Things to see and do Coastline

Lionel and his friendly team invite you to discover the canopy at your own pace... Climbing to the top, on the 2 36 m high observatories (and 2 42 m perches now!), is an unforgettable experience. From the arboreal carbet 10 m above ground, where you sleep in a hammock, you can zip-line, abseil and hike along the trails of Mont Saint-Michel. You can also explore the river by kayak. A memorable experience in the middle of the forest (allow 2 hours by pirogue to reach the camp)!

After a 20-minute pirogue ride on the Acarouany, discover the carbets of the Javouhey Randonnées association, located on the Bois Bandé site. The friendly Mr. Li or one of his sons will lead you on a hike (approx. 2 hours) along a trail to discover the species and plants of French Guiana. At the end of the walk, you'll learn all about Hmong trapping techniques. If you're spending the night - which is highly recommended - bring your own food, as a barbecue is available. A very pleasant stay for nature lovers.

This CNES space launch facility, based in Kourou, covers an area of 69,000 hectares. Visitors can either take a guided tour, or attend a launch.

Visit the Guiana Space Center.The CSG authorities organize guided tours which are free of charge and open all year round, Monday to Friday, to anyone over the age of 8. Valid identification is required. Visits are suspended the day before, the day of and the day after a launch. Access to the facilities remains subject to operations: tours may therefore be modified to ensure visitor safety. Visits take place twice a day from Monday to Thursday and on Friday mornings (average duration: 3h30 to 4h). Meet at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. for check-in, then depart by bus for a 3-hour tour of all the launch zones and the Ariane launch center. Finally, visit the Jupiter room until around 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. or 4:30 p.m.-5 p.m.

Watch a launch. By 2023, the number of launches has dropped to just under 10 a year, all launchers combined. If your stay coincides with a launch, try to attend the show. Requests for invitations to a launch are free of charge. Invitations are limited to the number of places available, and sites are activated according to personal protection constraints.book in advance and reserve online: cnes-csg.fr - ✆ 05 94 33 44 53 - Mail: [email protected]. To be admitted to the Agami site (7.5 km from the launcher), you must be over 16. For Ibis, Venus and the Jupiter VIP room, the age limit is 14. However, the Carapa site (12.5 km from the launch zone) remains open to the public without invitation or age restriction. It is located on the mountain of the same name, just outside Kourou. The site can accommodate around 1,450 people. Although access is free, once this number has been reached, it will no longer be possible to enter. We therefore advise you to arrive well in advance, bearing in mind that the site opens 2 hours before the launch. Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera. Other popular sites in Kourou on launch days are the beach and the summit of Monkey Mountain. In Cayenne, head for Place des Amandiers, where you'll find plenty of entertainment (and sometimes a giant screen)!

The largest of the three islands in the archipelago, Île Royale is the starting point for a visit to the islands, with its many buildings. Once you've disembarked, you'll follow the coastal road to the left and take a paved path to the top of the island. It is in this vast clearing that most of the island's prison heritage is concentrated.

Inaugurated in 1855, the chapel was very active in the early years of the penal colony. The chapel walls are decorated with frescoes by the convict Lagrange. Leaving the church, you can see the sisters' house and the maternity ward where, for years, nuns devoted themselves to alleviating the suffering of convicts. As the military hospital testifies, Royale was an important health care center in French Guiana. Its healthier climate facilitated certain cures. The hospital was only open to prison staff, and convicts were only admitted in exceptional circumstances, if not to die.

Facing the hospital and the lighthouse next door is a heliport and a strange, modern building that stands out in such surroundings: the cinetheodolite. This ultra-sophisticated device can both locate the position of the launcher in flight with extreme precision, and collect images of Ariane, even at night, thanks to infrared. Leaving the helicopter pad on the right, the tour continues along a small path leading downhill. As the island is a fully protected reserve, you'll come across many animals that are not very shy. Below, you come to the children's cemetery, where the sons and daughters of the guards' families are buried. A few metres further on, on the left, is a sinister building: the morgue. Here, the bodies of dead convicts were stored before being thrown into the sea.

