Cayenne- the capital of the overseas department, located on the Atlantic coast, in the western part of the small hilly peninsula between the Cayenne and Mahuri rivers.

The main port and largest city of the country, its transport and political center.

Population – 50 thousand people, with suburbs of about 65 thousand (2007).
Last changes: 23.03.2012

Story

Cayenne was founded in 1664. From the 18th to the 20th centuries, like all of Guiana, it served as a place of political exile and hard labor. Due to the tropical climate and the spread of severe fevers, it was believed that an exile to Cayenne had little chance of survival (according to some sources, no more than 3%).

Last changes: 09/04/2010

What to see

The oldest part of Cayenne, Place de Grenoble, is located in the western part of the city. Most of the public buildings are concentrated around it - the city hall, or town hall, the post office and the prefecture (built by the Jesuits in the 18th century), as well as the Lusso Canal (1777) and botanical gardens. Here, a little closer to the city center, is the Departmental-Fransoni Museum, the Felix Hebault Museum and the Museum of Guianan Culture with a good collection of ethnography and crafts of local peoples and the notorious penal colonies on the Ile du Diable island.

Little remains of the capital's Seperu Fort, founded in the 17th century, but the beautiful views of the city, port and river from its ruins make it worth a visit.

The most vibrant part of the capital is Place de Palmistes in the northwestern part of the city, where there are many cafes and restaurants. Avenue du General de Gaulle is the main commercial street and the main nightlife area of the capital.

Best beach Cayenne is located in the Rémy-Montjoly region, 10 km southeast of the city, where you can also visit the historical ruins of Fort Diamante, an old colonial sugar mill, and the country's most accessible turtle beach, where hundreds of these marine creatures lay their eggs from April to July your eggs.

The city of Kourou is the fourth city in terms of population in French Guiana. Its history began long before the arrival of Europeans to this land. Since ancient times, it has been known for its prison, where only the most dangerous criminals were sent.

The city of Kourou is located in the northern part of French Guiana, 60 km from its capital, at the mouth of the river of the same name. Today he is much friendlier than in the days when these places were associated only with hard labor. The Guiana Space Center is located not far from the city, and in the city itself there is an interesting space museum. Here you can book a canoe trip across the river or visit the nearby Ile du Salus islands. Immediately beyond the Kourou there are four mountains, and there are several lakes near them, so lovers exotic nature will be able to have a great time enjoying the scenery of the mountain slopes. Every year, on November 25th, the most grandiose event in Kourou is held - the Vaval festival, which is a good luck for any traveler to see.

Mahuri River

The Mahuri River is one of the main rivers in French Guiana. Its length is almost 170 kilometers and its main tributary is the Oyak River.

The Mahuri River is located in the northern part of French Guiana and flows into the Atlantic Ocean, near the city of Cayenne. The mouth of the river is at the port of Degrade des Cannes, an important transport facility French Guiana, in 20 kilometers south of the capital. The Mahuri River is a great place to relax and is lined with decorative types plants, unique tall palm trees and beautiful flowers, live here rare species animals, birds and insects.

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Lusso channel

The Lusso Canal is a historic waterway in the center of the city of Cayenne, built to bring order to its central part, and today it is a wonderful place to relax in the city. It was designed by the architect Sirdei.

The Lusso Canal is located in the central part of Cayenne, near the Fish Market. The canal is very old, it began to be built in 1777, and was officially opened on December 12, 1821. It was dug by hand by prisoners at Cayenne Prison. Currently, the canal serves a largely aesthetic function - both locals and visitors like to relax and take pictures around it.

The Museum of Guiana Culture was opened in March 1998 with the purpose of collecting, preserving and studying material evidence of the culture of the ethnic groups and traditional societies of French Guiana.

The Museum of Guianan Culture is located in the northern part of the city of Cayenne, on Madame Payet Street, in the north of the country. It is housed in a historical building with a garden on site medicinal plants. The museum's exposition includes ethnographic, iconographic and historical collections of the main ethnic groups of French Guiana. The exhibition is updated every six months, and each time it is dedicated to a different cultural group - Creoles, American Indians, etc. On it you can see engravings, photographs, postcards, costumes, houses, furniture, instruments for religious rituals. The museum also has a documentation center, which is open to the entire community and provides access to publications, books, journals and academic dissertations.

