Sights in Cayenne
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A
Rémire-Montjoly
Collectively known as Rémire-Montjoly (though actually two separate towns) this area of long sweeping beaches offers some of the best waterfront in the country; unfortunately it's often plagued by biting sand flies.
Plage Montjoly is the best of the beaches, accessible by bus or taxi, and its breezy waters are drawing increasing numbers of kitesurfers - there are no rentals or schools, but those with their own gear can ask around the beach for more information. The Montjoly area has historical ruins at Fort Diamant as well as hiking trails along the lakes at Le Rorota and to the top of Montagne du Mahury, which offer stunning views. It's a 5km (3mi) hike into Grand Matou…
reviewed
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B
Cacao
A tiny slice of Laos in Guiana, Cacao is a village of sparkling clear rivers, vegetable plantations and no-nonsense wooden houses on stilts. The Hmong refugees, who left Laos in the 1970s, keep their town a safe, peaceful haven and it's now a favorite weekend trip for locals from Cayenne.
Sunday, market day, is the best time for a visit (go by 10:00, before the tour buses arrive) if you want to shop for Hmong embroidery and weaving, and to feast on a smorgasbord of Laotian treats. If you're looking for a quieter escape you'll be the only visitor in town mid-week.
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C
Musée Départemental
The centrally located Musée Départemental features a frighteningly large stuffed black caiman, as well as other preserved local critters, an ethnobotanical display, and an airconditioned 'butterfly room', easily missed because it is poorly marked.
The upstairs area recaptures life in the old penal colony and displays some Amerindian handicrafts.
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D
Main Market
Cayenne's Main Market, is a vibrant jumble of Hmong handicrafts, African-style paintings, piles of exotic spices (with great bargains on saffron!) and science fiction-looking fruits and veggies. The indoor soup stalls serve up the best Vietnamese pho in the Guianas.
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E
Musée des Cultures Guyanaises
The Musée des Cultures Guyanaises devotes itself to Guiana's early history, from its geologic formation through pre-colonial, Amerindian times. It houses a relaxing, air-conditioned library (upstairs) with publications in French, English and various other languages.
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F
Fort Cépérou
The remains of the 17th-century Fort Cépérou may not look like much, but the views of the town, the port and the Cayenne River make a visit worthwhile. The fort was built on land bought by the first French colonists from the Galibi Indians in 1643.
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G
Botanical Gardens
Escape city fumes across town at the sizable Botanical Gardens created in 1879, which today flourishes with a diverse selection of Guianese flora.
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H
Bar Les Palmistes
Shady Place des Palmistes, which usually harbors a few strays from the local crack scene, is best observed from afar at the Bar Les Palmistes.
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