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French Guiana’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

French Guiana’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Fiji’s Background

 

Before the arrival of the European colonizers, French Guiana is believed to have had original inhabitants as far back as 8,000 BC, with claims that it was Amerindians who first settled there, although unfortunately, none of them were recorded. The first definitive evidence of human habitation in the area dates to the time of the Karibs, around 900 AD. Around six centuries later, the Europeans arrived, with Christopher Columbus’s voyages around 1500 AD. The Kalina (Caribs), Arawak, Galibi, Palikur, Teko, Wayampi (sometimes spelled Oyampi), and the Wayana were among the first known inhabitants. The Spaniards explored Guiana and settled around Cayenne, displacing the original inhabitants who were Arawaks and Caribs. A century later, the French started moving in and established a commercial outpost with French merchants from Rouen, who had founded Sinnamary and Cayenne in 1624 and 1643, respectively. Even the dutch had occupied Cayenne, but, conflict in the area between the colonizers from Europe led to a treaty in 1667, which gave control of Guiana to the French in 1664. However, over the following two centuries, it would pass back and forth between France, Britain, the Netherlands, and Portugal several times until finally being acknowledged as a French province in 1817. Although the colony had a gold rush and prospered in the 1850s, it has since declined, and to this day is still recovering. In the early 1850s, Guiana was used as a penal colony where prisoners were deported on the infamous Devil’s Island, off the coast.

The citizens of the territory were granted French citizenship in 1877, and even given voting rights. However, for almost a century, tens of thousands of criminals were sent to French Guiana until 1939. Other communities, after the abolition of slavery were given education, like the community in Mana. In 1946, France recognized French Guiana as an overseas département. However, Paris paid little attention to the province, and it deteriorated further until civil upheaval erupted in the 1970s. However, the economy did not start to see the light of day until the European Space Agency’s Guiana Space Centre in Kourou was built. Still used to this day by Europeans and Russians, and is one of the top attractions in French Guiana. Also changes in 1982 and 1983 started giving Guiana more control over its local affairs. Even though there are movements for independence from France, due to the poor standards of living and high unemployment, those movements have made insignificant strides, and the French have made it clear that they do not intend to let go. Those two issues continued to be a source of unrest in the 1980s and ’90s and into the 21st century, evoking many protests and demonstrations, yet, almost 70% of the population are against giving the local government autonomy. However, a change in its status from overseas département to territorial collectivity got them a local president. Distress and poor living conditions, but also rampant crime, brought up a general strike in 2017 for the inadequate social support from the French government, increasing the demand for more autonomy from France. Despite the fact that its South American neighbors Guyana and Suriname gained independence from European dominance in the 20th century, Guiana is still a French département and uses the Euro as its currency. That has had an effect on the demography of the small territory of roughly 300,000, since around two-thirds of the adult population was born abroad.

The distant section of France, and thinly populated region is situated on the northeastern coast of South America, French Guiana is bounded to the south and east by the Brazilian Amazon and to the west by Surinam, along the Maroni and Itani rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. Serra Tumucumaque Mountains to the south and the River Oyapock make up the rest of the eastern boundary. French Guiana is not an island, as President Macron previously called it; rather, it is a tiny territory in the far northeast of South America. Home to many endangered species thanks to its many parks and reserves. The official language of this offshore French département is, of course, French. Due to the use of the Euro as its currency, costs are comparable to those found throughout Europe and are thus not particularly low.

The terrain in Guiana is varied, with a band of low, swampy soil along the shore, and then the land climbs to hills and grasslands, not to mention the tropical jungle that covers more than 90% of the region. The jungle-covered interior hides interesting scenery, making up for the lack of white sand beaches. Cayenne is located on the island of the same name near the mouth of the Cayenne River, and serves as the capital and primary port. The finest entry point is the colonial city of St. Laurent, which is both beautiful and interesting because of its history as a prisoner transportation hub. There are guided tours of the facility, and you may take a boat trip down the Marowijne River to see some of the local Amerindian and Maroon communities. You may buy souvenirs made by the friendly people and explore beaches where leatherback turtles nest.

However, the area also features colonial buildings, a haunting prison camp past, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Traveling around this bizarre combination of French legislation and rainforest humidity may be tricky and expensive, but, French Guiana is a tropical frontier with intriguing highlights to satisfy the curious traveler. In spite of the island’s abundance of wildlife—including parrots, monkeys, and turtles—tours of the rebuilt remains focus on the island’s dark past.

