French Guiana is a part of France in South America. It has rainforests, beautiful beaches, and a mix of cultures. It's a great place to visit if you love nature and space (it has a space center!), or want to go somewhere different.
French Guiana's main international airport is Cayenne – Felix Eboue Airport (CAY), located near the capital city of Cayenne.
Airlines like Air France and regional carriers offer flights to French Guiana, often with connections through Paris (CDG) or other Caribbean hubs. Direct flights from mainland France are the most common route.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to go to French Guiana is from August to November. This is when it's sunny and doesn't rain much, so it's perfect for seeing the rainforest and beaches.
Events and Festivals: Carnival (usually February/March), Fête de Cayenne (local celebrations throughout the year), and various cultural events related to the diverse communities in French Guiana.
Cultural and Historical Experiences: Exploring Cayenne, visiting the Îles du Salut (including Devil's Island), experiencing the local Creole culture, and learning about the Amerindian heritage.
Transportation: You can get around French Guiana by taxi, bus (mostly in Cayenne and near the coast), or by renting a car. Renting a car is a good idea if you want to go to places that are far away. There are also ferries to some islands, and you can fly to places inside the country.
Key Airports: Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport (CAY)
Nature and Wildlife: Exploring the Amazon rainforest, visiting the Kaw Mountains and the Marais de Kaw (swamp), observing wildlife (including caimans, monkeys, and birds), and visiting nature reserves.
Space Exploration: Touring the Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais), Europe's primary spaceport, and witnessing rocket launches (check the launch schedule).
Beaches and Islands: Relaxing on the beaches of the Îles du Salut, exploring the islands by boat, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
Cultural Experiences: Visiting the Musée Départemental Franconie (museum in Cayenne), exploring the local markets, and experiencing the diverse cuisines of French Guiana.
Adventure Activities: Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and exploring the rainforest.
Best Bars and Restaurants: Restaurants in Cayenne offer a mix of French, Creole, and South American cuisines. Fresh seafood is a specialty. Research local restaurants for specific recommendations.