Ajaccio Corsica, France Travel Guide
Major French mobile providers like Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom offer good network coverage in Ajaccio and most of Corsica. For non-EU travelers, buying a local prepaid SIM card is often the most cost-effective solution.
Many newer smartphones work with eSIMs, which digital activation of a local data plan without a physical SIM card. Consider an international eSIM for France. For portable Wi-Fi, look into devices like those from Solis Wi-Fi.
Most accommodations and many public venues across Ajaccio provide internet access for visitors. Free public Wi-Fi is available in some city squares and at the Ajaccio Tourist Office.
La Poste, the French national postal service, has branches in Ajaccio for sending postcards and parcels. Look for the yellow "La Poste" sign. Post offices usually operate during standard business hours.
Learning a few basic French phrases, especially greetings, often leads to warmer interactions with local people.
Knowing local operating hours smooths your daily planning in Ajaccio.
Generally 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Monday-Saturday. Many smaller shops close for a midday break.
Lunch from 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM. Dinner from 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM. Some restaurants close Sundays or Mondays.
Typically 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Many museums, including Fesch Museum, are closed on Tuesdays. Confirm specific hours.
Banks generally operate Monday to Friday. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available across Ajaccio for cash withdrawals.
Banks, post offices, and many shops close on public holidays in France. Reduced public transport and limited dining options mark these days. Plan ahead for groceries and reservations.
When planning your day, remember that many smaller shops close for a long midday break. Schedule your shopping for the morning or late afternoon.
Observing local customs reflects respect and enriches your interactions with the people of Ajaccio.
Always greet shopkeepers, restaurant staff, and locals when you enter their establishment or approach them for assistance. Use "Bonjour" during the day and "Bonsoir" after dark. Add "Madame" or "Monsieur" for politeness.
Dress is generally casual yet neat. Corsicans tend to be stylish, even in casual attire. When visiting churches or other religious sites, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect.
The service charge is included in all restaurant and cafe prices. Leaving a small additional gratuity (e.g., rounding up the bill or a few Euros) for specifically good service is welcome but not required.
Generally, photography is permitted in public spaces. Be respectful when photographing individuals. Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos, especially of children.
Always say "Bonjour" when entering a shop or restaurant. This small gesture of politeness is much appreciated by local people.
For travelers with specific mobility needs, some aspects of Ajaccio's terrain are worth noting for planning a comfortable visit.
The older parts of the city, especially the Old Town, possess narrow streets that are often cobbled and sometimes steep. This may create challenges for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
Major museums often have ramps, lifts, or accessible routes. Newer buses within the TCA fleet generally feature ramps and designated spaces for wheelchair users.
Services tailored to travelers with visual or hearing impairments may be less developed compared to major mainland European cities.
Contact the Ajaccio Tourist Office directly prior to your trip for specific information on accessible routes and services. Organizations in France dedicated to accessibility may share broader information.
If you use a wheelchair, check the terrain of specific areas in Ajaccio before your visit. The Old Town's cobblestones and hills may prove difficult.
