Ajaccio, Corsica, France

Voyage to the Birthplace of Napoleon

While he may have been notoriously small, Napoléon left a huge mark on his hometown of Ajaccio. The diminutive dictator’s presence is visible throughout the city in everything from his childhood home, the Maison Bonaparte, to museums like Salon Napoléonien, seaside statues, and street names.

But history buffs aren’t the only ones who will find plenty to see and do in Ajaccio. Art lovers will want to head to the Palais Fesch Musée de Beaux Arts to see the largest collection of Italian Renaissance Paintings in France (outside of the Louvre, of course). And foodies should check out the main market on Boulevard du Roi Jerome for myrtle and plum liqueurs, melt-in-your-mouth beignets (sugared donuts), and brocciu, a type of pungent cheese.

On the trendy route de Sanguinaires, stock up on French beauty secrets found in the many apothecaries and traditional pharmacies. (Spoiler alert: We think it probably has something to do with the handmade soaps and lotions made from fragrant herbs like honeysuckle, lavender, and thyme.)

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