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.
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.
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).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
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
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:
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.
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
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:
- Best things to do in Ajaccio
- Where to stay in Ajaccio
- Luxury hotels in Ajaccio
- Seaside Hotels
- Best restaurants in Ajaccio
- Visit the Palais Fesch (coming soon)
- Visit the Maison Bonaparte (coming soon)
- Best excursions from Ajaccio (coming soon)
- Ajaccio’s most beautiful beaches (coming soon)
- Discover the Sanguinaires Islands (coming soon)
- Rent a car at Ajaccio airport
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