 

“Wilder than a sliver of France in South America, with all the complexity and mixture of European money, a violent colonial background, and tropical forests making up the majority of its land. Guiana’s pristine landscapes are a major draw for tourists eager to explore an untouched gem.”

 

Due to its proximity to the equator, France chose to build the Guiana Space Center, and poor funds ensuring the facility to work smoothly. However, the Europeans can not tame this vast and pristine jungle, with even the original inhabitants, Amerindians, Maroons, and Hmong living a traditional life so far from what France is like, making it hard to believe they are connected. French Guiana is not only the site of one of Earth’s major spaceports, but also infamous for its old penal colony of lles du Salut, which consists of three islands, Royale, St. Joseph, and the infamous Devil’s Island, with famous prisoners like Alfred Dreyfus, and made famous by Henri Charrière’s novel, all housed French convicts and political prisoners. Roughly eighty thousand men perished here as a result of brutal conditions, sickness, and the death penalty.

This melting pot of nations and cultures, with Guiana’s long history and the presence of many distinct peoples, including Amerindians, Brazilians, Europeans, Haitians, Africans, and Chinese, makes it so diverse. Creoles (of mixed heritage, also called Guianese Mulatto) make up the majority of French Guiana’s population; nevertheless, there are also sizable communities of metropolitan French, Haitians, Surinamese, Antilleans, Chinese, Brazilians, South Asians, and others living there. French (the official language), Guianese Creole French, many indigenous languages (including Wayampi, Carib, and Emerillon), and the languages of the various immigrant populations are the most widely spoken in the country. More than 80% of the population identifies as Christian, with the vast majority practicing Roman Catholicism.

The diversity of French Guiana is buzzing, when after a hike, you relax on one of the nearby beaches or check out Sinnamary, a nearby village inhabited by Indonesians who offer traditional arts and crafts, or check launch at ​​Ariane Space Station.

Explore Cayenne, the capital of Guiana, and a vibrant metropolis with a distinct Creole flavor of the tropics. Check the Place de Grenoble, the Canal Laussat, and the Botanical Gardens, or dig into the history at ​​Musée Départemental Franconie and the Musée des Cultures Guyanaises, all within a walking distance. If you’re lucky, you could even catch a carnival in Cayenne with colorful marches and frenzy music held every Sunday for almost two months. From the rocky shores of Cayenne or out at sea in boats, sea fishing is a popular pastime. The lakes and rivers are a great place to go freshwater fishing or even fly fishing. Cayenne’s own Amazon Fishing Tours offers trips to the water as well as Petit Saut Lake, Mana, and Kaw Swamp.

You can spice things up with some action like braving some rapids in a canoe with excursions that go anywhere from an hour and a half to a whole day and may be taken in any region of the nation, including the Kourou, Iracabo, Counamana, and the lower Sinnamary. The rivers range from very tranquil sections to more difficult ones like the ones near Hermina. Large swaths of primary tropical forest are preserved as a national park over most of the country’s interior. Cayenne, Saül, Montsinery-Tonnegrade, St. Laurent, and St. Georges all offer guided tours where you may fly into the jungle canopy on a microlight plane or ride a mountain bike along twisting routes. If you’re a birdie or a wildlife enthusiast, The Mouragues Nature Reserve is an area stretching from Roura to Régina that is rich in both natural beauty and biodiversity. The Kaw Swamps, located south of Roura in Brazil, are home to a variety of wildlife, including caiman and migratory birds like toucans and flamingos. Nesting leatherback, green, and olive ridley turtles can be seen on the secluded beaches of Guyane. Although the creatures are strictly protected, visitors can take a trip to see them in their natural habitats in Remire-Montjoly, Cayenne’s nicest beach, or at Amana, in the west. From April to July, leatherbacks nest, whereas from January to May, green turtles do the same, and from June to August, olive ridleys do the same.

French Guiana is renowned not just for its heavily wooded scenery but also for its tragic history of slavery, racism, and indentured servitude. In 1852, Napoleon III turned this island into a penal colony where high-profile inmates including the author Henri Charrière spent time behind bars. While the European Space Centre has received significant financing in recent decades, many Guyanese, particularly Amerindians and Maroons, continue to survive on less than $2 per day, despite this, according to the Guyanais. Visiting this under-the-radar South American region means braving the obstacles of French Guiana’s history and present-day inequity.

