French Guiana is one of the least explored places in South America, but it’s full of surprises. Nestled between Brazil and Suriname, this French overseas department is a hidden gem that bursts with natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. It offers a mixture of Amazonian rainforest, space exploration, historical landmarks, and Creole heritage. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, French Guiana should be on your radar.
1. Cayenne
Cayenne is the capital city and the perfect place to start your adventure in French Guiana. It’s a colorful city with a lively atmosphere where you can blend into the mix of French, Creole, and Brazilian cultures.
Place des Palmistes
Place des Palmistes is the heart of Cayenne. This large open square is lined with tall palm trees and historic colonial buildings. It’s a great spot to relax and watch the locals go about their day, and it’s frequently used for concerts and events too.
Musée Franconie
If you’re a museum lover, head to Musée Franconie. It’s a small but informative museum housed in a traditional Creole building, providing an introduction to the natural and cultural history of French Guiana. You’ll find exhibits on everything from Native Amazonian tribes to the colonial era.
Marché de Cayenne
Make sure you visit Cayenne’s market. The Marché de Cayenne is a local hotspot where you can find everything from fresh fruits to apparel. The market is packed with vendors selling Creole food, spices, and handmade goods, which are perfect for souvenirs.
2. Kourou
Just an hour north of Cayenne is Kourou, another must-visit city. Known worldwide for its space activity, this town is more than just launches and satellites.
Guiana Space Centre
The main attraction in Kourou is the Guiana Space Centre, one of the world’s busiest spaceports. You can join a guided tour and explore the area where European and international space missions take place. If you time your visit right, you might witness a rocket launch. It’s an unforgettable experience!
Kourou Beach
Kourou Beach is a great place to unwind after a day at the space center. While the waters here aren’t ideal for swimming due to strong currents, it’s a peaceful spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Sinnamary Wildlife Reserve
For bird watchers and nature lovers, the Sinnamary Wildlife Reserve is a must. Located nearby, it’s home to exotic birds and wildlife. It’s ideal for hiking and exploring off the beaten path.
3. Îles du Salut (Devil’s Island)
If you’re interested in history, don’t miss the trip to Îles du Salut, also known as the Salvation Islands. Famous as a brutal penal colony, these islands were once used by French authorities to imprison political prisoners, the most infamous being Captain Alfred Dreyfus.
Devil’s Island
Devil’s Island is the most notorious of the three islands. Although visitors aren’t allowed to land on it, you can view it from Île Royale. Its dark history makes it a fascinating spot to learn about the harsh realities of the French penal system.
Île Royale
Île Royale is the largest of the islands and the most accessible. Here, you can actually explore the prison ruins, grab lunch or stay overnight in a guesthouse, and even take in the stunning views of the tropical landscape. There’s also a small museum where you can learn more about the penal colony’s history.
4. Kaw Nature Reserve
For nature lovers, the Kaw Nature Reserve is an absolute paradise. It’s one of the largest wetlands in French Guiana and is home to a diverse range of species. Think caimans, capybaras, and hundreds of bird species.
Boat Tours
Take a boat tour through the wetlands to get up close to the local wildlife. These tours usually depart from the village of Kaw and give visitors the chance to spot wildlife against a backdrop of dense Amazonian jungle.
Overnight Tours
If you’re feeling adventurous, book an overnight tour at one of the eco-lodges. Sleeping under starlit skies while listening to the sounds of the wetlands is an experience you won’t forget.
5. Cacao Village
French Guiana’s Hmong village, Cacao, is a unique cultural stopover. Located near the rainforest, it’s a perfect day trip from Cayenne for those looking to learn about the Hmong people, who relocated here from Southeast Asia after the Vietnam War.
Sunday Market
If you can visit on a Sunday, don’t miss the vibrant market in Cacao. You’ll find fresh produce, handmade goods, and delicious Hmong cuisine such as nem (spring rolls) and pho. It’s a great way to taste unique flavors while supporting the local community.
Insect Museum
Another quirky spot in Cacao is the Insect Museum. It’s small, but it has an impressive collection of butterflies, beetles, and other insects from the region. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love this place!
Hiking
Cacao is also the gateway to some hiking trails in the nearby jungle. The trails are well-marked and offer a chance to experience the biodiversity of the rainforest firsthand.
6. Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is another key historical city in French Guiana known for its role in the penal system.
Camp de la Transportation
Camp de la Transportation was the arrival point for prisoners sent from France to French Guiana. It’s eerie, but a very powerful visit. You can walk through the old prison cells, courtyards, and even see the place that housed the infamous guillotine. It’s a somber reminder of the country’s dark past.
La Charbonnière Quarter
Once you’ve visited the camp, visit La Charbonnière Quarter, known for its diverse mix of cultures. You’ll find Creole, Hmong, and Surinamese influences in the food and the people.
7. Montjoly Beach
Just outside of Cayenne, Montjoly Beach is one of the best places for relaxing on the sand. While French Guiana isn’t known for pristine beaches, Montjoly offers a great place to escape the city for a bit.
Turtle Nesting Season
From March to August, sea turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs. If you’re visiting during this time, keep an eye out (or join a guided tour) as it’s incredible to witness.
Hiking Trails
There are also plenty of trails near Montjoly Beach that take you through the coastal forests. You can enjoy some mild hiking, and it’s a great way to spot wildlife in a quieter environment.
8. French Guiana Zoo (Zoo de Guyane)
A short drive from Cayenne, the French Guiana Zoo is good for anyone who wants an in-depth introduction to the region’s wildlife. It houses local animals like jaguars, monkeys, and various bird species. While it’s not the wild Amazon, it’s a nice way to get familiar with the fauna you may encounter in the wild.
9. Maripasoula
If you prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations, Maripasoula is the ultimate adventure. Accessed by plane or boat, this remote town along the Maroni River grants access to the deep reaches of the Amazon.
Maroni River Journey
Maripasoula is the starting point for boat journeys along the Maroni River. You’ll pass remote indigenous villages and get a true taste of life deep in the Amazon basin. These trips can last a few hours or several days.
Grand-Santi and Saül
From Maripasoula, you can also venture further into smaller towns like Grand-Santi or Saül, which can only be accessed by air or boat. These quiet towns provide the perfect contrast to the bustling coastal cities.
Final Thoughts
French Guiana is full of surprises and deserves more attention on the travel circuit. It’s an eclectic mix of Amazonian wildlife, space exploration, and colonial history, all folded into a small corner of South America where French culture permeates daily life. Whether you spend a week exploring or dive deep into the jungle for months, it’s an unforgettable destination.
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