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Home / TRAVEL GUIDES / French Guiana is home to 12 of the world's best-reviewed tourist destinations.

French Guiana is home to 12 of the world's best-reviewed tourist destinations.

2023-05-26  Uziel Udayle

French Guiana, often spelt Guyane, is a French department that shares its borders with Brazil, Suriname, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is located in the heart of the tropical region of South America. It's a land where the new and the old are juxtaposed in a way that really stands out. Indigenous communities that date back hundreds of years are protected by thick rainforests, yet at the same time, rockets are being launched from the country's lucrative space centre.

Cayenne, the nation's capital, is a cultural melting pot that blends elements of French, Asian, African, and Brazilian traditions. If you visit between the Epiphany and Ash Wednesday, you will be able to participate in the festivities and parades that take place every weekend.

The country's vast majority of untouched wilderness, which is home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna, is a popular destination for ecotourism. Those who have a passion for nature have the opportunity to visit bird-rich marshes, which are also home to caimans, as well as Atlantic beaches, which are a popular nesting ground for turtles. The interior consists of a large savanna that extends to mountains that are covered with vegetation, and rivers that cut through thick, hot jungle.

Because the country does not have a well-developed tourism infrastructure, travelling through this costly French colony can be difficult (particularly for people who do not speak French). The use of a tour organisation is highly recommended for travellers with less experience. Those who aren't afraid of the unknown will enjoy the adventure.

 

1. Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands)

convicted
 

Henri Charrière, a Frenchman, was wrongfully convicted of a murder in 1931 for which he was responsible. He was given a sentence of life in jail at the penal colony located on Devil's Island, which is one of the infamous Îles du Salut. The waters around the rugged coasts of the island are plagued with sharks. After enduring horrendous conditions for a period of twelve years, he eventually made his way to Venezuela. His ordeal is detailed in both the book and the movie Papillon.

Today, bringing his story to life requires a visit to the islands, which are located approximately 11 kilometres offshore from Kourou. The majority of guests sail into Port Royal Harbour on Isle Royale, the largest of the three islands and the location of the colony's former administrative centre. The structures have been repurposed as hotels and other tourist facilities, and the island is now home to a diverse population of animals, such as macaws, monkeys, and agoutis.

You may buy postcards with the words "Devil's Island" stamped on them at the gift store, and the harbour, which was formerly used for disgorging captives, is now open to cruise ships.

Those individuals who were sentenced to solitary imprisonment on Devil's Island were transferred to Île St. Joseph, which is now off-limits to visitors, while Devil's Island itself is now known as Île du Diable.

 

2. Hattes Beach (Plages les Hattes)

nesting site
 

Plage les Hattes in Awala-Yalimapo is the most important single nesting location in the world for giant leatherback turtles. It is located in the northwest corner of French Guiana.

More than eighty leatherback turtles have been counted on the beach in a single night during the peak season, which runs from April to July. The young are born during the months of July and September. This section of beach, which is approximately three kilometres long, is an essential breeding ground for green turtles and, on occasion, also for Olive Ridley and hawksbill turtles. You should stop by the humble museum in town on the way to the beach to get some background information on these peaceful animals.

You can take a boat up the Maroni River and visit a permanent traditional village if you go to Awala-Yalimapo, which is also home to a large number of Amerindian villages.

 

3. Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais)

French Guiana
 

It would appear that the combination of rockets and rainforests in French Guiana is a successful one. Because of its low population density and its distance from storm tracks and earthquake zones, the French government decided in 1964 to establish a space centre in this portion of the tropical coast near Kourou that is surrounded by jungle.

At the Kourou Space Centre, operations are carried out by three distinct organisations: the European Space Agency, the French Space Agency, and Arianespace, a private commercial enterprise that is responsible for the development of the Ariane rocket. A film that traces the history of the Space Centre can be shown, and tours of the Jupiter Control Centre and the Ariane facilities can be taken with the assistance of guides who speak French. The duration of the free trips is approximately three hours.

The opportunity to watch a rocket blast off into orbit from the middle of the rainforest is sure to be one of the highlights of any trip to French Guiana. The centre may host as many as nine of these events each year, and visitors who want to see the show can do so by booking a free ticket in advance (or they can simply head to the beach and watch it from there). Check the website for updates regarding the launch dates.

