French Guiana Sightseeing

• In Cayenne, French Guiana’s capital and chief port, points of interest include the Jesuit-built residence of the Prefect in the Place de Grenoble, the Canal Laussat (built in 1777) and the Botanical Gardens. In the centre of town, the Musée Départemental Franconie and the Musée des Cultures Guyanaises feature good exhibits on indigenous peoples and the notorious penal settlements on Devil’s Island. Lively cafes and market stalls are to be found in the Place des Palmistes.

• Kourou, the main French Space Centre, is something of a European enclave. Ultra-modern buildings now dominate the city and there are several restaurants and two good hotels. A tour of the Space Centre is a must.

• Iles du Salut include the infamous Devil’s Island where political prisoners were held. Do not miss the Iracoubo Church painted entirely by hand by the famous convict Huguet. There is a hotel (an ex-mess hall for the prison warders) on Ile Royale.

• Visit the Amerindian villages in Haut-Maroni and Haut-Oyapoc. Visits are restricted and a permission must be obtained from the Préfecture in Cayenne before arrival in the country.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.