It is a real haven of nature where coves and beaches of powdery sand abound and a place where you can practise all types of water sports. The hinterland begins just a stone's throw from the beach with circuits that open up magnificent views to the mountains, valleys and villages. Walks of all levels are to be found everywhere. Climb up the Prunelli valley and twenty minutes later you will find yourself in the heart of the deep chestnut tree forests of Bastelica, fatherland of Sampiero Corso. From Bastelica, climb towards the Ese plateau, and head to Bocognano that dominates the upper valley of the Gravona region, set in a majestic landscape of giant chestnut trees. Half an hour away by foot, you can explore the waterfall of Voile de la Mariée - an impressive waterfall of more than 70m in height. BASTELICA - This village set in the Prunelli valley is the fatherland of the legendary military leader Sampiero Corso. Born in about 1498, he left Corsica to become a soldier in the armies of Francois I. He fought at Bayard, saved the dauphin Henri who, on becoming king, promoted him to the rank of colonel. In 1553, he participated in the conquest of Corsica by the French, but in 1559, the treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis handed Corsica back to the Genoese. In 1564, he landed on Corsica again to incite the islanders to rise against the Genoese and was killed in an ambush. THE IMPERIAL CITY - In Ajaccio, the names of the streets, the statues, the monuments, all evoke the memory of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born on 15 August 1769 in a house on the rue Saint Charles. At the age of nine, he left Corsica to attend a military school in Brienne. A lieutenant of the artillery in 1785, he was appointed second-in-command lieutenant-colonel of the national guard at Ajaccio in 1792. However, following several incidents he was forced to leave his native town and returned at the end of the Egypt campaign to a triumphant welcome. He became Consul in 1799, Emperor in 1804 and in 1814 he abdicated in the face of a united Europe and died in Sainte-Hélène on May 5 1821. The tour of the imperial city begins with a visit to the family home. Pillaged in 1793, when the Paolist forces drove out the French, it was refurnished by Napoleon's mother in 1798. From here head to the Napoleon rooms in the Town Hall where you will see on display a number of items that relate to the Emperor, before making your way to the imperial chapel. On the outskirts of Ajaccio, you can also visit the country residence of the Bonaparte family, known as Les Milelli. TO SEE - At the foot of the citadel of Ajaccio, you can explore the church of Saint Erasme, patron saint of fishermen, decorated with model boats; the cathedral (1593) where Napoleon ws baptised. In the Fesch Museum, admire the magnificent collction of masterpieces bu artist such as Boticelli, Bellini, Titien, all gifts from Cardinal Fesch, Napoleaon's uncle. TO DO - All types of water sport such as diving, which can be practised all year round, jet-skiing, sailing, fun boarding and game fishing. A lovely walk awaits you along the "chemin des Crêtes" that follows the coast from the centre of Ajaccio to the Iles Sanguinaires. Visit Cupulatta Park, Europe's leading centre for turtle research, near to Vero in the Gravona valley. At the start of the spring, put on your skis on the Ese Plateau for a visit to the edge of the "pozzi" (peat bogs). Canoeing and kayaking is avilable in the wild gorges of Prunelli. Why not go for a walk in the state-owned forest of Chiavari, in the south of Porticcio and tade the hiking route known as the "Mare e Monti" that leaves from Porticcio. If you are feeling flush, why not try your luck in the Casino in Ajaccio! TO TASTE - For a true taste of the town, start with an aperitif in one of the café terraces. Enjoy fish and other local produce from the markets with mountain charcuterie, goat and sheep's cheese from the valleys of Gravona and Taravo, "chaussons", a type of pasty made with swiss chard, onions and courgettes, "ambrucciate" which are small flans made with brocciu cheese and delicately flavoured with lemon that go will with one of the AOC (wines with a guarantee of origin) wines made in Ajaccio. Wintertime is perfect for tasting sea urchins, known as "orsinades".