Walking in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte

Born into a family of 8 children, Napoléon Bonaparte was a native of Ajaccio. He was born and grew up in the Bonaparte household. Turbulent but a very good pupil, he quickly opted for a military career. It was thanks to his early income that the family home was renovated, while his parents were still living there. The elegant, expensive and comfortable furniture proves that the Bonaparte family was one of the wealthiest families in Corsica at the time.

Much later, Napoleon returned to rest after a trip to Egypt in 1799. It was the last time in his life that he slept in this house, and the last time he set foot in Corsica. On his death, the house passed from generation to generation. It remained in the family until 1923. The Bonaparte family home has become a historic monument. Before being donated to the State, the Maison Bonaparte was visited by illustrious guests including Gustave Flaubert, the Prince de Joinville and Elisabeth of Austria. From the outside, it's a large saffron-yellow house in the winding streets of Ajaccio's old town. Inside, abundance and elegance reign supreme. The rooms are bright and colourful. The ceilings are high and the period furniture is tastefully selected. You can also visit the imperial chapel, where the Bonaparte family are buried.

Every year, hundreds of history buffs gather in costumes from the time of the First Empire. Since 2012, Ajaccio has been showcasing its heritage and history by celebrating its protagonist. The town of Ajaccio has planned a route lined along the imperial city's emblematic monuments, attracting tourists and locals alike.

At the centre of the Place Foch stands a huge statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, dressed in the image of the Roman consuls. This marble statue is the work of Italian sculptor Massimiliano Laboureur. It stands on a plinth, which in turn stands on a fountain with four lions.

It was here, in this baroque building, that Napoleon was baptised in July 1771. The emperor attached great importance to his hometown, as evidenced by the inscription on a red marble plaque that records his last wishes: "If my corpse is proscribed, as my person was proscribed, if I am denied a little earth, I wish to be buried next to my ancestors in the cathedral of Ajaccio, in Corsica".

For the more sporty, you can run the Trail Napoléon, which has been held every year for over 20 years. There are four distances to choose from: 10km, 23km, 43km or 66km.