French Guiana

Welcome to French Guiana

Capital of French Guiana: Cayenne
Population of French Guiana: 0.3 million - 13th in South America
Size of French Guiana: 83,534 km2 - 13th in South America
Language in French Guiana: French

The only part of South America still governed by an overseas country, the tropical, rainforest-covered French Guiana is the second largest region of France. The department was used by France as a penal colony in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with several islands that you can visit today used as prisons where inmates were forced to catch butterflies. On a trip to French Guiana, you can witness different ecosystems, diverse plant and animal life, as well a mix of cultures influenced by French colonization and a large immigrant population.

Highlights

The Guiana Space Centre with a rocket launch set against the lush Amazon rainforest., captures the unique blend of advanced space technology and pristine tropical wilderness that defines French Guiana.

Take a day tour of the capital and chief port, Cayenne, with its beautiful buildings, museums and lovely gardens
Picnic at the picture-perfect Fourgasse Falls
Canoe the wild rapids of Hermina, Counamana, Iracabo, and Kouru
Visit the legendary Devil’s Island and the stunning hand-painted Iracoubo Church
Mountain bike in forest areas and scenic sites like Saul, St Laurent, Montsinery-Tonnegrade and St Georges
Explore gorgeous Mouragues Nature Reserve
Tour the Space Center
Trek the thick jungles
Spot turtles at Montjoly and fish in the open sea around Devil’s Island
Take part in carnival celebrations during Mardi Gras season