A first-timer’s guide… to Jordan
What should you know before your first trip to Jordan? Cox & Kings' Roop Kumar covers the basics.
Read more
Mon - Fri 9:00am - 6:00pm
Sat 10:00am - 4:30pm
MONTH BY MONTH
Choose a month to travel and discover the best places to visit at that time of year...
READ OUR COMPASS BLOG
Compass is an online travel magazine, designed to inspire and inform...
THE COX & KINGS DIFFERENCES
Discover some of the unique benefits of choosing to travel with Cox & Kings...
- French Guiana
- Overview
- Private Travel
- Gallery
French Guiana holidays by Cox & Kings
French Guiana is half the size of its neighbour, Suriname. As one of France’s overseas departments, it acts as a little piece of Europe in this remote corner of South America. It’s a mix of tropical South America and modern France with gendarmes, outdoor cafes, colonial buildings, rainforest and plantations.
Explore French Guiana
Click on your destination of interest
Key facts
- Capital: Cayenne
- Currency: Euro
- Time difference: -4 GMT
- Official language(s): French
- Visa requirements: Not required for UK citizens
The French Guiana Experts
Our experts will be delighted to tailor a completely personalised itinerary to suit your interests, dates and budget.
Call them on
020 7808 6783
020 7808 6783
Top things to do in French Guiana
Cayenne capital
A typical creole town and home to around half the population of French Guiana, some 50,000 people, Cayenne is the administrative and commercial centre of the country.
European Space Centre at Kourou
Built in 1965 as a space port for the Ariane and Soyuz satellites, this vast site now also features a space museum and visitors can view the launch pads. Satellite launch schedules are a closely guarded secret, but viewing tickets may be obtainable locally should a visit happen to coincide with a launch.
Boat trip to Iles du Salut
These three islands lie 7kms off the coast of Kourou. Take a catamaran trip to Ile Saint Joseph and Ile Royal to explore the atmospheric and overgrown ruined buildings of this historic penal colony, where many political prisoners were incarcerated. Enjoy lunch with views of Devils Island (inaccessible to visitors due to its dangerous coastline), made famous in ‘Papillon’ the semi-autobiographical novel by Henri Charriere, and whose most famous prisoner was Alfred Dreyfus.
Slave camp of St Laurent du Maroni
St Laurent du Maroni on the Maroni River is home to a sobering memorial, the well-preserved ruins of the slave transportation centre, which served as a transit point for newly arrived slaves destined for plantations in Caribbean and South America. Nearby is the coastal town of Awala Yalimapo home to the Kali’na indigenous people and an important sea turtle nesting site (March - August).
Cacao
This small farming community in the jungle to south of Cayenne was founded by H’mong immigrants from Laos. There is an interesting Sunday market selling traditional local produce and handicrafts, while visits can also be made to explore the settlement and local plantations.
The latest from Compass - our online travel magazine
The 9 islands of the Azores: a brief guide
Nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic promise an experience of Portugal a world away from Lisbon or the Algarve. In
Read more
Why you should visit Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan: a vibrant stop on the Silk Route, a crossroads between east and west, and the metropole of a medieval empire. This
Read more
A guide to Bhutan’s fantastic festivals
The best time to visit Bhutan is undoubtedly during one of its colourful annual festivals (tshechus). It’s a chance to gain greater
Read more"The holiday was very diverse and each day we had new and exciting experiences."
Ms Margaret Newton
Travel in South America
Find out more about what you can expect from travelling in South America – from internal flights to accommodation standards and local transport.
Flying in style in South America
Learn more about the airlines we use to fly to South America, chosen for reliability and good service; as well as any available upgrade facilities.
Documents & health information for South America
Before travelling to South America, please read more about the entry requirements for each country, as well as any general health advice.
Request a brochure
Order your copy of the brochure to see the world come to life in print.
© Cox & Kings 2021