What to do during a one-week trip to French Guiana?

Guiana, the little-known region of South America, is a true paradise for nature and culture lovers. With its vast Amazon rainforest, unique mix of cultures and traces of European space history, a week in French Guiana can be an unforgettable adventure. Here's how you could organize your stay to make the most of this French overseas department.

Day 1: Arrival in Cayenne

Start your adventure in French Guiana in the capital, Cayenne. Take the time to settle into your meublé de tourisme or vacation rental before exploring the city's colorful streets. Visit the Cayenne market to sample exotic fruits and local specialties such as poulet boucané. Don't miss the Franconia Museum for an insight into Guyanese history and culture.

Day 2: Îles du Salut

Schedule a day trip to the Îles du Salut, a group of three small islands famous for their historic use as a place of detention during the penal colony period. Île Royale, Île Saint-Joseph and Île du Diable offer a poignant blend of history and natural beauty. Take a guide to better understand the complex history of these islands.

The Îles du Salut, located off the coast of French Guiana, are a group of three small islands steeped in history and natural beauty. The islands are Île Royale, Île Saint-Joseph and Île du Diable, each of which served a different purpose during the penal colony period in French Guiana.

History

From 1852, the Îles du Salut became a penitentiary center for prisoners from the French mainland. Part of the wider penal system in French Guiana, this prison complex was renowned for its extremely harsh conditions. Devil's Island is particularly famous for having been the place where Alfred Dreyfus, a French army officer falsely accused of treason in what became known as the Dreyfus Affair, was held.

Île Royale

Île Royale is the largest of the three islands and served as the administrative center for the penal colony. Visitors can explore the ruins of the penitentiary, including the old hospital, the guards' quarters, and the museum that tells the story of the island. There's also a hotel and restaurant for overnight guests.

Île Saint-Joseph

Île Saint-Joseph was used for the isolation of prisoners. The solitary cells, where inmates were confined under severe conditions, can still be seen today. The island is less crowded than Île Royale, offering a more introspective and tranquil experience for visitors.

Devil's Island

Île du Diable, the smallest and most famous of the three, was reserved for political prisoners and those considered particularly dangerous. Because of its reputation and isolation, it became emblematic of the horror of the colonial prison system. Today, the island is not open to the general public for security reasons, but it can be seen from a distance from the other two islands.

Visit the Salvation Islands

The islands are accessible by boat from Kourou. The crossing takes around an hour and a half and offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Once there, visitors can stroll the trails, explore the ruins, and enjoy the wildlife, including capuchin monkeys and various bird species. The beaches around the islands, though limited, offer magnificent vistas for rest and reflection.

Tips for your visit

• PreparationBring sunscreen, hats and plenty of water, as the climate can be very hot and humid.
• HostingIf you wish to stay overnight, Île Royale offers accommodation options. It is advisable to book in advance.
• Respecting the site: The Salvation Islands are an important historical site. It is essential to respect the site and follow local guidelines for heritage conservation.

A visit to the Îles du Salut offers a unique window on a dark but fascinating chapter of French history, and a moment to reflect on human rights and justice.

Day 4: Cocoa and Roura

Cacao and Roura are two communities in eastern French Guiana, each offering unique attractions and rich cultural experiences for visitors.

Cocoa

Cacao is a picturesque village mainly inhabited by the Hmong community, refugees who came from Laos in the 1970s after the end of the Vietnam War. The village is nestled in the heart of the rainforest, offering a beautiful and peaceful natural setting.

Attractions in Cacao

• The Cocoa Market Hmong market: Held every Sunday, this market is the ideal place to discover Hmong culture. You'll find fresh local produce, traditional Lao dishes, colorful fabrics and handicrafts.
• The Insect Museum The museum, run by a passionate entomologist, features a vast collection of local and exotic insects, a fascinating attraction for children and adults alike.
• Hiking and Nature The village is an excellent starting point for hikes in the surrounding hills, offering spectacular views of the Amazon rainforest and its waterways.

Roura

Roura is a commune on the banks of the Oyapock River, less touristy than Cacao but offering a tranquil glimpse of life in eastern French Guiana.

