French Guiana (France)

French Guiana is a territory of France located in South America between Brazil and Venezuela. Historically, French Guiana was initially used as a penal colony for the French where the worst of criminals and political prisoners were placed in terrible conditions here. Today, the territory holds the only space shuttle base for Europe in the entire world.

French Guiana, within the Region of the Guyanas

French Guiana's Fast Facts

Language

French

Capital City

Cayenne (Paris, France)

Currency

Euros

Budget Range

$ - $$

Visa Info (Learn More Here)

Find out more about the visa requirements for France and French Guiana here.

Know Before You Go to French Guiana

The primary language in French Guiana is French. Most people do not speak English but using a translator app will go a long way in the country. People are very friendly and want to help. However, most signage in museums and at different historical sites are only in French. The people of the country also speak a creole language that descends from the slaves who were forcibly brought to French Guiana. And finally, the indigenous populations within French Guiana also have their own languages. However, everyone also speaks French.

The weather in French Guiana is incredibly tropical and can feel rather harsh. The months of December to February and April to July are the wet season and you will experience heavy rain every day. The rain can last just a few minutes throughout the day but you will want to find cover when it starts to fall because it can be really heavy. The nice thing about the rain is that it cools down the temperature and removes the humidity in the air. During the dry season, the temperature can be very hot but the rain will not inhibit you from doing different things.

In French Guiana, you will find French bakeries with all the traditional pastries and breads that are well known in France. The other food that you should try is the Creole cuisine that is traditional to the region. It is often meat in a stew with sides of vegetables. While you can get the regular meat options of chicken or beef, you also have the opportunity of trying local rainforest meat, such as capybara. Finally, there is a strong Vietnamese community in French Guiana of the people who helped the French during their colonization of Vietnam. You can find some delicious Vietnamese pho soups and spring rolls at the Central Market of Cayenne. And being in this tropical location, the fruit juices and smoothies are delicious no matter where you are in the country.

French Guiana, being a territory of France, uses the euro. While you should consider carrying some cash with you in case of emergency while in French Guiana, the majority of locations accept all major credit cards.

The towns within French Guiana are small and it is easy to walk around the towns, so long as you can manage through the rain and the heat. While there is a bus system to get between locations, the hours are not always publicized and it runs very infrequently. It may be easier to rent a car to get between towns or hire a taxi car service at a very reasonable price. The service that we recommend using is ADG Transport and the owner of the company speaks French, English, and Dutch. You can reach out to him on Whatsapp.

Don't forget to rent your car for your trip in French Guiana

All French Guiana Travel Guides + Articles

A cobblestone pathway being overrun by a jungle next to a building that's being eaten up by a the jungle in French Guiana

French Guiana Itinerary (5 Days)

A French Guiana itinerary to help you explore this territory of France over 5 days to dive into this unique culture and nature.

A road going between buildings in the center of things to do in Cayenne

Things to Do in Cayenne, French Guiana

Cayenne is the capital city of French Guiana. The main airport is located 45 minutes outside of the city. The following are the various things to do in Cayenne. They can give you a cultural overview of the region and an understanding of the environment around. Things to Do in Cayenne: Exploring the Town Phare de Fort Cépérou At the edge of the city and the river is the old fort and lighthouse that protected the area when it was initially colonized and settled. Because it is located at the top of a hill, you can get a nice view of the city and the surrounding rainforest. It’s a nice place to see unique birds flying over the river and trees below. This is a great place to start exploring the various things to do in Cayenne. The view of the town of Cayenne from the top of the Phare de Fort Cépérou Cayenne Market The Cayenne Central Market is only open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from around 6 AM to 2 PM. It is a wonderful and vibrant place to walk through and visit. On the outside of the market building, you will find vendors selling fresh produce. Many of…