Would you like to complete your discoveries of the magnificent Corsican nature with a little culture, history and art?
We’ve put together a list of the best museums in Corsica to help you include them in your itinerary.
Each museum offered us a unique and enriching experience, allowing us to better understand the history, culture and art of this Mediterranean island. Here are our impressions and discoveries.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
1. The Fesh Palace / Ajaccio Museum of Fine Arts
Why visit?
This historic 18th century residence is an architectural gem and now houses an outstanding collection of European art.
As soon as we entered the palace, we were struck by the elegance and grandeur of the place. The perspectives are captivating. The visit mixes art, history and architecture.
The museum is full of masterpieces, including paintings by great masters such as Botticelli, Titian, Veronese and Van Dyck. We were fascinated by the richness of the collection and the quality of the works on display.
And the highlight for us was the imperial chapel built by Napoleon III. The interior is in the form of a Latin cross surmounted by a dome. The crypt houses the tombs of Cardinal Fesch, Charles and Laetitia Bonaparte, Napoleon’s parents, and other members of the imperial family. The light is fascinating.
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice:
- In the heart of the city of Ajaccio
- Easy to explore
- Allow at least 2 hours
- The access to the imperial chapel is not always open
- Price: 9€
- Hours: Open at least from 9:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — check the official website here for the latest information
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
2. The Palace of the Governors / Museum of Bastia
Why visit?
The Palace of the Governors of Bastia was one of our favorites in Corsica. A bit of architecture, a bit of history, a bit of art and beautiful views of the city!
The Museum of Bastia, located within the walls of this palace, is a real gold mine for lovers of contemporary art. We were dazzled by the variety and quality of the works on display, ranging from sculpture to painting to photography.
We also appreciated the presentation of the history of the city of Bastia, which dates back to antiquity. The exhibits on daily life in the city in the 18th century were particularly interesting, offering a fascinating glimpse into life at that time.
And do not miss the passage through the gardens, to appreciate the views over the city of Bastia!
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice:
- In the heart of the city of Bastia
- Allow at least 2 hours
- 5€
- Hours: Open at least from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Sundays and Mondays—check the official website here for the latest information
3. The Bonaparte house in Ajaccio
Why visit?
The Maison Bonaparte is first and foremost a place of pilgrimage for history and culture lovers. This is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the most famous figures in French history.
By visiting this museum, you can discover the history of the Bonaparte family, whose members played an important role in the political and military life of France. You will also discover the environment in which Napoleon grew up and the influences that shaped his personality and ambitions.
The house itself is an example of traditional Corsican architecture, with its high ceilings and wooden shutters. It is decorated with period furniture and objects.
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice:
- In the heart of Ajaccio
- Possibility to listen to an audio guide
- Allow 1 hour
- 7 euros
- Hours: Open at least from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Closed on Mondays — Latest information on the official website here
4. The Museum of Corsica in Corte
Why visit?
Located in a historic building in the heart of the city, the museum offers an immersive experience that transports you through the centuries to discover the richness and diversity of the island.
The visit of the museum will allow you to discover the daily life of the Corsicans through the centuries. We enjoyed discovering the traditional costumes, handicrafts, musical instruments and agricultural tools.
You can also learn about the political, economic and social issues that have shaped the island’s history.
Practical advice:
- In the heart of the city of Corte
- In the center of Corsica
- 5,5€
- Hours: at least from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Sundays and Mondays—check the official website here for the latest information
5. The Museum Jérôme Carcopino, Fort of Matra, Aléria
Why visit?
Aléria and Mariana were the 2 main Roman colonies of Corsica.
For Aléria, the location was ideal, with an important river and good land for crops. Aleria, founded in the 6th century BC, is considered the oldest city in Corsica.
Aléria has a long history. Nowadays, you can visit the ruins with a breathtaking view of the area and the museum.
The fort of Matra houses the Jérôme Carcopino Museum, the regional museum of archaeology. It is named after a famous historian of the Roman period.
It is definitely worth a visit. The exhibits are mostly in excellent condition.
Read our full article on Aleria.
Practical advice:
- It is a pleasant visit whatever the weather and the time of the year.
- Allow half a day for the village, the museum and the site, if you have an interest in antiquity.
- The museum is not very big and neither are the ruins.
- Hours of operation = at least from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Sundays—see the official website here for the latest information
WHERE TO STAY IN South Corsica
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Option 1: Bonifacio and its historic atmosphere
Hotel Cala di Greco overlooking the citadel! – Check photos and availability
See our selection of hotels.
Option 2: Around Porto-Vecchio, with your feet in the water
Hotel Mariosa with beach, pool, restaurant…
– Check photos and availability
See our selection of hotels.