The Museum of Guiana Culture is open on Mondays and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8.00 to 12.45, from 15.00 to 17.45, on Wednesdays until 12.45, on Sundays until 11.45.

Felix Eboue Museum

The Felix Eboue Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the great French politician and the first black colonial administrator, a hero of the Resistance.

The Felix Eboué Museum is located in its former location, close to other attractions in the city, in the historic center of Cayenne. The building was built in the classical Creole style. The museum's exhibition includes a huge collection of paintings, furniture, household items, dishes, everything that belonged to the great statesman. Although the museum has been open since June 18, 1940, it was under renovation for 15 years and recently reopened. Today anyone can visit it.

Place de Palmistes

Place de Palmistes is the main square of the capital of French Guiana, the city of Cayenne. It got its name in honor of the many palm trees that grow on its territory. The place, which is also called Esplanade Square, is undoubtedly the most majestic in the whole city.

Place de Palmistes is located in the northwest of Cayenne and is surrounded on all sides by small cafes and cozy restaurants. Previously, sheep grazed on this territory, but in early XIX century, it was divided into two equal parts - it was put in order and palm trees were planted here, the height of which today in some places reaches 25 meters. The lighting was done back in 1862, when 60 light bulbs were brought from Paris and installed around the entire perimeter. The square currently houses a monument. This is a majestic arch built in 1957 in honor of Félix Eboué, France's first black governor. Here you can relax and gain strength for your further journey through the city.

Victor-Schoolscher Square

Place Victor-Chelcher is a famous square in the city of Cayenne, which today serves as a food market. This place is named after Victor Schoelcher, a French statesman, who fought for the abolition of slavery in France and whose efforts in 1848 were crowned with success.

Place Victor =-Chelcher is located in the historical part of the capital of French Guiana, in the northwest of the city of Cayenne. Here is the most popular vegetable market in the whole city, but famous square became thanks to the monument to Victor Schoelscher, which is located in the center of the square. On the central pedestal there is a statue of a famous human rights activist who hugs a black slave, giving him his long-awaited freedom.

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City of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

The city of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is the second Big city in French Guiana, after the capital. Former camp for prisoners, today it is the most beautiful place in the whole country, inhabited by the Maroons - the descendants of fugitive slaves.

The city of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is located in the northwestern part of French Guiana, on the Maroni River, on the border with Suriname. In the historical center of the city there are many buildings whose architecture is close to the French style of the 19th century. The Church of St. Lawrence, the transport camp - Camp de la Transportación, the hospital, the city hall, the maritime tribunal, the former residence of the governor, which are located on the rue de Gaulle or Lieutenant Colonel Tourte. Camp de la Transportación currently houses a museum where visitors can feel the gloomy prison atmosphere and see real shackles, cramped cells, and historical documents of those times.

The town of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is a great holiday destination where you can also go canoeing or go on a jungle trek.

The most popular attractions in Cayenne with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places of Cayenne on our website.

More sights of Cayenne

Cayenne is the capital of French Guiana, which is an overseas department of France. About fifty thousand residents live here.

The year of foundation is considered to be 1664. Cayenne is famous place export of cayenne pepper.

From the 18th to the 20th centuries it served as a place of political exile.

It was believed that here the exile had the least chance of survival due to the tropical climate and various diseases.

But today this place is very popular among a large number of tourists from almost all over the world.

Geography

The city is located on the banks of the Cayenne River, as well as right on the coast Atlantic Ocean. The distance from Paris to Cayenne is 7,100 km.

The city is the main port of the country of Guiana, playing an important role in international trade from the South and North America, as well as Europe. The area of the capital Collery is industrial.

It contains all the most important processing and manufacturing enterprises key sectors of the country's economy.
For example, here is produced:

leather and wood are processed,
shrimp production and fishing are developed, etc.

