Best things to do in Cayenne
Find out more about those top places in Cayenne
Cayenne: South America's Secret Sunshine Spot Where You Can Escape the Crowds (and Maybe Spot a Monkey!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide!
Tired of those tourist traps where you spend more time battling crowds than enjoying your vacation? Well, my friend, have I got a hidden gem for you! Say bonjour to Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, nestled on the northeast coast of South America. This isn't your typical "seen-it-on-every-postcard" destination, but trust me, it's got all the ingredients for a truly wonderful holiday, minus the elbow-to-elbow sightseeing. With a population of just over 55,000 friendly folks, Cayenne offers a refreshingly authentic experience.
Think of it: you, basking in the South American sunshine, exploring unique places to visit without the selfie stick stampede. Sounds pretty good, right? And Cayenne doesn't disappoint in the top attractions department either. While you're here, chances are you'll find yourself drawn to the intriguing Salvation Islands (with a history as captivating as their beauty!), cruising down the scenic Cayenne River, exploring the mysterious Îles du Salut, and standing in awe of the historic Fort Cépérpou, among a whole host of other fascinating spots.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best things to do and uncover the hidden treasures of Cayenne. Get ready for some off-the-beaten-path sightseeing, where you can discover a unique blend of French and South American culture, all while enjoying a more relaxed pace and perhaps even a close encounter with some local wildlife (monkeys, anyone?).
Top Attractions: Islands with Tales, Rivers with Views, and Forts with History!
Cayenne might be under the radar, but it's packed with compelling top attractions that offer a unique travel experience:
The Salvation Islands (Îles du Salut): Beauty with a Backstory
These stunning islands, just off the coast of Cayenne, boast incredible natural beauty. However, they also have a fascinating and somewhat somber history as former penal colonies. Explore the remnants of the prisons and soak in the dramatic scenery. A boat trip to the Îles du Salut (which include Devil's Island!) is a must-do for a blend of history and breathtaking sightseeing.
The Cayenne River: A Scenic Waterway to Explore
Take a boat trip along the Cayenne River and discover the lush landscapes and diverse wildlife that line its banks. It's a relaxing way to experience the natural beauty of French Guiana and offers fantastic opportunities for sightseeing from a different perspective. Keep your eyes peeled for caimans and colorful birds!
Fort Cépérpou: A Historic Guardian of the City
Standing proudly overlooking Cayenne, Fort Cépérpou is a historic fortification that offers panoramic views of the city and the coastline. Explore its ramparts and learn about its role in Cayenne's past. It's a great place to visit for history buffs and those seeking stunning vistas for their sightseeing pleasure.
The Local Markets: A Taste of Cayenne's Culture and Flavors
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Cayenne's local markets. Here, you can find fresh tropical fruits, local crafts, spices, and a true taste of the region's culture. It's a fantastic place to interact with locals, sample exotic flavors, and pick up some unique souvenirs. Exploring the markets is definitely one of the things to do for an authentic Cayenne experience.
Things to Do Beyond the Main Sights: Nature, Culture, and Relaxation!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Cayenne charm:
- Explore the Botanical Garden: Discover the lush flora of French Guiana at Cayenne's botanical garden, a tranquil oasis in the city.
- Visit the Musée Départemental Alexandre Franconie: Learn more about the history and culture of French Guiana at this local museum.
- Relax on Montjoly Beach: Escape the city bustle and soak up the sun on the beautiful Montjoly Beach, just a short drive from Cayenne.
- Try Local Creole Cuisine: Indulge in the delicious flavors of French Guianese Creole cuisine, a unique blend of French, African, and South American influences.
- Take a Day Trip to the Marshes of Kaw: Venture out of Cayenne to explore the fascinating Marshes of Kaw, a protected area teeming with wildlife.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a unique blend of South American charm and French flair, without the overwhelming tourist crowds, Cayenne in French Guiana might just be your perfect escape. Our travel guide promises an adventure filled with intriguing top attractions and relaxed things to do. Get ready for some off-the-beaten-path sightseeing and a chance to discover a truly special corner of the world. Just remember to pack your sunscreen and your sense of adventure!
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IIes du Salut (Salvation Islands)
Three islands (Devil’s Island, Royale Island and Saint-Joseph Island), known as the Salvation Islands, mainly because missionaries once went there to avoid a plague affecting major parts of the main city. The islands were part of a notorious penal colony, where the worst of France’s criminals were sent to carry out their prison sentences, some notorious criminals sent there include Henri “Papillon” Charrierière and Captain Alfred Deyfus. The islands are now a famous tourist destination and one of Cayenne’s most visited places.
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Zoo De Guyane
With over 450 animals from 75 species at the Zoo de Guyane, it presents one of Cayenne most cherished tourist destinations. The zoo is divided into two sections – the Zoological Park where you can come face to face with its Fauna including howler monkeys, sloths and macaws, and its Forest Canopy where you can take in the sights of its tropical forest.
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Musée Départemental
Located near the bubbly Place de Palmistes, the Musée Départemental is where people go to learn about the French Guyana illustrious history. Inaugurated in 1901, the most of its exhibits center around local history, archaeological remains and animal life - its exhibitions include a collection of stuffed animals, insect room and the 22 paintings of convict life by former inmate, Francois Lagrange.
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Cayenne River
Enjoy part of Cayenne’s natural element by taking a trip to the Cayenne river. The 50 km long river formed by the Cascades river and Tonnègrande river eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean to form an estuary. The river has an abundance of aquatic presence and is a major bird watching zone as well - visitors can take a boat ride and walk across the bridge in Cayenne to get a real feel of the river.
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Central Market
Busy, lively and chaotic are just the few ways to describe Cayenne’s central market. But in all of this, it remains one of the city’s best destinations. Located in Place Victor Schoelcher, a town named after the man responsible for ending slavery in French Guiana - the market is filled with a variety of goods such as perfumes, paintings and vegetables. Also, be on the lookout for it soup stalls serving the best Vietnamese pho, sadly the market is only open three times a week.
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Fort Cépérpou
The Fort Cépérpou is one of French Guiana most historically relevant places, located in the center of the city at Mount Cépérpou it was built on the lands acquired by the French Settlers, with the primary aim of protecting the city from intruders. Over time the Fort was abandoned and left in ruins after suffering from some natural disasters, having been restored in 2006 – access is a bit restricted as it is situated near military facilities.