6. Museum of Archaeology in Sartene
Why visit?
Museum in the city of Sartene with collections of island archaeology from the first recorded settlements (about 10,000 years ago) to the end of the Genoese era in the 15th century AD.
There, you can see menhir statues and artifacts from the Roman era and the Middle Ages. See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice:
- In the town of Sartène, in southern Corsica
- Price: 4 euros
- from June to October: 10am to 6pm
April to May: Tuesday to Saturday from 1 to 5 pm (closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays)
November through March: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on weekends and holidays) — latest information on the official website here
7. Bastion of the standard in Bonifacio
Why visit?
We love fortifications. The Bastion de l’Etendard is therefore in our opinion a must-see in Bonifacio.
Located on a cliff overlooking the sea, the bastion is a remarkable example of 16th century military architecture, the highest in France.
The visit of the bastion allows you to discover the history of the city of Bonifacio, which has experienced many influences over the centuries, including those of the Genoese, French and Spanish. You will be able to admire the fortifications and the ramparts which testify of the strategic importance of Bonifacio.
And our favorite part is the landscape garden with views of the harbor and the city.
The exhibits in the underground galleries include display panels and videos that provide more information about the city’s history.
Practical advice:
- At the entrance of the citadel of Bonifacio
- Price: 3,50€ for the first time
- Hours: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — check the official website here for the latest information
WHERE TO STAY IN Northern Corsica
Our favorites: cities and hotels
Saint-Florent with its bay and mountain views.
See our selection of the best hotels.
L’Île-Rousse, a charming little town with a beach.
See our selection of the best hotels.
Calvi, a lively town with beach.
See our selection of the best hotels.
8. Museum of the site of Filitosa
Why visit?
Open-air museum with testimonies of ancient communities from the 6th millennium B.C. to the Roman Empire.
We really enjoyed the walking tour, which makes a loop around the various points of interest. It leads you to several structures and megaliths and offers breathtaking views of the area.
The artifacts found at the site are on display in the museum.
Discovered in 1946, the site has been inhabited for 8000 years. It is one of the most beautiful examples of megalithic art of Corsica, and it still puzzles the scientists.
It is especially known for its status-menhirs which make it one of the most impressive sites of statuary art in the Mediterranean.
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice:
- Count 1h30 to make the visit: the external loop and the museum
- The walk is 800m with some stairs and sloping sections
- Schedule: 9am to 1 hour before sunset for the site
- Price: 9 euros
- Museum hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. — latest information on the official website here
- Brasserie near the entrance
- Toilets at the entrance level
- Avoid the middle of the day when groups touring Corsica by bus disembark.
- Protect yourself well from the sun
9. Museum of arts of the Citadel of Calvi (MUDACC)
Why visit?
Since 2020, under the first vault of the entrance of the Citadel, contemporary works are presented in the Museum of Arts of the Citadel of Calvi (MUDACC).
Practical advice:
- Entrance porch of the citadel of Calvi
- Opening hours: to see according to the exhibitions – Monday to Friday from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm – Sunday afternoon: from 2pm to 6pm.
10. Museum of the Alta Rocca
Why visit?
Located in Levi, the museum of Alat Rocca allows you to discover the geological, historical and cultural aspects of the micro-region.
At the historical level, there are pieces discovered in Cuccuruzzu, as well as the bones of the “Lady of Bonifaico”.
The tour is free, with brochures in English, Italian, Corsican, German and French available at the reception desk.
We recommend combining the museum with a visit to the archaeological site of Cucuruzzu.
Practical advice:
- In the small town of Levie, in the mountains near Porto-Vecchio
- 1 hour drive from Porto-Vecchio
- 4 euros
- Hours: June through September: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; October through May: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays) — check the official website here for the latest information
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
EN South Corsica
- Sea kayaking under the cliffs of Bonifacio – see options
- Diving – see options
- 4WD tour – see options
- Introduction to canyoning at Pulischellu – see availability
- Complete canyoning experience at Pulischellu – see availability
11. Museum of Mariana – Prince Rainier III of Monaco
Why visit?
The museum is directly linked to the archaeological park of Mariana. Perfectly integrated into the landscape, the concrete and glass building is resolutely modern. Its permanent exhibition, upstairs, is linked to the site.
You will find there the collections resulting from the archaeological excavations carried out for more than 50 years in the area. The tour takes you on a journey through time, from Protohistory to Antiquity, the beginnings of Christianity and the Middle Ages.
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice:
- South of Bastia
- Price: 7€ for a free visit
- Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — check the official website here for the latest information
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
Advantage: you can take your car!
