Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, is located on the northeast coast of South America. With its French, Brazilian and West Indian influences, this historic, cultural and exotic destination has everything you need for a stay you'll remember for a long time.
A tropical atmosphere, large and beautiful Creole-style houses, sunshine and a lively atmosphere: that's what awaits you when you arrive in Cayenne. The most populated city in the department of Guyana, it is nevertheless the smallest, with just under 24 square kilometres. Watered by many rivers such as the Cayenne River, the Mahury River, the Montsinéry River and the Tour de l'île River, Cayenne is divided into a whole bunch of districts that you will undoubtedly enjoy visiting. But it is above all its multicultural city center that fascinates visitors: here, it is good to stroll along the old streets marked by history, with remarkable architecture where the houses with shimmering colors set the tone of your stay. Impossible not to pass by the emblematic Place des Palmistes: also called the "Place de l'Esplanade", the Place des Palmistes is THE place to be in Cayenne. Its name comes from the gigantic palm trees that surround the square, and give it a majestic side that suits it so well, standing next to street lamps straight from Paris. You can discover a bronze bust from the end of the 19th century representing the Republic, as well as a modern arch built in 1957 in homage to Félix Éboué. Lined with beautiful old buildings, it is "the place to be" to discover, but also to stroll, have a drink on the terrace, or dine on the go in the evening thanks to the caravans that offer takeaway chips, nassi, bamis, sandwiches and other local juices that will make your taste buds travel. Also take the time to stroll around the Botanical Garden: on more than 3 hectares, it will amaze you by the unique beauty of its trees and plants which invite you to a reading or relaxation break in the shade. Then go to the Cayenne market for a fruit and vegetable shopping stop, but also to the Saint-Sauveur cathedral, the Léopold Héder square, discover the old customs house on rue du Vieux-Port, the old Jesuit convent and the old Poudrière. The Franconie building on rue Maissin, the Maison Vitalo at the corner of rue Barrat and rue Arago, the Loupec and Pacheco houses, N'Zila and Prévot, Francis and Bradin, all classified as Historic Monuments, are not to be missed. But if there is a site to see, it is undoubtedly Fort Cépérou. Camped on a hillock overlooking Cayenne, it watches over the city from its ruins. Even though it has lost some of its splendour, you can still admire its walls, its old stones, as well as its unusual wooden bell tower, whose historical bell can be discovered at the Cayenne Museum.
Hikers can discover a whole myriad of hiking itineraries from Cayenne: the Rorota trail in particular, which is 5 kilometres long, will be perfect for discovering butterflies, sloths, iguanas and monkeys, all of which offer incredible panoramic views of the sea! With almost 380 kilometres of coastline, it's a safe bet that you won't be able to resist the urge to discover French Guiana from the sea! In Cayenne, Montabo Zephir beach is a must: 2 kilometres long, it has fine sand and is the perfect place to set up your parasol. Swimming, lazing around, sea activities... It's the perfect combo!
Finally, as far as sightseeing is concerned, make the most of your stay in Cayenne to discover some of the most emblematic sites in French Guiana: Mont-Matoury is perfect for hiking, the Montsinéry zoo, the Ariane rocket in Kourou, or the remains of the Bagnes in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and in the Salvation Islands will complete your stay.
