The Ajaccio Covered Market — known locally as the Marché du Cours Napoléon — is Ajaccio's principal daily food market, housed in a dedicated hall at Place du Marché in the center of Corse-du-Sud's capital. Operating Monday through Saturday from 07:00 to 13:00, with a shorter Sunday session until 11:30, it draws residents and visitors seeking genuinely Corsican produce in a compact and lively setting. The stall layout follows a classic covered-market plan: fixed vendors occupying the central alleys sell charcuterie, cheese, honey, and preserved goods, while fresh-produce stalls cluster toward the perimeter. The charcuterie selection is among the finest in southern Corsica — lonzo, coppa, figatellu, and prisuttu are sourced from small producers working with Corsican free-range pigs that forage on chestnuts and acorns in the island's interior maquis. Most vendors offer small tastings on request, allowing comparison before purchase. Brocciu, the island's emblematic AOC whey cheese, occupies a dedicated section from November through June; outside that window, vendors pivot to aged Tomme, Venachese, and other farm-style rounds. Maquis honey — displaying floral, chestnut, or heather notes depending on harvest — preserved citrus products, and Corsican wines round out the pantry offer. A handful of stalls carry dried herbes de Corse bundles and artisan olive oil. The ratio of authentic local goods to tourist merchandise is high; a few ceramic and branded-goods vendors are present but the market's identity is firmly rooted in food. Prices are fair for quality: charcuterie runs roughly €3–8 per 100 g, Brocciu €4–7 per unit, and maquis honey €8–15 per jar. Card payment is accepted at larger stalls; smaller vendors often require cash, and an ATM is available on the adjacent Cours Napoléon. Bargaining is not customary at French covered markets. A small café at one end of the hall serves espresso and croissants, making the market a natural starting point for a morning in central Ajaccio, within easy walking distance of Maison Bonaparte and the Place Foch waterfront.
Location
Place du Marché, 20000 Ajaccio
41.9210, 8.7360 View on map
Highlights
- Corsican charcuterie stalls featuring lonzo, coppa, figatellu, and prisuttu from maquis-fed free-range pigs
- Seasonal Brocciu AOC whey cheese available November through June alongside aged farm cheeses
- Maquis honey, Patrimonio-area wine, and locally pressed olive oil make compact and authentic souvenirs
- Central hall location within walking distance of Maison Bonaparte and the Place Foch waterfront promenade
- On-site café serving espresso and pastries during the peak morning shopping hour
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by 08:00 for the best selection — Brocciu and fresh produce sell out well before closing time
- Bring cash as many smaller charcuterie and cheese vendors do not accept card payments
- Brocciu is only available November through June; visit in winter for the widest seasonal range of Corsican dairy
- The Sunday session runs only until 11:30 — significantly shorter than weekday hours
- Sample before buying — most charcuterie stalls offer small tastes of coppa or lonzo on request
Frequently asked questions
What are the market's opening hours?
The market operates Monday through Saturday from 07:00 to 13:00, and on Sundays from 07:00 to 11:30. It is typically closed on public holidays.
Is Brocciu cheese available year-round?
No. Brocciu AOC is a seasonal product made only during the sheep and goat milking period, typically November through June. Outside this window, vendors offer other Corsican farm cheeses in its place.
Can visitors pay by card at the market?
Card payment is increasingly accepted at larger stalls, but many traditional charcuterie and produce vendors operate cash-only. An ATM is available on the nearby Cours Napoléon.
Is bargaining expected at the Ajaccio Covered Market?
Bargaining is not customary at French covered markets. Prices are fixed and generally reflect fair local rates for quality Corsican produce.
What other attractions are near the market?
The market is a short walk from Maison Bonaparte — Napoleon's birthplace — and the Place Foch waterfront promenade, making it a natural first stop on a walking tour of central Ajaccio.