 14 september 2017 – Sagone Verplaatsing naar Sagone, aan de westkust (100km). De bergen door. De N193 tot bijna Ajaccio en dan de D81. Verschil tussen de 'nationale' en die 'departemental' is er bijna niet. Ze zijn allebei smal en men moet altijd over cols. De hoogste vandaag was 1163 m. Magnifieke vergezichten waar de chauffeur minder kan van genieten wegens de permanent kronkelende banen. Nu staan we terug op zeeniveau en we genieten verder van het mooie weer hier. Voor morgen hebben we pech. De geplande dagzeetocht langs de grillige westkust gaat niet door wegens te woelige zee. Doeme !... read more

Geo: 41.9186, 8.73688Our tour today was described as the Highlights of Ajaccio, which is in Corsica. We were coached out to what I can only describe as a car park with a view of some towers in the distance. Everyone was underwhelmed. Along the way we passed lots of fancy tombs in which all the local families were buried. This would have been an innteresting place to visit. However we drove by these to stop at Napolean's Cave, a rock under which he would sit when he got tired of being with his 11 brothers and sisters and a monument to him by the side of this which commemorated all the battles he fought whether he lost or won same. Finally we got off the coach in the town and passed by the monument to Napolean ... read more

Geo: 41.9186, 8.73688I am unpacking again. I have just spend one week in Corsica, this French island in the Mediterranean sea that we call the 'beauty island'. I went with Fan, my childhood friend. I wonder why we chose to go to an island as we are both sea sick but we did. On the way there the sea was very calm, however the way back was no fun. The sea was bad, they even almost cancelled the ferry and gave us plenty of puck-in bags. I used few of them but survived the crossing. In the end I still think it was worth it, we had lots of fun and there was not too many tourist.In Corsica there is something for everyone, from the beach with golden sand to mountain trails. Here is my list ... read more

Tuesday 23rd April, 2013, Ajaccio, Corsica, France Ajaccio's biggest claim to fame is not a landmark or a building but a bloke called Napoleon Bonaparte. He was born here and it is impossible to escape his presence. Streets, squares, buildings, restaurants (and more) are named after him all over the city. Ajaccio is located at the end of a headland and used to be protected by a fort and ramparts along the sea and harbour. The walls can't be seen today as they were demolished in the 19th century on Napoleon's orders. The city was founded by the Genoese in 1492. After disembarking the ship we headed straight for the Tourist Information Office. Here we picked up a walking guide to the city and a list of the attractions and their opening hours. Most of the ... read more