Journey into the heart of South America’s hidden gem, where French allure meets Amazonian wilderness. Delve deep into French Guiana’s unique blend of European heritage and vibrant South American spirit, set against a backdrop of pristine rainforests and captivating coastlines.
Counting Brazil and Suriname among its neighbours in the Atlantic Ocean, French Guiana is a lush, tropical location dense with rainforest. Only small sections of the nation are inhabited, with 41% of French Guiana’s beautiful landscape given up to the Guiana Amazonian Park.
The outermost region of the EU, the nation is perhaps not as Gallic in temperament as other French departments. Indeed, with the influence of historical colonialism, dense rainforest and the nearby thrum of South America, its national identity is nuanced. Travel can be difficult there, but those willing to make an effort will be rewarded with incredible natural beauty. Not to mention stretches of stunning coastline where many of the nation’s vibrant cities and towns are located.
Vital Statistics
Population: 249,000+
Language: French, French Guianese Creole
Major Cities: Cayenne, Kourou, Saint Laurent-du-Maroni
Currency: Euro
History
Discovered by the Spanish in the 15th century, French Guiana was fought over by the French, British and Dutch until the 19th century, when the first established colonies. Following the displacement of the natives, the nation was briefly used to source gold before being turned into a penal colony for French prisoners. It would gain its Oversees Department status following World War Two. Since the 1960s, one of the nation’s top attractions has been the European Space Centre, which is still used today by astronauts from across Europe to launch rockets and satellites beyond the atmosphere of the Earth.
Main Attractions
Centre Spatial Guyanais
One of the homes of the European Space Agency, the Centre Spatial Guyanais, is based in Kourou. A three-hour bus tour will take you around this incredible feat of space exploration, including a visit to the launch pad where 2/3 of satellite launches now occur. The nation’s closeness to the equator helps rockets take off with less energy, making it the perfect place for space travel. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of a rocket launch!
Camp de la Transportation
Alternately known as the Prison of St Laurent-du-Maroni, this camp is an expertly preserved former prison that once housed the nation’s central penal colony. Restored in the 1980s, the camp was mainly a temporary housing centre for prisoners, the more violent of which would be sent to the nearby Devil’s Island.
Cayenne Central Market
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of French Guiana’s centre at the Cayenne Central Market. Here, cultures clash in a rainbow of sounds, flavours and sights, with plenty to taste and explore – all for very reasonable prices. Pack up your euros and head to Cayenne for delicious Vietnamese pho, lush fruit and vegetable stands, spices, African paintings and authentic, local Amerindianise baskets.
Tresor Nature Reserve
Around 20km from the commune of Roura, the Tresor Nature Reserve is a stunning reserve of marshland, mountains and savannah land. According to local records, the reserve is home to over a thousand plant species and more than 170 types of mammals and reptiles, many of which are incredibly rare. Be sure to look out for the resident butterfly population too.
Plage Les Hattes
Though initially seeming like an unassuming beach, the Plage les Hattes is one of the nation’s best places to see turtles. Found in Mana & Awala-Yalimopo, the beach is a nesting place for giant leatherback turtles. From April to July, the females come to shore and lay eggs. The babies tend to hatch and return to the ocean between July and September – and it’s truly an experience not to miss.
Eating & Drinking
Inspired by the cuisines of France and its neighbouring South American countries, French Guiana has some fantastic things to eat and drink.
Awara Broth: A Guianan creole dish made with the pulp of the Awara tree, the stew uses local meats, fish and vegetables to create a flavoursome stew. An old proverb suggests that those who try this stew will be fated to continually return to Guiana.
Smoked fish & meat: These are common ingredients in many Guianian dishes, influenced by Creole flavours and cuisines. The most popular include crab, chicken, pork, sardines and snapper.
Countess: A typical sweet treat in the nation, the Countess is a small, shortbread cake. You’ll usually find it served with fruit sorbets and salads.
Ti Punch: Another choice popular across the French islands and countries in the Atlantic, Ti’ Punch is a rum-based drink with lime zest and cane syrup. Usually served as an aperitif, it’s the perfect thing to cool off with on a hot, tropical day.
French Guiana is difficult to explore but well worth the visit. A beautiful, tropical paradise in the Atlantic, it’s the perfect natural retreat for those looking for good heat, good food and a French vibe, unlike the mainland.