From themorgue, retrace your steps and follow the path overlooking the ocean, offering superb views of the coastline in places. Take time to admire the magnificent hibiscus and bougainvillea along the way. On the left, below, a few wood pigs seem perfectly at home in a vast pool of uninviting mud. At the end of the path, you come to the warders' quarters and cells. Overseers spent a minimum of two years on the islands, where they could stay with their families. A school was also set up here, enabling children to attend school.

The cell block, made up of three groups of buildings, is undoubtedly the most sinister part of the island. In these dungeons, some inmates served their sentences, while others, condemned to death, awaited execution. Leaving the cellblock, we discover a vast freshwater pit used to collect rainwater. This pit is in fact a former quarry from which raft rock, the main building material used on the island, was extracted.

Behind the pit is the Îles du Salut hotel-restaurant, housed in the former penitentiary buildings. A large covered terrace serves as an outdoor dining room, offering a splendid panorama of Devil's Island. In the large room that houses both the bar and the hotel reception, photos testify to the site's vocation for deep-sea fishing.

Behind the inn are the ruins of the semaphore. This system, similar to a visual telegraph, was used to communicate with the mainland. In Kourou, near the Hôtel des Roches, the Dreyfus Tower housed a similar device. A plaque on the semaphore wall commemorates the fact that Seznec was unjustly sentenced to 20 years' hard labor here. Nearby, slightly lower down, the director's house magnificently overlooks the Baie des Cocotiers. It houses a museum retracing the penitentiary history of the îles du Salut and serves as a visitor center. From the director's house, a path leads down to the ocean on the seaward side. You then reach Anse Legoff, the only part of the island where it's safe to swim: this is the "convicts' pool". In the days of the penal colony, the waters were infested with sharks, which did not hesitate to come close to the shore. To protect themselves from these predators, the convicts laid out huge rocks in a square plan, creating a seawater pool. The pool was used mainly for body care, which was the prisoners' only leisure activity.

Returning to the path around the island towards Devil's Island, a few dozen metres further on you come across the ferry. In the past, this small cableway was used to bring supplies to Devil's Island and to relieve the guards. From here, you can see the Dreyfus hut on Devil's Island. Following the same path, you finally reach the south jetty, which marks the entrance to Baie des Cocotiers and the end of the tour. Shortly before this, the path offers a magnificent panorama of Île Saint-Joseph, and is well worth a short stroll before setting off.

In the heart of French Guiana, the ideal wildlife refuge awaits you for unforgettable moments of wonder and pleasure! 450 animals from 80 species await you. Wide-angle viewing areas and a large, immersive greenhouse allow you to get up close and personal with the animals: from fearsome snakes to imposing reptiles, from powerful wildcats to mischievous monkeys, from heavenly birds to noisy birds of prey, all formidable representatives of Guiana's and the world's biodiversity. Every Wednesday and Saturday at 3pm, the zoo's caretakers and ethologists take you to the heart of their work, sharing their daily lives with the animals.

And don't forget the zoo's exclusive attraction: a ride through the rainforest on suspension bridges, a safe way to admire the flora and fauna in a unique way! The Zoo de Guyane is a member of EAZA, a genuine quality label. A distinction of which the team is very proud, and a guarantee of quality and respect for animal welfare.

A special feature: take a walk in the tropical treetops. Discover the joys of a pleasant walk several meters above the marshes, stroll in complete confidence and enjoy a unique view of the forest. Climb from tree to tree on suspended walkways... Listen to the songs of the forest, observe plants like you've never seen them before: wild vanilla, palms and epiphytes, discover the birds... If you're lucky, you might even come across a group of tree monkeys!

The Kourou tourist office informs you about all the tourist offers in the town. Brochures and maps of the town are available. Unfortunately, opening times are not always respected. Friendly, attentive staff.

In addition to the main office, there's another information point at the Balourous pontoon (avenue du Général-de-Gaulle), open for departures, Monday to Saturday, 7.30am to 8.45am and 4.45pm to 6pm.

