Summary of Best Activities in Cayenne
The capital of French Guiana is a charming town distinguished by its weathered Creole and colonial architecture. Coupled with Cayenne’s museums and a vibrant market, visitors will find plenty to engage them for a day or two. However, the real treasures lie offshore on islands that once served as France’s most notorious penal colonies, or just a short distance down the coast where exotic wildlife thrives in the Kaw swamp. Moreover, the Guiana Space Centre, managed by the European Space Agency, is an enlightening experience for those interested in the workings of a modern spaceport.
Let us explore the best activities in Cayenne:
1. Place des Palmistes
Place des Palmistes serves as a central gathering space for both locals and visitors, embodying the social essence of Cayenne. This expansive square is lined with palms and bordered by Creole houses featuring wooden balconies that overlook shops, bars, and restaurants. At the heart of the park stands a statue of Félix Éboué, a Guianan administrator who became the first black individual to hold a senior colonial position in 1936. This square also hosts many festivities during the vibrant 10-week carnival at the start of the year.
2. Cayenne Cathedral
Cayenne’s 19th-century cathedral, recently renovated, remains a magnificent example of colonial architecture, with construction completed in 1833. It wasn’t until 1933, however, that it was designated a cathedral with the establishment of the diocese of Cayenne. Visitors are encouraged to admire the portico and balustrade before stepping inside to escape the heat. Don’t miss the clock made in 1871, along with the pulpit, altar, and confessional box, all crafted from local wood.
3. Musée des Cultures Guyanaises
Housed in a beautifully restored Creole residence located on Rue Madame Payée, this museum offers insights into the rich diversity of native ethnic groups in French Guiana. Visitors will gain a captivating understanding of the culture and history of Amerindians, Creoles, and Maroons, as well as more recent immigrants such as Haitians, Brazilians, and the Hmong people from Southeast Asia. The museum features a wealth of artifacts, including textiles, baskets, pottery, jewelry, and traditional weaponry.
4. Fort Cépérou
Perched on a headland on the western side of Cayenne, remnants of a fort established during the early years of colonization can be explored. Constructed in 1643 and named after an Amerindian chief, this fort engaged in significant military action when the Dutch attempted to claim the territory. The decisive battle in December 1676 ensured Cayenne’s lasting status as a French territory. Though little remains beyond a few stone walls, the elevated location provides stunning views of the city.
5. Cayenne Market
Located just a few blocks from Place des Palmistes on Rue de Lieutenant Becker, the Cayenne Market operates on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Visitors can immerse themselves in Guianan culture while sampling various rum punches and browsing stalls featuring everything from Vietnamese pho noodles to local crafts. Fruits and vegetables are sourced from across French Guiana, as well as Surinam, Laos, Brazil, and Haiti. Shoppers can choose from familiar items like bananas and mangoes, or more exotic produce such as awara and rambutan. Should you feel overwhelmed, the vendors are friendly and eager to assist.
6. Devil’s Island
Devil’s Island is part of the Îles du Salut, a trio of volcanic islands located 14 kilometers off the coast of Kourou. Accessible from Cayenne via catamaran or motorboat, this destination is a historical treasure. Known for being an infamous penal colony from the 1850s, it holds significant historical value, as many were exiled here from across the French Empire. This island is where Alfred Dreyfus of the Dreyfus Affair was imprisoned before his exoneration, but most inmates never returned. The old prison buildings and cemeteries are now intertwined with tropical vegetation, making for a fascinating visit.
7. Musée Départemental
This charming museum is situated in a Creole mansion adorned with pale yellow weatherboarding and blue shutters, illustrating life in French Guiana from its inception to contemporary times. The gallery features a diverse assortment of minerals, historical paintings, and Amerindian crafts. Additionally, it narrates the story of the notorious 19th-century serial killer D’Chimbo, as well as highlights the achievements of Félix Éboué, one of Guiana’s notable figures. Visitors will also learn about the grim history of penal colonies, and may explore a 4,000-piece insect collection amassed by 20th-century clergyman and naturalist Père Yves Barbotin.