In addition to this, the Space Museum sheds light on the history of space travel through the utilisation of seven distinct exhibit halls. Additional details, including the preparation and launch of Ariane from the Space Centre, are presented in the form of audio-visual and graphic presentations.

 

4. Tresor Nature Reserve, which is located in Kaw

wildlife-rich

The wildlife-filled marshes of Kaw stretch across thousands of square km and are located around an hour and a half to two hours' drive from Cayenne. It is possible to see black caimans, which are a smaller relative of the American alligator, as well as a vast diversity of birdlife, such as the scarlet ibis, in the Tresór Nature Reserve, which covers a large area of the Kaw environment. The Tresór Nature Reserve is a fantastic spot to observe black caimans.

The majority of visitors to the wetlands go on guided sightseeing trips aboard local boats, which can range significantly in terms of how comfortable they are. Make sure to inquire about shade canopies and seat cushions when making reservations for boat rides. You have the choice between going on a day trip or a night trip, or you can go on a 24-hour expedition that includes an overnight stay in a hut designed in the style of an American Indian. Despite being one of the most easily accessible wildlife regions in French Guiana, this location is nonetheless rather removed from the typical tourist routes.

Within the Tresór Nature Reserve is a mountain called Mont Favard that has hiking routes, petroglyphs, and a large number of poison dart frogs in both purple and yellow.

related link: Without Prior Technical Hiking Experience, I Summited One of the World's Highest Mountains: Here's How You Can, Too


5. Zoo de Guyane

wander

Zoo Guyane, which is located deep in the jungle, has the atmosphere of a nature sanctuary rather than a traditional zoo. At this location, you will have the opportunity to observe Amazonian creatures in their natural habitats, and other local species will also be allowed to roam the grounds. Because the native flora and fauna of French Guiana are highlighted here, this is an excellent location to familiarise yourself with the fauna of the region before venturing out into the wilderness.

You may approach the naturalistic displays by following a number of well-signposted trails that wind through the abundant flora. The zoo's collection includes more than 450 animals, which are representative of approximately 75 distinct species.

The Zoo de Guyane is home to a wide variety of animals and birds, including toucans, macaws, sloths, agoutis, and crocodiles, as well as howler monkeys, anteaters, and howler monkeys. However, one could argue that the large cats are the ones who steal the show; if you go, make it a point to see the jaguar while it is eating.

The children's playground is a favourite among smaller children, and the treetop walk, which is threaded through a canopy of natural woodland, is enjoyable for both younger children and their parents.

 

6. Ilet la Mère

uninhabited island

The adorable and quaint Ilet la Mère is most known for its population of squirrel monkeys. This uninhabited island can be reached by boat from the port at Dégrad des Cannes, which is located just outside of Cayenne. The voyage takes around 30 minutes. These sweet little creatures are fearless, so you should brace yourself for them to hop on your shoulders and search through your belongings as they do so.

Picnicking is a common activity on the island, but you will need to bring your own food because there are no facilities on the island. Other popular activities to do on the island include taking pictures with the monkeys, going along the walking trails, swimming and sunning on the little beach, and enjoying a picnic. The island can be visited on either a half-day or full-day excursion with one of the local tour providers.

 

7. The beach at Remire-Montjoly

best stretch
 

In Cayenne, the beach at Remire-Montjoly is considered to be the most beautiful length of sand and water to be found anywhere in the city. This beach is typical of the wild, windy beaches that are found in French Guiana, and this beach is no exception; nevertheless, it does contain a tiny, golden strip of shoreline that is excellent for sunbathing. The beach is bordered by palm trees and other verdant vegetation, which creates some welcome shade.

The muddy waters in this area are not great for swimming, but they are acceptable for taking a brief dip in after going on a walk in the nature preserve that is nearby. During the nesting season, there is a chance that you will see sea turtles here.

