Ajaccio

Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, sits in a sheltered bay with pastel-hued buildings against a backdrop of green hills and blue water. The ship docks close to the centre of town. Napoleon Bonaparte's legacy is everywhere, from the cathedral where he was christened to his birth house, now a museum. The air carries the scent of saltwater and fresh bread, and café chairs clatter along the streets. The historic centre has narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, and lively markets with local produce. The Musée Fesch holds one of France's finest collections of Italian Renaissance art. For a taste of Corsica's wild side, the Parata Peninsula and the Sanguinaires Islands have crimson cliffs dropping into the sea. Corsican food is worth trying: wild boar sausages, brocciu cheese, and myrtle liqueur. The daily market at Place Foch sells fresh seafood, honey, and charcuterie.