Discover the Best of French Guiana: Top Attractions and Cities

Nestled on the northeast coast of South America, the overseas region of French Guiana offers visitors a unique blend of French culture and stunning natural landscapes. Although often overlooked compared to more well-known South American destinations, French Guiana is filled with vibrant cities, diverse ecosystems, and many sites worth exploring. From rainforests to rocket launches, here is an overview of the top attractions and cities not to miss when visiting this overseas department of France.

Cayenne – The Cosmopolitan Capital

As the largest city and economic center of French Guiana, Cayenne makes an ideal starting point for visitors. This coastal city blends colonial architecture with modern amenities and offers a distinctly French flair. Top attractions include Place des Palmistes, a lively central plaza lined with cafés and palm trees, as well as Fort Cépérou, an 18th-century citadel overlooking the city. The Maison de la Culture et la Communication highlights local art and hosts cultural events, while the Central Market is perfect for sampling exotic fruits or picking up handicrafts. As a bonus, Cayenne is home to distinguished French Guianan cuisine that artfully combines French, Creole, Chinese, and indigenous influences.

Kourou – Gateway to the Stars

About 60km northwest up the coast from Cayenne lies the city of Kourou, known for the neighbouring Guiana Space Centre. Here visitors can take tours of facilities like the Jupiter launch control room and Space Museum to learn about French Guiana’s pivotal role in European space exploration. TIME TO GO Tours even offers views of rocket launches, allowing visitors to feel the power of a Soyuz or Ariane 5 rocket thunder into space. Beyond the space centre, Kourou also provides access to deserted beaches, coastal mangroves, and excellent sport fishing.

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni – Maroon and Penal History

Located along the Maroni River bordering Suriname, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni plays an important role in French Guiana’s unique culture. The city features a fascinating mix of influences from the native Maroon cultures as well as its history as a former penal colony. Visitors can tour the still-operational Penitentiary Complex to learn about Devil’s Island and its infamous inmates. The city also celebrates its blended heritage through major events like the Maroon Festival showcasing traditional music, dance, storytelling and more. Beyond the city itself, travelers can also arrange tours along the Maroni River into traditional Maroon villages.

Kaw Nature Reserve – Diverse Ecosystems

For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, the Kaw Nature Reserve offers a spectacular look into French Guiana’s abundant biodiversity. Situated at the southern edge of the country, this protected wetland area spans over 100,000 hectares encompassing mangroves, marshes, savannas, and forests. Wildlife sightings may include colorful birds like scarlet ibis, predators like jaguars and caimans, as well as monkeys, sloths, and ants. The area can be explored via boat tours and hiking trails, just be sure to go with a guide. Nearby accommodation includes eco-lodges that allow visitors to wake up immersed within the sounds of the Amazon.

Iracoubo Falls – Largest Waterfall

Nestled within the French Guianan rainforest, Iracoubo Falls earns the superlative as the widest waterfall in the country. The Iracoubo River tumbles nearly 20 meters over a 50-meter wide cliff, creating a straight, thin cascade during the dry season and a wide-arching torrent during the rainy months. Local guides lead tours to the falls year-round through the surrounding jungle terrain filled with wildlife encounters. While generally visited as a day trip from Cayenne, accommodation is also available at nearby guesthouses. Beyond taking in views during river tours, visitors can also swim at the base of the falls for a refreshing dip.

Remire-Montjoly Beach – scenic coastal escape

If looking to mix tropical scenery with city conveniences, Remire-Montjoly Beach offers the best of both worlds. This black sand beach stretches just a few kilometers from downtown Cayenne, easily accessed by bicycle or local bus. Families often come here to relax under palm shelters, enjoy beachside snacks from food carts, and let kids play in the ocean waves. While the waters are occasionally rough with patches of silty sand, the views of Cayenne’s skyline and lush green hills rising in the distance make it a postcard-perfect scene. Early mornings also make great times for spotting bright pink flamingos that frequent the beach.

Apatou – Maroon Artistry

Situated along the Maroni River, the village of Apatou makes a remote yet rewarding day trip for visitors interested in traditional Maroon culture. The village’s artisans are renowned for their intricate wood carvings, woven baskets, calabash gourds, and handmade jewelry using seeds and fiber from the forest. Travelers can watch craftspeople demonstrate their artistic processes before purchasing authentic handicrafts to take home as mementos. The village also reflects the Maroons’ rich musical heritage, with upbeat percussion and singing that brings neighbors together in the evenings. Tours typically involve a boat trip along the Maroni River for sightseeing opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

Papaïchton – Hiking and Birdwatching

Nature lovers with a taste for adventure will want to visit Papaïchton, a former mining village situated within the lush tropical forest. After the mining closure left the area uninhabited, the surrounding jungle vegetation quickly reclaimed the space. Today the ghost town’s dilapidated buildings make an atmospheric backdrop for hiking trails to waterfalls, rivers, and old mining relics reclaimed by tree roots and vines. The abundant biodiversity also makes Papaïchton one of the premier birdwatching sites in French Guiana, with over 500 species spotted so far. Visitors willing to make the journey are rewarded with a true off-the-beaten-path experience and plenty of wild encounters.

As this overview shows, French Guiana offers much more than meets the eye at first glance. Foodies, nature enthusiasts, culture vultures, and even aspiring astronauts can all find sites catered to their interests amongst these top attractions and cities. By blending influences from France, South America, Africa, and its native peoples, French Guiana has crafted its own vibrant identity as a destination that celebrates creativity, biodiversity, and an innovative spirit. So next time you are plotting tropical vacations, save a spot on your list for French Guiana!