IN central regions the capital has a large number of service enterprises, a couple of markets, cafes, shops, hotels, restaurants.

Also located here are the offices of large banking institutions and international companies, for example, Air France, BNP Paribas bank.

Other important objects are concentrated in Cayenne, including the Regional Assembly of French Guiana, the Prefecture of French Guiana, and the Regional Council of French Guiana.

The President also lives and works in the capital.

Six cantons include Cayenne. The agglomeration is divided into several districts, including the City Center, Northern Suburbs, Southern Suburbs, Northern Periphery, Southwestern Quarters, and Southern Periphery.

The municipal council and the mayor govern the capital, and the councilor general is the first person in the cantons.

Cayenne has a tropical monsoon climate. It is characterized by very insignificant temperature changes throughout the year.

The average temperature is plus 26 degrees.

In the city, the dry season lasts very short - only a couple of months (September and October), and The rainy season is very long.

Cayenne has an international airport. Felix Eboue, which serves the capital. It is located 13 km southwest of it.

There are regular flights to:

the French capital,
Belen,
Pointe-à-Pitre,
Fort-de-France,
Santo Domingo,

as well as some other cities.

Attractions

Cayenne has quite a lot of attractions.

Hates Beach

For example, Hates Beach is a very a nice place, located on the Marconi River.

This area is home to giant leatherback turtles, which are on the endangered species list.

Their population has been rapidly declining recently.

Tourists from almost all over the world come to Hates Beach to see the incredible turtles in person, take pictures with them and simply enjoy the beauty of the area, swim in the clean river water, relax on clean beaches.

If you're lucky, you'll even be able to swim with turtles.

Gabriel Bay

Gabriel Bay is located near the city of Cayenne, about half an hour's walk.

The bay is located in a very picturesque place. It is part of the Gabriel River.

There are many tropical plants growing there, which formed a green labyrinth displayed on the mirror surface of the water.

It is unlikely that you will find a more suitable place for family walks than this bay.

There you can find the remains of old plantations, look at a large variety of bright butterflies, fluttering literally over the heads of tourists and thus putting on a real show.

Regional air monitoring center in Cayenne

The regional air monitoring center in Cayenne is something special.

There are various stations for monitoring air quality, many presentations and seminars are organized that are devoted to issues environment.

This place attracts many tourists because here you can find out a lot of useful and interesting information.

Forgasier Falls are incredibly beautiful cascading waterfalls located near the capital.

They represent mountain streams rushing over rocks.

This place is ideal for relaxation and picnics. You can get there by boat on the Orape River.

Tourists have the opportunity to spend the night in the jungle, for example, in a tent or hut.

Very beautiful scenery attracts many tourists.

Guiana Amazon National Park

National Park The Guiana Amazon is the largest national park in French Guiana.

You can get there by water or air transport.

The park territory is located in the tropical forest zone. There are about 5,800 different plant species there.

The park's fauna is also diverse.

It includes about 180 species of mammals, 480 species of freshwater fish, 300 species of amphibians and reptiles, and about 720 species of birds.

Tourists definitely have something to see in this place.

Departmental Franconi Museum

The Departmental Franconi Museum is a local history museum. There are a large number of interesting exhibits collected there.

It is located in the historical center of Cayenne, in the Franconi building. The house is of great value. The museum was opened in 1901.

It has several halls that are dedicated to ethnology, local history, natural history, fine arts, as well as archaeology.

Each room recreates the unique atmosphere of a particular historical era in Guiana.

The museum is definitely worth a visit if you happen to visit Cayenne.

Place de Grenoble

Place de Grenoble is located in the central part of Cayenne, where the city's main attractions are located.

It is from this square that an excellent view of the city hall opens, and Not far from this place there is a museum of Guiana culture and a botanical garden.

Also from here you can easily get to Plaza de Palmistes, located next door, with many cozy cafes and restaurants.

The beautiful landscapes of the city are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.

Fort Seperu

Fort Seperu is the ancient ruins of an old defensive complex that operated in the city back in the 17th century.

The fortress was named after the Indian leader. It was designed by the famous architect Vauban.

