French Guiana is not a country but rather an overseas department of France and a part of the European Union. The Capital of French Guiana is a mélange of humid tropical weather, Creole cuisine, roadside restaurants, gendarmes. Founded by the French and previously named La Ravardière, the capital city of French Guiana is placed at the northwestern end of the Cayenne Island. Cayenne also acts like a port on the Atlantic Ocean.
Where to visit in Cayenne
The ruins of Fort Cépérou, which once strategically protected the capital of French Guiana, is an excellent place to begin your sightseeing. The climb is straightforward, so don’t worry about getting tired. You can enjoy a great view of the river, the port, and the town from there. Place de Grenoble is a square in Cayenne full of public buildings like the Mairie, the post office, and the Préfecture.
You can visit the nearby Musée départemental Alexandre Franconia, which is tucked in a 19th century Creole building. The museum exhibits an eclectic mishmash of archaeology, local history, colonial memoirs, and the Botanical Gardens welcome you with the lush tropical plants.
You can go to the Place de Grenoble, which is encircled by many historic buildings. Place des Palmistes, as the name suggests, is adorned by palm trees. You can encounter various monuments and is set in the central commercial zone of Cayenne. You can visit the local market place, Place Victor Schoelcher, to take in native tropical fruits and aromatic spices.
Place du Coq is the section for the produce market. When you visit the city, take a bite of the local cuisine, which has a heavy French influence. Here, you will find plenty of fish and seafood as well as bread and pastries. The famous recipes here are Bouillon d’auora, Boucanage, Ti’Punch, and Doku.
Places nearby Cayenne
Guiana Space Center is a famous spot in the northwest of Kourou, which we recommend you visit. You can take tours of Spaceport with the help of qualified guides. A few decades ago, Kourou was the headquarters for Devil’s Island, a penal colony known. Kourou features many ultra-modern structures.
Other Spots you can visit are Ile Royale, Tour Mount Favard, Ile du Diable, Ile Saint Joseph. Take a look at the Transportation Camp at Saint-Laurent du Maroni, which is a great historical site. You can experience the diverse cultures in the village festival. If you are a nature lover, French Guiana’s interior has beautiful rainforests.
The best time to Visit
Placed to the north of the Equator, French Guiana hardly sees any seasonal climatic deviation. It is tropical around the year, but a bit arid between July and December. Cayenne is connected to Europe by air. You can also take steamboat service to Kourou or St. Laurent du Maroni.
Conclusion
Cayenne depicts significant French influence in its food, culture, and architecture. Cayenne is a city of myriad cultures and a crossover of the Caribbean, South American, and French. The streets of the town reflect French colonial architecture. You will see pinks and yellows of the louvered shutters, palm trees that veil the plazas, and an attractive mix of culture and cuisine. If you visit the city between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday, you will get to enjoy the carnival celebrations and parades.