In the penitentiary organization, Devil's Island was a place of deportation, a treatment reserved for political prisoners who were sought to be isolated from the rest of the world. One of the first of these men was Charles Delescluze, a Paris Commune leader convicted of conspiracy in 1849. It was on this 14-hectare rock that Captain Dreyfus landed on April 13, 1895. For four long years, he occupied the island, alone with a few warders who scrupulously ensured his isolation. During his stay, nothing was spared for Dreyfus, who found himself in irons in his hut for several weeks at a time. In deep despair, he would spend hours silently gazing out over the ocean, sitting on a stone bench that can still be seen at the tip of the island, near the tip of the Caribbean.

Without the charisma and courage of his supporters, the most famous of whom was Zola, Dreyfus could have ended his days on Devil's Island, as some of his detractors wanted. After Dreyfus's departure in June 1899, other political prisoners were deported to the island, many of them anarchists. By this time, prison conditions had eased considerably, and these men served their sentences under a regime of semi-liberty without compulsory work. Listed as a historic monument, the Dreyfus house has benefited from a restoration program financed by the CNES.

The history of this penitentiary is relatively poorly described in Guyanese literature, with frequent contradictions. The establishment was set up in 1931 to deport Indochinese nationals guilty of crimes or who had been too vocal in their pro-independence intentions. The majority of these prisoners came from the Annam region in central Vietnam, which explains the camp's name.

The prison operated until 1938, but for most of the deportees, the journey to French Guiana was a one-way trip. Constantly on the lookout for workers, the colonial authorities hoped that the released prisoners would stay on to develop the land. When this became a compulsory rule, the prisoners revolted violently, but their insurrection was crushed without mercy. Detention conditions were extremely harsh at the Annamite camp. Austere dungeons, hard labor and iron discipline combined with a climate conducive to the development of numerous diseases, including malaria, which wreaked havoc in the area.

Scattered here and there, the remains of the penal colony are now abandoned. Rust-ridden and overgrown, they make for a surprisingly gloomy sight. At the entrance to the trail, a veritable forest tunnel, a sign provides a few historical landmarks about the penitentiary. The visit is divided into two successive itineraries. The first section takes around 40 minutes. After this pleasant walk, you come to a clearing where most of the remains of the penal colony are grouped together. You'll discover wagons, cells... You can also take the second part of the trail, which for a while follows an old railroad installed by the convicts (approx. 30-40 minutes' walk). The trail ends at the small Anguille creek, where you can swim and picnic. If you're tempted to take a dip, be careful, as stingrays and eels can lurk beneath the sandbanks! Although the path is not very well signposted, it's hard to get lost if you stick to the wooden slats on the ground, which show you the way. It's an easy stroll, but as with any walk, you'll need comfortable footwear, as the whole circuit is 7 km long.

The day's program promises to be a busy one aboard this beautiful 18 m catamaran. Head for Île Royale, with tea, coffee and cookies during the crossing. After a boat ride to get closer to the mythical Devil's Island, you'll be disembarked on Royale for a free tour of this historic site. Possibility of swimming and picnicking on board (please bring your own) at the lovely anchorage on Île Saint-Joseph. After this convivial moment, disembark on Saint-Joseph, a wilder island with its famous shell beach. Return to Kourou with a musical Punch.

The Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales is a public industrial and commercial establishment, created in 1961: it is the French space agency. As such, it is responsible for France's space policy: its main missions are to analyze issues, manage major programs, lead the industry, operate national systems and support research. Its centers are located in Paris, Toulouse and the Centre Spatial Guyanais in French Guiana, which is open to the public.

The site, located on the grounds of the Centre Spatial (CSG) and maintained by the ONF, is magnificent. You can choose between the botanical trail, a loop of around 650 m, or the more challenging 3.3 km trail over the summit of Montagne des Singes: the sentier de la Montagne. From here, you have a magnificent viewpoint, not to mention the diversity of the environments traversed. There's a carbet under which you can picnic and stretch out your hammock. The paths are easy to follow, but it's best to stay on them. Stay safe and enjoy!

The Musée de l'Espace is a complementary visit to the CSG, which aeronautics fans and other cosmo-curious visitors won't want to miss: themed tour, interactive animations, real-life models, selection of scientific and technical films, educational and interactive multimedia space where children can linger for a long time, temporary exhibitions... There's plenty to do! There's also a small store selling books on the history of the site and souvenirs (posters, models, gadgets, caps, etc.).

