From 12 to 15 August 2026, Ajaccio will celebrate the 257th anniversary of Napoleon Bonaparte’s birth as part of its traditional Napoleonic Days. Over the course of four days, the imperial city will reconnect with its history through lectures, re-enactments, parades, encampments and a host of events open to the public.
Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace
Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio on 15 August 1769. He spent his childhood and part of his youth there before leaving Corsica to continue his military training on the mainland.
His birthplace, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta where he was baptised, the Palazzo Fesch and the streets of the old town still bear witness today to the deep bond that links Ajaccio to the Bonaparte family.
Every summer, around the anniversary date of 15 August, the Napoleonic Days bring this heritage to life in the heart of the town. They offer both residents and visitors the chance to discover the early years of the man who was to leave a profound mark on the history of France and Europe.
Four days to experience history in a different way
Organised by the Pays d’Ajaccio Tourist Office, the Napoleonic Days combine history, heritage, the arts and live entertainment.
From 12 to 15 August 2026, visitors will be able to meet soldiers in uniform, craftspeople, musicians and history enthusiasts who have come to bring various aspects of the First Empire to life.
The historical encampment set up in Place Campinchi will bring together organisations from Ajaccio as well as re-enactment groups from several European countries. Blacksmiths, surveyors, tradespeople, foot soldiers, grenadiers, Cossacks and medical personnel will give the public a better understanding of military and everyday life in the early 19th century.
This international participation will give the event a truly European dimension, bringing together organisations and enthusiasts from different regions around a shared history.
Lectures, heritage and expertise
The programme will begin on Wednesday 12 August with a lecture by the historian Jacques-Olivier Boudon on the attacks, conspiracies and plots targeting Napoleon.
An exclusive tour of the Maison Bonaparte, as well as a workshop on preparing oil paints using the techniques employed in Jacques-Louis David’s time, will also be on offer.
On Thursday 13 August, Jean-Michel Leniaud will give a lecture on the influence of imperial power on the arts and the emergence of the Empire style.
On Friday 14 August, historian Laetitia de Witt will discuss the life and career of Letizia Bonaparte, Napoleon’s mother.
These events will enable us to look beyond the purely military aspect of the First Empire and explore Napoleonic history through the arts, politics, the Bonaparte family and the craftsmanship of the period.
Parades and historical re-enactments in the heart of the imperial city
Thursday 13 August will mark the official opening of the encampment. A grand military parade will pass through the town centre from Piazza Abbatucci, followed by a review of the troops and the opening ceremony of the Napoleonic Days in Piazza Campinchi.
The traditional changing of the guard will be followed, in the evening, by a torchlight procession through the old town. Setting off from the citadel, participants will follow a route taking in, amongst others, Boulevard Danielle-Casanova, Rue du Roi-de-Rome, Rue Bonaparte and Quai Napoléon.
On Friday 14 August, a new parade will make its way to Place Foch, whilst a historical skirmish will be staged on Avenue du Premier-Consul.
For several days, the streets and squares of Ajaccio will thus serve as the backdrop for a grand historical spectacle, open to both residents and visitors.
15 August: a blend of remembrance and Ajaccio traditions
In Ajaccio, 15 August holds special significance. The city celebrates both the Assumption and the birth of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The official ceremonies taking place this morning will include a parade of the troops and several wreath-laying ceremonies, notably at the Maison Bonaparte. These commemorative events will highlight the significance of Napoleon and his family in the city’s history and identity.
The festivities will continue with demonstrations of imperial dances and a concert by the Aria Orchestra in front of the Tourist Office.
The day, and the Napoleonic Days as a whole, will draw to a close at 10.00 pm with a spectacular fireworks display set to music, launched off the coast of Saint-François beach and visible from Boulevard Lantivy.
A living heritage in the heart of Ajaccio
Through this programme, Ajaccio invites the public to discover Napoleonic history in the very places where it began.
Combining historical re-enactments, living heritage, local traditions, talks and re-enactments, the Napoleonic Days demonstrate the vitality of a heritage that remains very much alive at the heart of the imperial city.
They also offer a fresh perspective on Napoleon, by giving due prominence to family history, the arts, traditional crafts and everyday life in the early 19th century.
Practical information
Event: Napoleonic Days 2026
Dates from Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 August 2026
Location: various locations in Ajaccio city centre, including Place Campinchi, Place Foch, the Maison Bonaparte, Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral and the Pays d’Ajaccio Tourist Office
How to get there: There are plenty of free activities on offer. Some tours, talks or workshops may require booking.
Programme and bookings: The full programme is available from the Pays d’Ajaccio Tourist Office. https://www.ajaccio-tourisme.com/agenda/evenement-les-journees-napoleoniennes-2026/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_x7wsck5q2d