From the Creole capital to the depths of the Amazon — each region of French Guiana tells a unique story. Choose yours.
83,534 km² of territory of which 96% is Amazon rainforest. French Guiana is the largest French department — and one of the wildest in the world.
Cayenne is much more than a transit point — it is a vibrant, mixed, surprising city. Its colourful facades, its bustling central market, its unique gastronomy born from ten different cultures... Cayenne is a destination in its own right.
This is where everything begins: flights land, adventures are prepared, and flavours are discovered. Take time to explore before plunging into the jungle.
The historic heart of the city, lined with royal palms
Creole spices, exotic fruits, local crafts — open Saturday mornings
Amazonian wildlife in its natural habitat, ideal for families
Colombo, acras, bouillon d'awara — an unrivalled mixed cuisine
Leatherback turtle nesting site 15 min from the city centre
One of the longest and most colourful in the Caribbean (Jan–Feb)
Félix Éboué Airport — direct flights from Paris (9h), Martinique, Guadeloupe
2 to 4-star hotels, Creole guesthouses, city centre apartments
Car rental recommended to explore the surroundings
60km from Cayenne, Kourou is the city of the stars. This is where Ariane rockets have launched since 1968 — an extraordinary technological and human adventure, situated on the Atlantic coast, at the edge of the jungle.
Visiting the Guiana Space Centre means getting as close as possible to European space conquest history. And if luck is on your side, you will witness a launch live — a spectacle that vibrates to the bone.
Guided tour of the facilities, Space Museum, launch zones
By boat from Kourou — former penal colony, wildlife, turquoise waters
Panoramic view of the river and surrounding jungle
Sea trips from the port of Kourou
The public observation zone allows viewing launches from 10km
Observation of reptiles and birds in the coastal savanna
60km from Cayenne via RN1 — 1h drive or shuttle
Hôtels en ville, lodges côtiers, campements sur les Salvation Islands
Plan your visit during a launch — calendar on our newsletter
Awala-Yalimapo is an Amerindian village of the Galibi community, nestled at the mouth of the Maroni, facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most important leatherback sea turtle nesting sites in the world — a rare natural and human treasure.
Between April and August, hundreds of giant turtles come ashore at nightfall to lay their eggs. Watching this age-old ritual, accompanied by an Amerindian guide, is an experience that touches the essence of life.
Guided nights on Yalimapo beach — April to August
Meeting with the community, traditional crafts
Ramsar classified site — internationally important wetland
Scarlet ibis, egrets, magnificent frigatebirds
Canoe walks between the two banks
Spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic
280km from Cayenne via RN1 — 4h drive or minibus
Traditional huts, local guesthouses, camps — book early in season
Night turtle outings are mandatory with an approved guide
The Maroni is the border river between French Guiana and Suriname — a vital artery of 612km connecting the Atlantic to the depths of the Amazon. On its banks live the Bushinengué communities, descendants of African slaves who rebuilt their ancestral cultures in the forest.
Travelling up the Maroni by canoe means crossing magnificent landscapes, stopping in isolated villages and sharing moments of rare humanity. Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, the border town, is the starting point of all river adventures.
The most authentic way to discover the interior
Aluku, Ndjuka, Saramaka — preserved cultures and traditions
The former Saint-Laurent penal colony — deportation history
Wood sculptures, decorated paddles, traditional basketry
Caimans, manatees, giant otters, piranhas
Canoe crossing — unique border atmosphere
256km from Cayenne — 3h30 drive to Saint-Laurent
Hotels in Saint-Laurent, traditional carbets in villages
Pass required for certain areas — included in our stays
Saül is a village of 200 inhabitants perched in the heart of the Guianese forest, surrounded by mountains and primary jungle. It is only accessible by light aircraft from Cayenne — giving it a timeless atmosphere, far from all agitation.
It is a hiker's paradise and a haven for lovers of silence. Ten marked trails cross the surrounding massifs, leading to waterfalls, rocky peaks and breathtaking panoramas over the infinite canopy.
Panoramic view of the valley — 2h return, accessible to all
Majestic waterfall in the heart of the jungle — 4h walk
Highest point in French Guiana (782m) — 2-day hike
Wild orchids, bromeliads, tree ferns
Thousands of insect species — a naturalist's paradise
Zero light pollution — the finest starry nights in French Guiana
Light aircraft Cayenne–Saül (45 min) — 2 to 3 flights/week depending on season
Family guesthouses, rustic carbets — authentic village atmosphere
Book flight + accommodation in advance — very limited capacity
À 15km off Kourou, trois îles — Royale, Saint-Joseph et Diable — forment l'archipel des Salvation Islands. The former penal colony made famous by the story of Papillon, these islands are today a place of memory, nature and breathtaking beauty.
The ruins of the former prisons blend with lush vegetation and astonishing fauna — howler monkeys, sea turtles, lemon sharks in the clear waters. A unique place where history and nature respond to each other.
Île Royale — cells, chapel, refectory still standing
Crystal clear waters, coral, harmless lemon sharks
Roaming freely on Île Royale since the penal colony closed
Everywhere on the island — tamed, they approach visitors
Place of detention of Dreyfus — visible from Île Royale
Sleep in the former wardens' quarters — unique experience
Boat from Kourou port — 45 min crossing, daily departures
Hammocks in historic bungalows or tent — unique atmosphere
Dry season (Aug–Nov) for the boat crossing
Everything you need to know before travelling to French Guiana.
Direct flights Paris CDG → Cayenne (Félix Éboué) in 9h. Air France and Corsair operate regular services. From the Caribbean: 1h30 flight.
National ID card or valid passport. French Guiana is a French department — no visa required for EU citizens.
Yellow fever vaccine mandatory. Anti-malarial treatment recommended depending on areas. Consult your doctor 6 weeks before departure.
Euro (€) — French territory. Average budget: €100–200/day on an organised stay. Bank cards accepted in Cayenne and Kourou.
Hot and humid tropical climate. 27°C average all year. Two rainy seasons (Dec–Feb and Apr–Jul). Best period: August–November.
4G network in Cayenne and Kourou. Limited coverage inland. In deep jungle and Saül: plan for offline. French plans valid.
Combine several destinations in a tailor-made stay. Our team takes care of everything — transport, accommodation, guides.