Île Saint-Joseph was chosen as a site for solitary confinement: where strong heads were sent to serve their sentences. The "man-eater" and the "dry guillotine" were among the island's sinister nicknames. Today, tropical vegetation has invaded the stone ruins: roots and creepers intertwine between the bars of the abandoned dungeons. A walk that can be a little chilling, but not without a touch of the dreamlike.

From the landing stage, there are two paths: one circles the island, the other splits it in 2 at its summit, where you'll find the Reclusion camp. Once in the camp, you'll discover thedormitory, then the cells. The cells had openings only in the ceiling, enabling the guards to keep an eye on the prisoners from above. Convicts were subjected to hard labor for 10 hours a day, and were allowed one walk a day within the camp walls. They were not allowed to communicate with each other, hence the nickname "Island of Silence". There were also a number of totally dark cells, where the most difficult convicts were locked up in absolute darkness, sometimes for several years.

As you head for the shore, you'll come to the warden's family quarters, then the staff cemetery, overlooking a small beach of volcanic rock where a swim is in order. A path leads to the pontoon, where you'll find the janitor's quarters, now converted into a rest station for the French Foreign Legion.

What a marvellous sight the flight of red ibises in the twilight! These majestic bipeds make their home in the Sinnamary estuary, where hundreds of ibises gather to feast at night. Joseph, a passionate guide, will take you in his pirogue to the front row of this moving moment: the flight of groups of these magnificent birds is enchanting. Don't forget to dress appropriately and take your mosquito repellent: between dog and wolf, mosquitoes attack!

French Guiana deserved a real botanical garden. And now it's here: over 250 species of Guyanese orchids and 4,000 plant species make up this enchanted one-hectare garden. To get the most out of the place, it's essential to follow its master, Aurélien, to listen to his invaluable explanations and stories, which make the two hours you spend there a unique experience. The trail is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Accommodation available.

The interior walls of this late ^19th-century church (dedicated to Saint Joseph) have been covered with original frescoes, justifying its classification as a historic monument since June 8, 1978. The paintings, the work of convict Pierre Huguet, a recidivist escapee under house arrest at Father Raffray's, cover some 600 m² of the church's interior. The work was carried out in 1892 and 1898. One day, Huguet, who was living in the presbytery, escaped. It was later learned that he perished in tragic circumstances. A historic stopover.

This magnificent river, one of the most powerful in French Guiana, has been cut off since 1993 by a major hydroelectric structure: the controversial Petit Saut dam. The river can be travelled upstream from Petit Saut, between Kourou and Sinnamary, via the RN 1. Many beautiful jumps have been drowned by this huge artificial lake, making it much easier to navigate (and for illegal gold miners, too). A number of tourism professionals offer activities to discover the upper Sinnamary, which remains a magnificent, little-visited area with abundant wildlife.

This former residence of the prison director is now the property of the Conservatoire du Littoral. Now restored, it has been transformed into a historical and cultural information and visitor center. Inside, you're sure to come across one of the center's generally well-designed temporary exhibitions (in addition to the permanent one), as well as postcards, souvenirs and historical works... The chronological panels on the walls are highly instructive. A recommended stopover.

The Albatros is a catamaran with a maximum capacity of twelve people, ensuring a certain degree of intimacy on a trip to the Isles of Salut. Departure is from the fishermen's pontoon in Kourou at 7:30 am, with a return scheduled for around 6 pm. The crossing lasts one hour, and fresh water and tea are offered on board. You'll be able to make the most of your day between a visit to Île Royale and a picnic on the beach of Île Saint-Joseph (bring your own lunch). A short tour of the islands is scheduled for later in the day.

Experienced guide Thomas offers a variety of tours starting from the Balata creek, offering a wide range of activities: canoeing, kayaking, hiking, daytime and nighttime pirogue trips, archery, fishing, botanical trails and flora discovery, all in a very pleasant, flower-filled natural environment. Sleeping is in hammocks (camp capacity 20 people) and in beds (2 double beds) in magnificent traditional carbets. Meals, hammock, mosquito net and blanket are included in the price.