On the tip of the Cayenne Peninsula, you'll find the historic fortification known as Fort Diamant, as well as the remains of an old sugar mill. The picturesque Rorotá Trail (Sentier du Rorotá), which begins in the village of Rémire-Montjoly and climbs Mahury Mountain for a distance of five kilometres, offers hikers the opportunity to witness wide-eyed sloths clinging to the trees.

 

8. Pirogue River Trip

jungle-fringed

An amazing way to experience the seemingly inaccessible environment of French Guiana is to rent a local canoe and paddle along a river that is surrounded by dense jungle. The rivers are the ideal route to travel between rural settlements and witness wildlife in its natural habitat. Some of the animals that may be seen along the rivers are capybara, caiman, and monkeys. The rivers flow through the heart of the hot jungle. Pirogues, which are dugout canoes made from local wood, are typically used for the cruises that guides offer.

The Maroni River, which can be found on the border of French Guiana and Suriname, is considered to be among the most popular paddling rivers in the world. This is the nation's longest and most populated canal, and travelling along it affords travellers the opportunity to meet Amerindians and Maroons and gain an understanding of their way of life.

The Amazonian jungle is traversed by the Sinnamary River, which is 263 kilometres long. This natural watercourse is still relatively untouched, and it features both placid ponds and churning rapids.

The Oyapock River is a further alternative to consider. It is abundant in the history of gold mining, and in addition to providing a wilderness experience, it also provides the opportunity to encounter Amerindians and Brazilians who make their homes along its banks. Paddlers looking for a challenge in French Guiana will find it on the Approuague River, which is also home to some of the country's most untouched forests.


9. Camp de la Transportation

chilling Camp
 

At the freezing Camp de la Transportation, located in the frontier town of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, prisoners arrived to be screened, processed, and distributed to several penal colonies located around the area. When you enter the prison through the same gates that previous inmates Alfred Dreyfus and Papillon did, you will be able to view rusted shackles and cells used for solitary confinement that have very small windows. The gloomy history of this place has been somewhat mitigated by the profusion of vegetation, but the sense of prior violence is still present.

Free self-guided tours are available, or you can pay to have French-speaking tour operators take you on a more comprehensive excursion. Find an etched version of Papillon's name in one of the cells, and don't forget to bring some drink and sun protection with you; it can get very warm out there when you're just roaming around.


10. Market Place Victor Schoelcher in Cayenne

spicy snapshot
 

Cayenne's primary market, which is located in Place Victor Schoelcher, is a great place to get a flavorful look into local life. Shopping in this town square, which is named after the guy who put an end to slavery in French Guiana, is one of the best things to do in Cayenne while you are in French Guiana. The square was named after the man who put an end to slavery in French Guiana.

The air is filled with exotic scents, and the market stalls are packed to the brim with exotic fruits, perfumes, fragrant spices, and snacks inspired by Asian cuisine. You can unwind with a steaming bowl of traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, sip some exotic juices, pick up some freshly picked fruits and vegetables, or shop for locally made handicrafts and souvenirs.

 

11. Musée Départemental De Franconie, Cayenne

liveliest plaza

The Musée Départemental De Franconie is located next to the Place de Palmistes, which is Cayenne's most lively plaza. This museum provides an overview of the history of the country, as well as its flora and fauna. The Franconie family constructed this straightforward Creole home out of wood in the 19th century, and it is now home to the museum. Indigenous people, colonial history, and the history of the prison colony are all topics covered in the exhibits, although the signage are exclusively in French. The big stuffed black caiman and the Butterfly Room are two notable features of this museum.

 

12. Cacao

transplanted
 

Cacao, which is located on the Comté River to the south of the capital Cayenne, is a popular day trip destination. The majority of the people living in this little Asian town made up of wooden stilt houses are members of the Hmong ethnic group, who were displaced from Laos in the 1970s.

The most popular day to go to the market is on Sunday because that is when they have Hmong embroidery and weaving on display, in addition to local noodle dishes. The insect museum, known as Le Planeur Bleu, is particularly well worth a visit thanks to its enormous collections of insects and butterflies as well as its stunning examples of scorpions and spiders.

Canoeing along the river or going on a picturesque walk through the foggy jungle are both wonderful options that are accessible from the village.
 


2023-05-26  Uziel Udayle