The Guiana Space Centre
The European Space Agency's launch base in Kourou can be toured and sometimes allows visitors to watch a rocket launch.
French Guiana
A French enclave in South America, French Guiana holds one of the world's last great primary rainforests, crossed by rivers and rich in exceptional biodiversity. A destination for adventure and nature, between Creole and Amerindian culture.
Why visit French Guiana?
French Guiana stands out for the extent of its Amazon rainforest, which covers almost the entire territory, and for biodiversity among the richest in the world. A French department in South America, it is also home to the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, a launch site for European rockets, alongside a living Creole and Amerindian culture along the Maroni and Oyapock rivers.
What to discover in French Guiana?
Cayenne, the colorful capital with Creole influences, opens the way to exploring the coastline and its lively market. In Kourou, the Guiana Space Centre allows visitors to watch rocket launches and tour the facilities, a unique experience in France. Offshore, the Îles du Salut, former penal colonies, can be visited by boat in a setting that is now peaceful.
The interior of the territory, covered in Amazon rainforest, is best explored via the Maroni and Oyapock rivers, which serve Amerindian and Bushinengue villages reachable by dugout canoe. Biodiversity here is remarkable, from monkeys and caimans to tropical birds and dense flora. This immersion in primary forest, guided by local experts, is one of the region's most memorable experiences, alongside a mixed cuisine blending Creole, Amerindian and Asian influences.
Cities to visit in French Guiana
Featured destinations appear first.
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French Guiana in pictures
The must-sees
Amazon rainforest, space adventure and rivers: here is what not to miss in French Guiana.
The Îles du Salut
Former penal colonies reachable by boat from Kourou, these islands offer a preserved natural setting steeped in history.
The Maroni River
A natural border with Suriname, this river serves Bushinengue and Amerindian villages reachable by dugout canoe.
The Amazon rainforest
Covering most of the territory, this primary forest shelters exceptional biodiversity, explored through hikes or river excursions.
Cayenne and its market
The capital combines Creole architecture, a colorful market and a mixed-culture atmosphere, an ideal starting point for exploring the coast.
The nature reserves
The Kaw marshes and the Amana reserve protect remarkable wildlife, including caimans, howler monkeys and tropical birds.
Practical information
- Capital
- Cayenne
- Area
- About 83,800 km²
- Population
- About 300,000 inhabitants
- Languages
- French, French Guianese Creole, Amerindian languages
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Time zone
- UTC-3
- Climate
- Equatorial
- Best season
- July to December (main dry season)
Frequently asked questions
When to visit French Guiana?
The main dry season, from July to December, offers the most favorable conditions for exploring the forest and rivers, with less rainfall.
Do you need a passport to visit French Guiana?
As a French department, a valid ID is enough for French nationals; other nationalities should check France's entry requirements.
Can you watch a rocket launch in Kourou?
Yes, the Guiana Space Centre organizes tours and, depending on the launch schedule, allows visitors to watch liftoff from dedicated viewing areas.
How can you explore French Guiana's rainforest?
Guided excursions with local experts allow you to travel up the rivers by dugout canoe and stay in carbets deep within the forest.
How many days are needed to visit French Guiana?
About ten days allows you to discover Cayenne, Kourou, the Îles du Salut and a river excursion; more time is needed to explore the interior.
Is French Guiana suitable for families?
Some guided excursions suit families, but the remoteness and equatorial environment require suitable planning, especially for young children.
Plan your trip to French Guiana
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