Seperu Fort is located in the northern part of the capital.

It is one of the most picturesque places in the city because from there you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the vast expanses of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the entire city.

Thanks to a large number interesting sights the city of Cayenne is of particular value for tourists.

It is for this reason that many people come here on vacation, which, by the way, can be quite varied.

You can just relax on the local beaches, or you can enjoy beautiful nature and visit historical sites and nature reserves.

On the shores of the Atlantic Ocean there are several sandy beaches, for example Montjoly and Montabeau.

You can sunbathe on them, splash in the ocean and have a great time.

In general, tourism here is not yet very well developed, but nevertheless it’s worth coming here.

And it is better to do this during the dry season, when there is no rain.

There are not many hotels here, but finding a place to stay overnight is quite possible.
Entertainment:

On the ocean shores you can go surfing, windsurfing, as well as swimming.
The local rivers offer good conditions for rafting and canoeing.
There are several excellent hiking routes.
River and sea fishing are another interesting view recreation. You can hunt predators, such as sharks.

Sport fishing for tarpon is also well developed.

Thus, we can say that Cayenne is more suitable for outdoor activities.

Video tour of French Guiana

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Cayenne(French Cayenne) is the capital of the overseas department of France (the Atlantic coast of South America), located in the western part of a small peninsula between the rivers Cayenne (French la Riviere Cayenne) and Mahury (French la Riviere Mahury). The largest city and the country's main port, the department's transport and political center.

The city's population is about 50 thousand inhabitants.

Capital of Guiana served International airport them. Felix Eboue (French: L'aeroport international de Cayenne-Felix Eboue), founded in 1943, located 13 km. southwest of the city, in the commune of Matoury (French Matoury).

In Collery (French: Collery), industrial area the capital, all the most important production and processing enterprises of the department's key sectors of the economy are located, for example, rum is produced here, leather and wood are processed. The city is considered the country's center for fishing and shrimp production.

Climate

The climate in the city is tropical monsoon, with slight variations in air temperature throughout the year, the average annual temperature is about +26°C. In summer the thermometer rises to +35°С…+37°С. Cayenne is characterized by a short dry season, lasting only 2 months (September - October), and a long rainy season - all other months.

Historical reference

Initially, the territory of present-day Guiana was discovered by the Spaniards, who (due to the unbearable humidity and heat) were not particularly interested in these lands. At the beginning of the 17th century. these places were controlled by the French. However, after some time they were ousted from here by the Portuguese.

But the French returned here in 1663 and a year later, in 1664, they founded the city of Cayenne. Until 1809, the colony founded here repeatedly changed hands - from the French to the Dutch and the British, until it finally returned to French possession in 1814. From the 18th to the 20th centuries, like the whole country, the city served as a place of exile for political prisoners . Due to the swelteringly humid, hot climate and the spread of severe tropical fevers, it was believed that those exiled to Cayenne had very little chance of survival. IN world history entered the convict prison Sinnamary (French Sinnamary), which during the Great French Revolution was called the “dry guillotine”.

Attractions

The capital of the country is the personification of the spirit of French Guiana and its most beautiful city.

The old part of Cayenne and the most representative place in the city center - Place de Grenoble(French Place de Grenoble). Around the square are all the main attractions of the capital: the Town Hall (city hall), the post office and the Prefecture buildings (built by the Jesuits in the 18th century), the Lussat Canal (French Laussat Canal; 1777) and the botanical gardens. There is a local history museum nearby Departmental Franconi Museum(French: Musée Alexandre-Franconie), founded on October 15, 1901 (city day) and named after A. Franconie, who provided many exhibits for the exhibition.

The museum is located in the historical center of the city, in the Franconi House. The house, built in 1824-1842, itself has great historical value - 03/08. 1986 he was listed historical monuments France. The Museum has several rooms dedicated to local history, ethnology, archeology, and fine arts. Each of the halls recreates a certain atmosphere corresponding to each historical era. There are rich displays of diverse exhibits here: paintings, tools made by local artisans, extensive herbariums and insect collections.