If you feel full from the forests, or too grim after visiting the Devil’s Island, head to Kourou, a gateway to another universe, is the location of the European Space Agency’s primary spaceport, the Guyana Space Centre. The city is dominated by ultra-modern architecture, and it also features a number of excellent restaurants and hotels. Visit the beautiful Fourgassier Falls, located approximately an hour away, to cool your heels and, if you’re lucky, catch a rocket launch.

The Wayana are an indigenous group that may still be found along the northern coast of South America. Many continue to maintain traditional lifestyles, with money from artisan sales to visitors providing for their community. Haut-Maroni and Haut-Oyapoc both include authentic Amerindian communities located beside waterways. Only those with a valid authorization from the Préfecture in Cayenne are allowed to visit.

French Guiana’s multicultural society is reflected in the country’s cuisine, which is a fusion of traditional dishes from the region with those from all over the world. Cayenne is home to some of the best patisseries in Guiana, and the cuisine is heavily influenced by France. Vietnamese, Chinese, Creole, and Indonesian are just a few of the other cultural touchstones. There is an abundance of fish and shellfish, and wild, exotic wildlife from the woodlands is frequently used in regional stews. Rice, beans, yucca, and sweet potatoes are common mainstays, just as they are throughout the rest of South America.

Being an untouched region, you can expect to pay more than $100 a night at most hotels, resorts, and other accommodation options. However, there are also a few hostels in the area for the fellow backpacker or budget traveler wanting to visit French Guiana, but these are not found online. You can find budget hotels, as well as, B&Bs that start at around $30 a night. Backpackers can also sleep on hammocks suspended from the ceiling of a traditional carbet (a makeshift hut with no walls) for a few dollars, which they could find appealing. In the wilderness of the jungle, a carbet could be the only option.

Staying on the move will allow you to take advantage of all that Guiana has to offer visitors. This Cruisit French Guiana travel guide provides an itinerary that strikes a balance between leisure and exploration. Arrive in this untouched South American paradise and enjoy it to the fullest. The following itinerary for Guiana is tailored to the country’s peak season, but may still be enjoyed during the shoulder months. With sunny days spent in ancient parts of town in the company of legend, or surrounded by verdant peaks and dramatic picture-perfect scenery, and hundreds of species to explore, French Guiana will fulfill your wildest dreams.

Moreover, we will provide you with all the information you need to go across Guiana with ease by providing you with a comprehensive travel guide. As you read on, you’ll learn about the best of what Guiana has to offer—its cities, sights, transit options, and more. If you’re pumped up enough, then let’s get started!

Top Places in French Guiana

The Guiana Space Center

Outside of Kourou is the Guiana Space Centre, which has been in use since 1968. France, the European Space Agency, and a number of private firms all use this spaceport because of its convenient proximity to both the equator (from where it requires less energy to propel a spacecraft into orbit) and the sea (where trash may fall harmlessly). The center also offers tours and a museum that is well worth your time.

Guiana Amazonian Park

To safeguard a portion of the Amazonian jungle that occupies 41% of French Guiana, the French government established the largest national park in the country: Guiana Amazonian Park. There are few larger national parks anywhere in the world than this one in France, which also happens to be the largest park in the European Union. You can’t get there from the coast or by boat unless you take an aircraft or a pirogue. The primary protected area is around 20,300 square kilometers in size, while the secondary area is about 13,600 square kilometers. Thus, about 33,900 square kilometers of rain forest are included in the protected area. Park land was donated by the municipalities of Camopi, Maripasoula, Papachton, Saint-Élie, and Saül.

Iles du Salut

Located on an archipelago about an hour away from Kourou, this renowned ex-penal colony once housed some of France’s worst offenders. Ile Royale, Ile St. Joseph, and Ile du Diable are its three constituent islands. The islands have a tiny chapel, the ruins of a hospital, and a cemetery with tributes to prison employees in addition to an outstanding museum detailing the islands’ history and the hardships faced by inmates and guards.

Fort Cépérou

Cayenne, French Guiana, was secured by Fort Cépérou, also known as Phare de Fort Cépérou. Cépérou, a notable native chief, donated the land, hence it is named after him. In 1643, a wooden fort was constructed on a hill overlooking the Cayenne River’s mouth. In the years that followed, the location was occupied by the Dutch, the English, and the Portuguese. Several times, the fort was destroyed and rebuilt. Cayenne was fortified by Vauban between 1689 and 1693 with a typical line of fortifications that encircled the whole town and its central fort. During the Napoleonic Wars (1809–1817), the Portuguese captured the town and demolished Vauban’s defenses and bastions. The fort has been largely abandoned.

