Cayenne
French Guiana · 6 m
Description
Cayenne is the capital of an overseas department of France that lies on the shoulder of South America, so the euro is the currency and the rainforest begins at the edge of town. Creole houses in faded colours stand around the Place des Palmistes under its royal palms, and Fort Cépérou on the hill above dates from the founding in 1643. The market sells Hmong vegetables from the inland villages beside Brazilian and West African produce. Ninety-six per cent of the territory is still forest. The department has been part of France since 1946 and votes in every French election.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: August – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Place des Palmistes
- Marché de Cayenne
- Fort Cépérou above the estuary
- Creole houses of the old quarter
- Musée départemental Alexandre-Franconie
- Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur
- Bouillon d'awara at Easter (approx. April)
- Carnival with the touloulou balls (February)
- Rum and cachiri in the waterfront bars
Getting there
- Airports:
- CAY