There are also Felix Ebo Museum(French le Musée Felix Ebo) and Museum of Guiana Culture with a remarkable collection of ethnography, indigenous crafts, with documents and photographs of the notorious prison colonies on the ominous Ile du Diable island(Ile du Diable - “Devil's Island”).

Tourists are attracted by the capital's dilapidated Fort Seper (French Fort Seper), which offers a stunning view of the city, sea port and the river. Very little remains of the fort, founded in the 17th century, but the beautiful views from its picturesque ruins make a visit unforgettable.

The brightest place in the capital - Place de Palmistes(French: Place des Palmistes), located in the northwestern part of the city. Tourists love to visit the square, which got its name in honor of the many giant palm trees growing on its territory, because there are many cute cafes and cute street restaurants.

The main commercial street and the “active nightlife” area of the capital, beloved by tourists, is Avenue du General de Gaulle(French Avenue du General de Gaulle).

Cayenne's main market is located on the famous Square Place Victor-Schoolcher(French: Place Victor Schoelcher), named after the man whose name is associated with the final abolition of slavery in French Guiana. Another recommended place for shopping is Village Chino, a traditional place for selling fish and all kinds of Asian delicacies and spices. The city also has a shopping area called Place du Coc (French: Place du Coc) - the main city food market.

Square Place Victor-Schoolcher

Not far from the capital, about 2.5 km, in an unusually picturesque place, there is Gabriel Bay (French Baie de Gabriel), which is part of the river of the same name. Tropical plants have formed a green labyrinth in the bay, which is beautifully displayed on the mirror surface of the water.

It is difficult to find a more suitable place for family outings.

There you can admire the bright butterflies, a huge number fluttering over the heads of tourists and staging fantastic performances in the air.

Unique of its kind Regional Center Air Monitoring Center, located in Cayenne, where there are various stations to monitor air quality. The Center hosts various presentations and seminars on environmental issues. Here you can find out a lot of interesting and useful information.

The best beach in Cayenne is located in the Remy Montjoly area, 10 km southeast of the capital, where, if you wish, you can visit the historical ruins of Fort Diamant, the old colonial sugar factory and the most Guiana's accessible turtle beach, where thousands of these marine creatures lay their eggs from April to July.

The wonderful village of Cacao, located near the Ruhr (French Roura), is of constant interest to tourists. Representatives of ethnic group Hmong who fled to the tropical jungle from Laos in the 70s of the twentieth century. At the Sunday village market you can buy wickerwork, national Hmong embroidery, and also try the famous delicious local “green” soups.

Lying 65 km southeast of Cayenne, the Cau region is one of the department's most accessible wildlife areas. The rainforests and swamps of this area have preserved all the enormous diversity of wildlife of the Atlantic coast of South America almost untouched. There are many species of birds and animals here, including caimans, relatives of the American alligator. The rivers and marshes abound with a fantastic variety of fish.

Cayenne will really appeal to lovers of outdoor activities:

here on the ocean coast you can go swimming, surfing and windsurfing;
created on the rivers of the region good conditions for rafting and canoeing;
there are several developed routes for wonderful walking tours;
Fishing, both river and sea, is an exciting form of recreation, and the opportunity to hunt sharks is especially tempting.