Maroni River

French Guiana and Suriname are separated by the Maroni River, and shuttle canoes cross it to take you between the two nations. You can do more than just cross it; you can also learn about the Amerindian and Maroon people who live there, as well as how they manufacture traditional pirogue canoes, and explore the beaches where Leatherback turtles nest.

5-day Itinerary in French Guiana

Day 1

 

Arrive in Cayenne

Welcome to Cayenne – First order of the day, if you’ve arranged for someone to take you from the airport, meet them and head on your way to your lodging, or get a cab, or rent a car and get going. Once you’ve reached your hotel or other accommodation option in Guiana, drop your bags and head out if you’ve arrived early.

Take a city tour of Cayenne, the administrative and commercial center of French Guiana. It is a typical Creole town with about 50,000 inhabitants, half of the entire population of the country. ​​French Guiana’s capital boasts a patchwork of architectural styles, from beautiful belle époque to modern buildings that look decidedly shabby. Relax in a bar on the palm fringed Place des Palmistes where there’s a monument to the city’s own Félix Éboué, an eminent black colonial administrator. Check out the market, too, and follow the footpath up to the old fort remains overlooking Cayenne.

The Fort Cépérou, the Place Léopold Heder, the hotel of the Jésuites, the Place de Grenoble, the Place des Palmistes, the colonial hospital, the Franconie Museum, the town hall and the city center are the gems and major attractions of Cayenne in French Guiana.

By the end of the day, visit the traditional Cayenne market, full of exotic scents, for a great opportunity to go shopping. Once you’re done, return to your hotel to prepare yourself for the next day’s excursion.

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When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is some reason to be alarmed about walking alone in the city since there is some crime recorded in Cayenne to warrant worry. You can walk safely at day, but be wary while walking at night and be alert in crowded areas or unlit alleys or streets. You can always take taxis, if you don't feel comfortable, Be wary of petty crime by taking precautions mentioned in the safety section above.

Day 2

 

Exploring Devil’s Island

Today, right after breakfast, you will be heading to Îles du Salut, or Salvation Islands, which include the famed Devil’s Island, just seven miles off the coast. The trip is about an hour away from Kourou.

Board the boat or catamaran and head to the ex-penal colony that housed the most notorious criminals as well as famous political prisoners. Beginning in 1792, when they were originally used as a stopover for explorers, slaves, and subsequently political prisoners, the islands played a significant part in French history.

The most eye-catching prisons in this infamous penal colony may be found on the southernmost island, Île Saint-Joseph. The oldest structures on the islands may be found on Île Royale, including a church from the 16th century, a government building from the 18th century, a former officers’ quarters, and modern day restaurants and lodges. Roam around the well-preserved cell blocks, dorms, and other prison facilities at your own pace, snapping photos or just taking in the haunting atmosphere. The most stunnig example of nature taking over again can be seen by the plants incircling multiple cells. If you finish your walking tour early, you may relax in the shade of one of the many trees, or you can take a swim in one of the small tide pools on the island’s northern coast.

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  • Luxury: Les Roches Resort

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is some reason to be alarmed about walking alone in the city since there is some crime recorded in Kourou to warrant worry. You can walk safely at day, but be wary while walking at night and be alert in crowded areas or unlit alleys or streets. You can always take taxis, if you don't feel comfortable, Be wary of petty crime by taking precautions mentioned in the safety section above.

Day 3

 

Visiting Cacao

Today you will visit the village of Cacao, known for the Hmong people who inhabit it, who’ve come from Southeast Asia. Their town market on Sundays is a real festival of colors and scents. Local customs and crafts – from shimmering embroidery to the art of preserving large insects and mygalomorphae spiders under glass – are bound to fascinate you.

This trip is usually available on Sundays, the reason being that the local market there is lively and presents a better opportunity for visitors to enjoy it. You will sail up the Comté River to reach Cacao by pirogue (dugout canoe)—with pauses for swimming and exploring at high tide a small creek where lush flora surrounds the entire boat. The local market is where Hmongs sell a wide array of unusual fruit and vegetables. You can also enjoy lunch in one of the little village restaurants. Other varied activities will ensure an ideal day for travelers with further pirogue outings to swim spots, a visit to the Amerindian village of Favard, a visit to the small local museum, and general sightseeing all around this very colorful place. In the afternoon, you can also visit the entomology museum.

