Fesch Library (Ajaccio): visit + photos

Are you visiting the beautiful town of Ajaccio? Visit the Fesch Municipal Library! This majestic place full of history is home to a superb collection of old books. We were overwhelmed not only by the rarity of this heritage collection, but also by the beauty of the site!

Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Fesch Library in Ajaccio, Corsica.

This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Content

Is a visit to the Bibliothèque Municipale Fesch worthwhile?

What you can see

Bibliothèque Fesch in Ajaccio: access

Visit the Fesch Library: useful tips

Is a visit to the Bibliothèque Municipale Fesch worthwhile?

Absolutely! We found the place as beautiful on the outside as it was on the inside. Located in the north wing of the Palais Fesch, the library owes its renown to its heritage room, which houses an extraordinary collection of antique works. Over 20,000! Among these priceless treasures are books from the 15th century and encyclopedias that have left their mark on history.

We think it’s one of the most beautiful places in town!

What you can see

The north wing of the Palais Fesch

We admired this part of the beautiful Palais Fesch. The stonework, vaulted ceilings and large windows give the place an air of grandeur.

Canova’s lions and the grand staircase

In the lobby, stop in front of the majestic lions guarding the entrance to the reading room. We learned that they were cast by 18th-century Italian artist Canova on the originals that decorate the tomb of Pope Clement XIII in St. Peter’s, Rome.

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Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
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The superb heritage reading room

Like us, you’ll probably be captivated by the heritage reading room! Stretching over 30m, it also boasts high ceilings. Precious woodwork and large windows enhance the works. Let the nobility of the place soak you in!

The majestic shelves

The shelves transported us into the spirit of the library. Spreading out towards the top of the room, they make you want to get lost.

A collection of thousands of books

We were impressed by the library’s huge collection. It houses over 3,000 books dedicated to Napoleon and his family, 218 manuscripts written between the 16th and 20th centuries, and hundreds of works on Corsica.

The first printed books

Among the heritage collection, we were able to contemplate some of the 29 incunabula, books printed in the early days of printing before the 15th century!

Famous encyclopedias

We were delighted to discover some famous encyclopaedias. The library’s collection includes the Encyclopédie by the Enlightenment philosopher Diderot and the Encyclopédie d’Histoire Naturelle by the great naturalist Buffon!

WHERE TO STAY IN Ajaccio

In the city center:
Hotel San Carlu and its panoramic view – see photos and availability

On the western seafront:
Hôtel Les Mouettes and its very pleasant terrace – see photos and availability

Marina side:
Best Western Amirauté Hotel, very practical – see photos and availability

In Porticcio:
Suite Home Hotel near the beach – see photos and availability

See our list of the 12 best hotels in Ajaccio, with our reviews

See all available hotels

Bibliothèque Fesch in Ajaccio: access

Where to find the Fesch Library

In downtown Ajaccio
1h30 from Sartène and Corte
2h30 from Bastia and Bonifacio

Here’s a map of Corsica’s 10 most beautiful towns to help you find your way around:

Map of the most beautiful cities in Corsica — Map of the 10 most beautiful towns in Corsica

Access by car and parking

There are several parking lots in the city center. The Sampiero parking lot is 200m from the library. To visit the vibrant heart of Ajaccio, however, it’s best to get around on foot or by bus. The whole area is easily accessible on foot, as most points of interest are grouped close together.

Public transport access

The site is accessible by public transport with Muvistrada buses, lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 – St Roch stop.

Visiting difficulties

Visiting the library is straightforward, apart from the small staircase leading up to the last shelves. The site is accessible to wheelchair users.

Visit the Fesch Library: useful tips

Schedules and prices

Normal opening hours are 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm. They may vary, however, as Ajaccio’s municipal library is undergoing renovation at any given time. If you’d like to visit, we recommend you visit the official website here.

Admission is free.

How long

A visit to the heritage library can be a quick affair if you don’t take the time to wander around the heritage room and consult the books. In this case, you can count on just 20 minutes. On the other hand, if you are passionate about antiquarian books, allow 45min to 1h.

Best moment

Ajaccio and its tourist attractions are a popular destination in summer. The library is bound to be busier at this time of year. If you happen to be in the city at the time and want to discover the place, prefer the morning for a more exclusive visit.

Direction of visit

There’s no set way to visit it, but we recommend you start by admiring the building’s exterior, the north wing of the magnificent Palais Fesch. Then enter the hall. You’ll come across 2 superb lion statues enthroned at the foot of the grand staircase. Next door is the entrance to the reading room. Take a tour of the vast room and stop to admire the treasures it houses!

Eating out

The library’s location in the center of Ajaccio means you can take advantage of a wide range of restaurants in the surrounding area.

Here are a few restaurants we’ve really enjoyed:

Restaurant Le Petit Restaurant: On the corner of a cobbled street in the old town, this restaurant offers cuisine that favors short circuits and local producers. We were seduced by the chef’s fine, tasty dishes.
Restaurant Marinette: Just a few meters from Ajaccio’s Citadel, this establishment focuses on quality and fresh produce. The cuisine is refined and tasty. The quantities are just right and the cooking is light.
Restaurant L’Écrin: Located near the Place d’Austerlitz, refinement is the watchword here. Fish, meat, vegetables and fruit are transformed into tasty dishes!

For more choice, see our article on the city’s best restaurants.

Hotels

Ajaccio is also home to a number of charming hotels. Read our article on the city’s best accommodations. Some of our suggestions:

Hotel San Carlu is our favorite downtown hotel. In the heart of the old town, it’s just a stone’s throw from the 15th-century fortress and Saint-François beach. Book your room now!
Venture to the waterfront and choose Hôtel Les Mouettes for an exceptional view! See prices, photos and availability – and book now!

THINGS TO DO AROUND ajaccio

Discover all our articles on the region:

Fesch Library (Ajaccio): visit + photos

Is a visit to the Bibliothèque Municipale Fesch worthwhile?