Ajaccio, Corsica, France
This is our first visit to Corsica; we are both excited to discover a new town--especially a French town. This is our only port in France, so we will have to breathe in as much French "culture" as we can. Fortunately, Ajaccio is a charming city that is easy to explore on our own. The weather remains wonderful--all-day sunshine with highs in the mid-70s. Ajaccio's greatest claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, and there are reminders of him all over the city.
The town presents a pleasing aspect as the Encore sails in as the morning sun is lighting up. The cruiseport opens right onto the city center, with the new market immediately across the street.
There are a few semi-steep streets, but most of the walk is flat and Will is able to negotiate his movement more easily than in some of the earlier ports. The citizens are just starting their day--opening shops, sitting in cafes, and smoking! Europeans--especially the French and Italians--still enjoy their unfiltered cigarettes.
Our first stop is the courtyard of Palais Fesch (19th century), which houses one of the largest collections of Italian paintings in all of France. The neoclassic design provides a straightforward face to the more eclectic street.
Just down the street is a church where most of the Bonaparte bodies are interred, and further down is the city's central square and town hall.
Will returns to the ship and I continue my walk around the town, briefly stopping by Napoleon's birthplace, with all the other tourists.
Around the corner is the Church of Saint John the Baptist (1565).
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And I can't leave the city without at least one image of Napoleon himself:
The hills of Corsica glow red in the sunset as we begin the short sail to Sardinia and more beautiful views tomorrow.
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