Day 4

 

Into Space

Visit the Guyana Space Institute first thing in the morning (Center Spatiale Guyanaise). In all likelihood, you won’t be able to see a launch during your visit due to the secretive nature of the launch schedules. Motor bus tours often make many stops at various assembly buildings and control rooms around the huge complex. The tour is only offered in French, although a skilled guide will try their utmost to translate at critical junctures.

Day 5

 

Final Run!

You have spent your time in Guiana learning about its past and current state . Before catching your trip home or onward to places like Suriname or Brazil, get in one more round of sightseeing if you have the time to do so.

The Most Popular Food in French Guiana

With the depth of the culture in French Guiana, there’s no wonder that you will find a wide array of options and a huge diversity in the cuisine. The cuisine in French Guiana is unique, but it gives of elements of Creole, Caribbean, South American, French, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Indonesian influence. Bordered by the ocean, Guiana’s abudnance of freshly caught seafood is no wonder, but in the inner forests, game meat like collared peccary, paca and tapir is also available and used in popular traditional stews. Servings of rice, red beans, and couac are typical sides to the main dishes. Most of the plates utilize spices and pepper making it spicy and delicious. The cuisine of the region is distinguished by its heavy use of seafood, fresh produce, and spices. French Guiana’s cuisine draws from a broad variety of influences, including 400 years of European occupation, African influences from slaves, as well as Indian, and Amerindian, and is characterized by its creativity, passion, and variety of flavors. Nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and hot pepper are just few of the many spices that can be found in a traditional dish, not to mention, Cayenne, the capital is inspired by the fiery pepper.

Pepperpot

One of Guiana’s signature foods, pepperpot is traditionally prepared in holidays, like Christmas. Meat, often pork, beef, or both is simmered with red peper, cinnamon, dried lemon peel, sugar, cloves, cassareep, and pepper. The dish is then served with rice, bread, or both. Pepperpot is unmistakable due to its signature ingredient, cassareep, a thick black syrup derived from the bitter juice of the cassava root. The term “pepperpot” refers to a specific type of pot that is often used to prepare this meal because it is able to retain more of the dish’s flavor than a regular pot.

Kalawang

For this salad, known as kalawang, green mangos are diced and mixed with garlic, chili peppers, lemon, parsley, vinegar, and oil. Mangoes in any stage of ripening, including green, can be eaten. Salads made with shredded green mangoes, for instance, are rather common in French Guyana; if you enjoy spicy cuisine, you will adore this salad. Use as a cold starter or a cold side dish for seafood, meat, or fish.

Guianan Colombo

Pieces of chicken are cooked with other ingredients including coriander, onions, lemon, zucchini, eggplant, and other spices like thyme, rosemary, basil, and chile in this French Guiana staple meal. Flavor is further enhanced by the addition of coconut milk. Tender and flavorful after being cooked, the marinated chicken is unlike anything you’ve had before.

Bouillon d’aoura

Bouillon d’aoura, also known as Awara Broth, is typically cited as an example of a traditional Guianese Creole dish. Awara, the major component, is frequently combined with smoked fish, other types of seafood including crabs and prawns, vegetables, and even fowl.

Gratin de Couac

It’s no secret that Gratin de Couac is one of Guiana’s most beloved meals. Potatoes are often cut thinly and cooked till creamy for this dish. Cheese is sprinkled on top before serving. By substituting couac flour, manufactured from cassava root, for potatoes, Gratin de Couac gives this French national dish a South American spin.

What's the Travel Budget for French Guiana

Final Thoughts on French Guiana

Legacy seen through traditional buildings and a greatly diverse culture, stunning and unusual landmarks, some of which are pilgrimage sites, unbelievable warmth despite the cooler weather, exciting tunes and festivities, and vivid picture-perfect surroundings of highlands and pristine beaches best for kicking back and watching the sunsets all contribute to French Guiana’s allure. Guiana’s recorded history dates back to at least 900 BC. Among the most pristine places to visit in all of South America. Guiana is a traveler’s paradise due to its breathtaking landscapes, virgin forests, diverse wildlife, and fascinating historical monuments. Interested in visiting Guiana?

Have you ever been to French Guiana? Leave your comments or questions in the section below.

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