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
Compare flights!
12. Galéa Park
Why visit?
The Park covers 9 hectares with multimedia museums, exhibition galleries and landscaped gardens.
It allows to discover in a playful way the natural and cultural heritage of Corsica.
We like: the “barefoot trail” and the trail games.
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice:
- East coast of Corsica between Basita and Aleria
- Allow at least half a day
- 10€
- Hours: Mid-April through late September, at least from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. — check the official website here for the latest information
Other museums in Corsica
The FRAC Corsica
The FRAC Corsica constitutes and manages a collection of international contemporary art which counts 523 works (second public collection of art in Corsica after that of the Palais Fesch).
It organizes exhibition programs throughout the island.
Website
Pascal Paoli Museum in Morosaglia
Installed in the residence of the Paoli family, rural notables, the museum allows you to discover the life of Pascal Paoli in the house where he was born in 1725. You will discover 4 rooms with furniture, personal effects and the funeral chapel.
Pasquale Paoli is a character impossible to circumvent of Corsica. He was the founder, in 1755, of the first constitution that established the sovereignty of the people and the separation of powers. He participated in providing the island with an army, a navy, an administration, a justice system, a currency and a printing house. And much more, but we let you discover.
- In the city of Morosaglia
- In the mountains north of the island but south of Bastia
- 1 hour drive from Bastia
- site
Dian’Arte Museum in Borgo
A private museum created by the sculptor Gabriel Fiana, it is an animated space of 4000m2 mixing nature and contemporary art.
- In the town of Borgo, south of Bastia
- Official website
Private Museum Savelli in Corbara
Private museum on the history of Corsica: portraits, maps, handwritten letters, old musical instruments, old books on the history of Corsica, paintings, manuscripts, styli, coins of the independent period…
- Corbara in Balagne
- site
La Casa di Roccapina
This small departmental museum is located in a unique and legendary place. You will discover the legends of privateers and shipwrecks and the history of the region. Audioguide and discovery trails.
- at the Roccapina pass, along the T40 road
- site
Adecec Museum
The museum of Cervione is located in the center of the village, near the cathedral Sant’Eramu, in the former seminary of the bishops.
You will see a collection of objects around leather and skins, lighting, pharmacy, clothing, locks, shoemaking, toys, wine making, printing…
- In the village of Cervione
- East coast of Corsica between Bastia and Aleria
- site
Treasure Museum in Corbara
In the sacristy of the Collegiate Church of A Nunziata, discover 17th century furniture, a rich collection of priestly vestments, gold and silverware, reliquaries from the 16th century,…
- Corbara in Balagne
- site
Mnemosina Museum
Small private ethnographic museum created by Dr. Timo Pieri and his sisters with scenes and objects about life in Corsica through time and the history of the Fium’Orbu
- In Prunelli di Fium’Orbu
- East coast, south of Aléria
- site
NapoRama – Playmobil Museum
Recreations of scenes from Napoleon’s life using hand-customized Playmobil figures. See more photos.
- In Ajaccio, near the citadel
- site
Napoleonic Salon Museum
The museum houses the Napoleonic Salon (with portraits and busts of the family) and the Medal Room, which retraces the history of Napoleon.
- In the Ajaccio town hall, not always accessible
- site
Cap Corse Conservatory in Canari
The Cap Corse Conservatory in Canari always has two exhibitions on display: one on traditional Cap Corse costumes and one on old photographs, offering visitors the chance to learn more about the region’s history and traditions.
- in Canari, a village on Cap Corse
- official website
The wood museum A casetta di u legnu
A very small museum in the old municipal wash house with woodworking rooms.
- In the commune of Nuvellaghju
- East coast of Corsica between Bastia and Aleria
- site
Museum of the Resistance in Zonza
Museum on the Resistance in Corsica and more particularly in the Alta Rocca.
- Zonza, in the mountains of South Corsica
- site
Ecomuseum U Palazzu Di Bucugna
Ecomuseum dedicated to Bocagno and its inhabitants throughout history. 8 rooms with furniture, clothes, tools and photographs…
- Bocagno, north west of Ajaccio
- site
Museums that have closed:
- Museum of the Miniature in Bastia
- A Bandera Museum in Ajaccio
- Museum of Capitellu in Ajaccio
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
- The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
- The most beautiful villages of Corsica
- The most beautiful cities of Corsica
- The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
- The museums of Corsica
- Hidden gems in Corsica
- The most beautiful natural pools
- What to do in North Corsica
- Best things to do in South Corsica
- Canyoning in Corsica
Where to stay
