Audio Guide of Place Charles de Gaulle

Place Charles de Gaulle is a central public square in Ajaccio, which means it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are no specific opening or closing times, so you can enjoy it at your own pace whenever you choose. It is an ideal place for a morning stroll or a quiet afternoon.

Good news! Place Charles de Gaulle is a completely free public space. There are no admission costs or fees to walk through it, sit on its benches, or admire Napoleon’s statue. It is an accessible attraction for all visitors who want to soak up the atmosphere of Ajaccio.

For a relaxed visit to Place Charles de Gaulle, we suggest setting aside between 30 minutes and one hour. This will allow you to stroll around, admire the imposing equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, enjoy the views of the sea and the city, and perhaps have a coffee on one of the nearby terraces.

Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly known as Place du Diamant, is the true heart of Ajaccio and symbolizes the city’s connection to its most famous son, Napoleon Bonaparte. The grand equestrian statue of Napoleon, inaugurated in 1865, portrays him with his brothers, and the square serves as a meeting point and the main gateway to the old town. It is a place filled with history and local pride.

To avoid the crowds and the summer heat, the best times to visit Place Charles de Gaulle are spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October). During the day, sunset is magical, when the golden light bathes Napoleon’s statue and the harbor. Early in the morning is also pleasant if you want to avoid the bustle.

Yes, Place Charles de Gaulle is generally accessible for people with reduced mobility. It is a wide square with flat, paved surfaces, which makes moving around with wheelchairs or strollers easier. The pedestrian access points are usually well adapted, but as always, we recommend caution around curbs in some areas.

Place Charles de Gaulle is an excellent starting point! Right next to it, you can explore the Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Fesch Palace (Fine Arts Museum), and the picturesque Old Town of Ajaccio with its narrow streets and market. The marina is also within walking distance, ideal for a waterfront stroll.

A practical tip: although the square is very busy, look for a bench near the statue in the afternoon to watch the lively gatherings of locals, who often play pétanque or simply chat. Also, don’t miss the panoramic views of the harbor and the gulf from the west side of the square. For a deeper experience, consider a personalized audio guide with IAudioguia to discover the hidden stories of Napoleon and the city during your visit.