Best things to do in French Guiana

• Capital: Cayenne
• Language(s): French
• Currency: Euro (€) (EUR)
• Dial Code: + 594

Travel Guide to French Guiana: Untamed Rainforests, Space Rockets, and More Than Just Mosquitoes

If you're craving an adventure far off the beaten path, French Guiana might just be your next favorite destination. Nestled on the northern Atlantic coast of South America, bordered by Brazil and Suriname, this mysterious overseas region of France is where tropical rainforest meets French flair, and rocket launches coexist with sloths in the trees. Confused? Don’t worry—we’ll break it all down in this travel guide to French Guiana, packed with tips, places to visit, and all the wild things to do.

Spoiler: This is not your typical baguette-and-Berets France. Get ready for jungle treks, spaceports, and some of the most untouched nature you'll ever see.

French Guiana 101: The Basics Before You Board the Plane

French Guiana is officially part of France. Yes, the European Union flag flutters over government buildings, and the local currency is the euro. If you're picturing croissants under palm trees, you're not entirely wrong.

With an area of 83,534 km² and a population of just around 300,000 (less than many small European towns), this place is one of the least densely populated regions in the world. Most of the action happens in Cayenne, the capital, where half the population lives. Outside the city? Expect pristine rainforest, winding rivers, and some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.

Why Travel to French Guiana?

Because it’s different. It’s not a typical tourist magnet, and that’s what makes it magical. You won't find Eiffel Towers or chic cafés on every corner—but you will find real adventure. This is the land where French bureaucracy meets Amazonian wilderness. It’s where space exploration rubs shoulders with indigenous cultures. And did we mention the food is amazing?

Now let’s dive into the best places to visit in French Guiana and the most unique things to do while you’re here.

Top Attractions in French Guiana

Cayenne: The Capital with a Tropical Twist

Start your sightseeing in French Guiana in Cayenne, a quirky city with colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and enough Creole charm to keep you wandering happily for a couple of days. The Place des Palmistes is the main square, perfect for people-watching and sipping a cool drink. Be sure to visit Fort Cépérou, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the Cayenne River.

And if you’re into flavor, head to the Cayenne Market for spicy Creole dishes, tropical fruit, and maybe even a few bites you won’t be able to identify—but that’s part of the fun.

Kourou and the Guiana Space Centre

One of the most mind-blowing things to do in French Guiana? Watching a rocket launch. That’s right—this lush jungle region is home to Europe’s Spaceport, officially called the Centre Spatial Guyanais.

The Guiana Space Centre in Kourou is where the European Space Agency (ESA) launches rockets into orbit. You can tour the facilities, learn how space tech works, and—if your timing is right—even witness a launch. Nothing says “memorable vacation” like watching a massive rocket shoot into the sky while you stand barefoot in the tropics.

Îles du Salut: From Hell to Paradise

Just off the coast of Kourou, you’ll find one of the most intriguing places to visit in French Guiana—the Îles du Salut, or Salvation Islands. Once home to the infamous Devil’s Island penal colony, these islands have a dark history. Prisoners were sent here in the 19th and 20th centuries, most famously Captain Alfred Dreyfus, whose imprisonment became a political scandal in France.

Today, the islands are lush and peaceful, with swaying palms, quiet beaches, and crumbling prison ruins overtaken by nature. Take a ferry from Kourou and spend a day exploring, swimming, and soaking up the eerie atmosphere.

Maroni River and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

For something truly off-the-grid, head west to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, near the border with Suriname. This town is a great base for exploring the Maroni River, which winds through deep jungle and traditional villages.

Hop on a pirogue (a motorized canoe) and venture into the rainforest. You’ll meet indigenous tribes, see caimans lurking along the banks, and maybe even spot a jaguar if you’re lucky (and extremely quiet). This is adventure travel at its purest.

Kaw Nature Reserve

Calling all wildlife lovers! The Kaw-Roura Marshland Nature Reserve is one of the top sightseeing destinations in French Guiana for nature and animal encounters. Think Amazonian landscapes, thousands of birds, and black caimans gliding silently through the water.

You can take a boat tour at sunset—when the marshes glow gold and the wildlife really comes alive. If you're looking for things to do in French Guiana that involve peace, nature, and jaw-dropping scenery, this is the place.

Cacao and the Hmong Community

Looking for something unexpected? Visit Cacao, a small town in the heart of the forest, where a thriving Hmong community (originally from Laos) settled after the Vietnam War. On Sundays, the town comes alive with a bustling market filled with delicious Asian dishes and handmade crafts.

It’s one of the more unusual places to visit, where you can eat a steaming bowl of pho surrounded by rainforest. Talk about cultural mashups.

What to Eat in French Guiana

Your tastebuds are in for a serious rollercoaster. Creole cuisine is a mix of French, African, Caribbean, and Asian flavors. Expect dishes like:

• Colombo de poulet (a spicy chicken curry)

• Blaff de poisson (fish cooked in lime and herbs)

• Awara broth (a local delicacy made from palm fruit)

And of course, don’t forget the tropical fruits—mangoes, papayas, guavas—and fresh seafood pulled straight from the ocean.

Travel Tips for French Guiana

• Language: French is the official language. A few phrases go a long way.

• Currency: Euro, which makes budgeting easy for travelers from the EU.

• Transportation: Renting a car is the best way to get around, especially for visiting remote spots.

• Vaccines: Yellow fever vaccine is required. And don’t skip the mosquito repellent—this is the jungle, after all.

• Safety: French Guiana is generally safe, but always check local advice before heading into the wilderness.

Why French Guiana Should Be on Your Bucket List

French Guiana is not a mainstream destination, and that’s exactly why it’s worth your time. It's raw, real, and utterly unforgettable. From spaceports to rainforests, from historic prisons to floating canoes in the jungle, this is one of the most unique regions in South America—and the world.

So if you’re after an adventure that blends natural wonders, rich culture, and a touch of European flair, this is your sign to pack your bags. French Guiana is waiting.