Introducing French Guiana
French Guiana is a little country of pristine rainforests that has both the luck and misfortune of being colonized by France (and is thus a member of the EU). It’s the wealthiest region of this corner, with France pouring in the funds to insure a stable base for its satellite launcher; everyone from Brazil to Suriname tries to cross the border in hopes of high-paying jobs and unemployment benefits. Yet the country lacks the smiling simplicity of its struggling neighbors. On the one hand it’s a fascinating destination of cleaned-up colonial architecture, eerie prison camp history (that involved the colorful characters of Papillon and Alfred Dreyfus) and some of the most diverse plant and animal life in the world; on the other hand, its heart seems buried beneath a cold European hand uninterested in seeing its people reach their full potential.
Advertisement
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
-
A first-timer’s guide to the Guianas
9 January 2013
The Guianas: Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana hide so well under their blanket of South America...
-
The world’s best secret islands
12 June 2012
Looking for a romantic spot that’s (almost) all yours? Here’s a list from our brand new Best in Travel 2011...
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
Advertisement
French Guiana
Things to do
- All things to do (44)
- Activities (3)
- Entertainment (3)
- Restaurants (9)
- Shopping (3)
- Sights (26)
- Tours (0)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For French Guiana
-
1 Awala-Yalimopo during turtle egg-laying season
Feel like a part of the circle of life as you watch the peaceful ritual of dinosaur-like leatherback turtles laying their eggs in the moonlit sand
-
2 Îles du Salut
Take an island holiday while exploring the chillingly lovely remains of French Guiana’s most famous penal colonies
-
3 Centre Spatial Guyanais (Guianese Space Center)
Learn all you ever wanted to know about the big business of satellite launching or, if you’re timing is lucky, watch the Ariane 5 blast into space
-
4 Best journey
Drive to the buzzing jungle of Trésor Nature Reserve where you can stop to walk through tropical forests and then drive on to the bird-filled savannas and marshlands of Kaw
-
5 Off the beaten track
Hike the Sentier Molokoï de Cacao where your only deep jungle companions will be capuchin monkeys, enormous snakes, insects and a slew of other exotic plants and critters – including ravenous mosquitoes