8. Jardin Botanique
At the equator, a cool day is typically defined as anything below 30°C, making shade a treasured resource. The Jardin Botanique offers an abundance of shade and is the largest landscaped area in the city, dating back to the early 19th century. Its plentiful tropical vegetation is well-marked, with paths meandering through lush foliage, crossing a pond and culminating at the statue of Gaston Monnerville, another distinguished Guianan politician. Guests can relax on benches in the shade or take a refreshing dip at the nearby outdoor Centre Aquatique de Cayenne.
9. Guiana Carnival
The premier annual event in French Guiana commences on Epiphany, shortly after Christmas, and concludes on Ash Wednesday in February or March. With its Creole roots, the carnival originated during the era of slavery as a means to celebrate fertility and the harvest, while simultaneously offering a way to mock Europeans in secrecy during a time when public festivities were prohibited. Throughout this festive season, masked balls are held on Friday and Saturday evenings, culminating in four days of parades and revelry prior to Ash Wednesday, including whimsical burlesque weddings where traditional gender roles are playfully reversed.
10. Sentier du Rorota
This scenic hike provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in tropical forest close to the city. The circular six-kilometer trail encircles the 149-meter Mont Caïna. The well-kept path features informational signage every few hundred meters, ensuring you will not easily lose your way. Expect picturesque coastal views, and if you take your time, marvel at the vibrant tropical plants, playful monkeys, sloths, colorful birds, and the potential sighting of impressive spiders. For a more adventurous option, you may venture off to the Sentier Fort Diamant, which extends to a coastal fort constructed in the 1840s.
11. Zoo de Guyane
It is not every day that you can claim to have visited a zoo within a real jungle setting. The Zoo de Guyane allows for an immersive experience with pathways through lush tropical vegetation and suspension bridges that bring you closer to monkey habitats. Home to 450 animals representing 75 species, all native to Guiana, the zoo is set in a much more accessible environment than true wilderness. Notable inhabitants include macaws, pumas, jaguars, ocelots, caimans, giant anteaters, and iguanas, all residing in spacious and humane enclosures. A thorough exploration of the well-signposted trails will require at least two hours and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
12. Plage Rémire-Montjoly
A notable characteristic of the coastline surrounding Cayenne is the lack of traditional tropical beaches. The powerful currents of the Cayenne and Mahury rivers carry sediment from the inland regions, resulting in muddy shorelines and slightly murky waters. While most locals opt for swimming at hotel pools or municipal facilities, the palm-fringed Plage Rémire-Montjoly offers an ocean experience just 15 minutes from the city center. Visitors may also be fortunate enough to witness the remarkable sight of sea turtles coming ashore to nest during the months of May to July.
13. Guiana Space Centre (CSG)
Reaching the Guiana Space Centre requires approximately one hour, located just beyond Kourou. This unique opportunity to visit an active spaceport is not to be missed. Even those with a casual interest in space exploration and astronomy will be inspired by the unparalleled access afforded at the CSG. Guided tours enable visitors to observe mission control banks and get close to launch pads used for around ten missions per year. The tours are conducted in French but cater to English and Dutch speakers, providing ample technical information for the truly passionate.
14. Marais de Kaw
The Kaw Marshes are a substantial wetland area situated within a natural reserve along the banks of the Approuague River. This location serves as a remarkable spot for observing and photographing wildlife typically viewed only on television, such as caimans and poison dart frogs in their natural environments. Nighttime safaris and daytime canoe excursions provide unique encounters with this stunning habitat. Additionally, numerous hiking trails are available, showcasing spectacular snakes, spiders, and some of the most vibrantly colored birds found in the wild. Experienced guides ensure safety while helping visitors encounter these exceptional creatures.
15. Îlet la Mère
Îlet la Mère is the only inhabited island in the Rémire archipelago, reachable by a quick boat ride from Cayenne. This island is particularly appealing for families, as it is home to friendly and social spider monkeys that readily approach visitors for food and companionship. Originally cleared for farming and later used as a penal colony in the 1850s, traces of its past remain, with wells, paths, walls, and quays lining the coastline.
