Authentic Escape in French Guiana: Immersion in Nature, Culture & Space

Rich in exceptional biodiversity, French Guiana offers a unique experience where pristine nature, local traditions, and unexpected discoveries intertwine. Four of our Travel Designers had the privilege of embarking on a study trip to the heart of this little-known yet fascinating region.

A Timeless Interlude in the Amazonian Forest

The adventure begins at the eco-tourist CARIACOU Camp, nestled deep within the Amazon rainforest. Accessible via approximately a 50-minute pirogue ride from Camp Maripas, located about 20 kilometers from Kourou, the camp sits on the banks of the serene Balata Creek, an offshoot of the Kourou River.

Surrounded by lush, dense vegetation, our Travel Designers discovered a simple, environmentally respectful way of life. After settling into traditional carbets—open-sided wooden shelters—the day continued with a guided rainforest hike. Bryan, a passionate guide and member of the Guyana Guides Association, introduced them to numerous plant species, including towering trees and various palms.

A nighttime pirogue excursion followed, offering glimpses of discreet yet ever-present wildlife: snakes stealthily camouflaged among branches, a play of shadows and headlamp light—an atmosphere both captivating and slightly eerie.

As night fell, they relaxed in hammocks, serenaded by the hum of insects and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures.

Meals, generous and convivial, were served in the main carbet, around a long wooden table, accompanied by planteurs, ti-punchs, and Creole specialties—an authentic, warm moment true to the spirit of the place.

The separate carbet housing the sanitary facilities offered comfort in an unusual setting. The open-air showers, discreetly hidden from view, allowed a full immersion experience, with nothing between you and the forest canopy.

The Kaw Marshes

Water is omnipresent in French Guiana, and our Travel Designers continued their journey in the Kaw Marshes. Accessible only by pirogue, this nature reserve is full of ecological treasures.

Gliding along the water, they encountered remarkable wildlife: caimans, wading birds, buffalos, and other iconic regional species.

The trip continues in the small riverside town of Kaw, a former Amerindian village accessible only by boat—revealing a more human, heritage-rich side of French Guiana.

They spent the night in an ecolodge hammock at the heart of the marshes, accompanied by the surprising sounds of howler monkeys, toucans, and other unseen mangrove dwellers.

The Salvation Islands: A Resonant History

One of the trip’s highlights was the visit to the Salvation Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Kourou, composed of three islands: Royale, Saint-Joseph, and Devil’s Island.

Once a notorious penal colony, Royale Island tells an emotionally charged past. The former cells, hospital, church, and colonial ruins recount the hardships of prisoners and the lives of the guards and their families. Nature has since reclaimed the land—peacocks, monkeys, and iguanas roam freely in a nearly surreal setting.

Saint-Joseph Island, wilder and more mysterious, impresses with its silent, almost mystical atmosphere. Formerly the site of solitary confinement, its vine-covered walls evoke a living memory. Devil’s Island remains inaccessible but looms in the distance from Royale, like a haunting echo of the past.

Science and Biodiversity United at the Guiana Space Centre

Another highlight: discovering the Guiana Space Centre (CSG), Europe’s space launch facility in Kourou. Spanning 750 km², this high-tech site launches Ariane 5, Ariane 6, and Vega rockets within an unexpectedly natural environment.

The strictly guided visit takes place by bus, with stops at key installations: assembly buildings, the Jupiter control room, launch pads… an intriguing world for science enthusiasts and the curious alike.

Yet the CSG is also an ecological sanctuary, with hiking trails, protected zones, and diverse wildlife—birds, monkeys, anteaters, even jaguars.