Curious facts

When walking through the capital of Guiana, you create an indescribable feeling of being lost in space - somewhere between France, South America and Africa.
An interesting feature of the city is the amazing architecture of the buildings: something similar to multi-colored pagodas.
It’s funny that all the administrative buildings in the city are called “hotel”: the police station is “Hotel de Police”, the city administration is called “Hotel de Prefecture”. Maybe people work and live there so as not to bother themselves with unnecessary trips?
There are many monuments in the city, most of which, judging by the dates of construction, are 100-150 years old. For example, a monument erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Monuments are treated with respect; no one paints them or breaks them.
There are also “more recent” monuments, for example, a monument dedicated to the liberation from slavery, which consists of huge torn shackles. If you knock on the monument, you will be amazed to realize that the shackles with chains are made of... plastic.
At the entrance to the city you can see an unusual monument erected in honor of representatives of the 3 races that formed today's French Guiana: huge figures of an African, an Indian and a European hold a metal pyramid with portraits high above their heads historical figures, embossed on the edges.
The construction of the Lusso Canal, which flows in the center of the city, was carried out by prisoners of the Cayenne prison.
Cayenne hot pepper got its name because it was delivered to European countries on ships departing from the capital port of Guiana. This type of pepper, which is native to South America, is also called "chili".
In addition to what has already been mentioned hot pepper, the name was borrowed from the capital of the French department and Porsche Cayenne– the first SUV in the history of the famous brand.
Like any coastal country, Guiana is famous for its fisheries. The assortment of fresh fish on the shelves is replenished every morning by local fishermen.
As in neighboring Suriname, in Cayenne almost all medium-sized shops, supermarkets and restaurants are owned by the ubiquitous Chinese.
If France is the generally recognized world trendsetter, then the residents of Cayenne do not want to lag behind the Parisians and also love to dress beautifully. But looking at the outfits of the local fashionistas, original, variegated and colorful, you again understand that this is more and more reminiscent of passionate Africa than elegant France.
Cayenne residents like to paint even their homes in cheerful colors - yellow, orange, blue and green.
And in general, Cayenne is the most un-French capital of the French state!

About the city of Cayenne

Cayenne(English) Cayenne, fr. Cayenne) - city and capital of the overseas department of France - French Guiana, the only continental possession of Europeans in South America, located in the northeastern part of this continent, bordering Brazil and Suriname. The administrative center of the region of the same name. The city is located in the eastern part of the department on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Cayenne River.

The city was founded in 1664. Initially, this territory was discovered by the Spaniards, who, due to the sizzling heat (proximity to the equator) and poverty, were not interested in it. At the beginning of the 17th century, these places were colonized by the French. However, after some time they were ousted from here by the Portuguese.

The French returned here in 1663 and founded Cayenne a year later. Until 1809, the colony founded here passed back and forth between the French, the Dutch and the English, until it finally returned to French control in 1814. Until the 20th century, like all of Guiana, Cayenne served as a place where the French government sent political exiles and convicts.

The tropical climate of these places was the reason for the emergence severe forms fever, so those who ended up here had virtually no chance of survival.

The convict prison of Sinnamary, which during the Great French Revolution was called only the “dry guillotine,” has gone down in world history. Besides the place of exile, Cayenne for a long time was considered a serious fishing center, as well as an industrial center for shrimp farming. There are several sugar factories in the city, rum production and wood processing are developed. Cayenne is rightfully considered the most colorful city in the department.

The main architectural and historical attraction, and the country as a whole, is the Place de Grenoble. The vast majority of administrative buildings are located here - the town hall, post office, prefecture, built in the 18th century. Nearby are the Lusso Canal and the botanical garden. Curious tourists are attracted by the dilapidated Seperu fort, which offers impressive views of the city, sea, port and river.

Among the city's museums, the most notable are the Departmental-Fransoni Museum, the Felix Ebault Museum, and the Guiana Culture Museum, where you can, among other things, get acquainted with the history of the criminal colonies that were once located on the island of Ile du Diable. Commercial and night life The capital is mainly located on the Avenue du General de Gaulle. The Village Chino area is a traditional place for fish markets and exotic products.

The best beach in Cayenne is Remy-Montjoly, 10 km from the city. In the same area are the ruins of Fort Diamant, as well as a colonial sugar mill and turtle beach, where turtles lay eggs to give birth to their young from April to July.

Climate in Cayenne tropical, very hot and humid. The rainy season lasts from January to May. The air temperature throughout the year stays around +25…+28 °C. Summer temperatures are even hotter - up to +35...+37°C. Best time To come here - from June to December.

Guiana dialing code: +594. Cayenne area code: 224

Prefecture website region http://www.guyane.pref.gouv.fr/

In addition to the port, you can get to Cayenne by air through Cayenne-Rochambeau Airport, (http://www.aeroport.fr/les-aeroports-de-l-uaf/cayenne-rochambeau.php), located 13.5 km from the city.