Attractions in Roura

• The Kaw Mountains Roura is a gateway to the Kaw marshes nature reserve, where visitors can explore the region's exceptional biodiversity on boat excursions or hikes.
• Gabriel circuit A hiking trail winding through the jungle, ideal for nature lovers and photographers in search of pristine landscapes and wildlife encounters.
• River Activities Enjoy the waters of the river for a day of fishing, kayaking, or simply cooling off in the serene setting of the Oyapock.

Cultural Experiences

Visiting Cacao and Roura allows travelers to discover not only Guyana's rich biodiversity but also its cultural mosaic. Cacao, with its strong Hmong influence, offers a cultural contrast unique in French Guiana, exposing visitors to a community that has preserved its traditions and way of life in harmony with the local environment. Tasting a traditional Hmong meal, such as Pho or Larb, is an experience not to be missed.

Tips for Visitors

• Planning Although Cacao is relatively accessible, check the opening times and days of the attractions, especially if you're visiting on weekdays.
• Respect for local customs The communities of Cacao and Roura are proud of their heritage and their environment. It's important to respect their traditions and follow ecological guidelines when visiting these areas.
• Climate preparedness The region can be very humid, especially during the rainy season. Appropriate clothing and insect protection are recommended.

Day 5: Guiana Space Center in Kourou

A trip to French Guiana would be incomplete without a visit to the Guiana Space Center. Book a guided tour to explore the launch facilities and learn about astronomy and aerospace. On launch days, you can even watch an impressive show.

Day 6: Rorota trail and Montjoly beach

The Sentier du Rorota and Montjoly beach are two popular attractions located near Cayenne in French Guiana. They offer visitors remarkable nature and relaxation experiences, ideal for a day of exploration and relaxation.

Rorota trail

The Sentier du Rorota is a popular hiking trail, accessible to walkers of all abilities. It is located in the commune of Remire-Montjoly, just outside Cayenne.

Trail features

• LengthAbout 5 kilometers in a loop, the route can be completed in 2 to 3 hours, making it an excellent option for a morning or late afternoon outing.
• Fauna and floraThe trail passes through dense rainforest and is renowned for its abundant biodiversity. It is common to see agoutis, iguanas and a wide variety of birds such as toucans and hummingbirds. Early morning is a particularly good time for wildlife observation.
• Level of difficultyFitness level: Moderate. The trail is well-maintained, with some ascents and descents requiring a good level of fitness.

Visiting tips

• PreparationWear good walking shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks.
• ProtectionUse insect repellent and wear covering clothing to avoid bites and stings.
• Time of visitStart early in the morning to take advantage of the freshness and activity of the animals, or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat of mid-day.

Montjoly Beach

Also located in Remire-Montjoly, Montjoly beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the Cayenne region. It stretches along the Atlantic coast with spectacular ocean views.

Beach features

• Sand and waterThe beach is lined with golden sand with relatively calm waves, although swimming should be practised with caution due to currents.
• Sea turtlesMontjoly is an important nesting site for several species of sea turtle, notably the leatherback. The nesting season runs from April to August, during which night-time visits are regulated to protect the turtles.
• ActivitiesThe beach is a popular spot for jogging, surfing and kitesurfing, depending on weather conditions.

Visiting tips

• Respect for the environmentBe aware of the ecological importance of the beach, especially in terms of turtle nesting. Don't leave any garbage and avoid disturbing wild animals.
• SecurityPlease note local advice on swimming conditions and currents.
• EquipmentBring an umbrella, beach chairs and anything else you might need for a comfortable day by the sea, as on-site amenities can be limited.

Day 7: Culture and relaxation in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

End your week with a visit to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, located in the west near the border with Suriname. Explore the Camp de la Transportation, the historic departure point for deportees to Guyana's penal colony. Enjoy the local cafés and riverside for a final relaxing day.

Practical advice

• VaccinationsMake sure you're up to date with your vaccinations, especially against yellow fever.
• Protection against insectsTake mosquito repellents and covering clothing with you to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
• HydrationThe equatorial climate can be very humid and hot, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Respect for natureGuiana is a fragile ecosystem, so please respect the environment during your visits.

A trip to French Guiana is an adventure rich in discovery and emotion. Each day offers a new opportunity to explore a unique aspect of this French department rich in history, culture and biodiversity.