Explore the Amerindian and Maroon cultures that inhabit the shores of this great river. You'll usually also visit the island of an old leper colony (mentioned in Papillon) and take a jungle stroll. The Office du Tourisme will know which of the several local river-tour companies have scheduled trips and can direct you to guides who speak English. Longer trips usually involve a night or more in a hammock in a traditional Amerindian hut and a taste of local cuisine.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.48 MILES
The eerie Camp de la Transportation, where prisoners arrived for processing, was the largest prison in French Guiana. Convicts arrived exhausted after 20…
20.15 MILES
This long stretch of beach is a very important nesting ground for giant leatherback turtles, which can grow up to 600kg. The females come ashore from…
19.33 MILES
On Suriname's eastern shoulder, Galibi Nature Reserve faces French Guiana across the Marowijne River. Here, hordes of sea turtles, including the giant…
Maison de la Reserve Naturelle l'Amana
20.02 MILES
Amerindian settlements and thick clouds of mosquitoes populate Awala-Yalimopo and Plage Les Hattes, one of the world's most spectacular nesting sites for…
5.76 MILES
The Camp de la Relégation, aka St Jean, is another abandoned prison camp 17km from St Laurent. It's accessed via two-hour tours offered by various…
18.66 MILES
This small museum gives an interesting overview of Hmong culture, history, tools and handicrafts.
Nearby French Guiana attractions
2.48 MILES
The eerie Camp de la Transportation, where prisoners arrived for processing, was the largest prison in French Guiana. Convicts arrived exhausted after 20…
5.76 MILES
The Camp de la Relégation, aka St Jean, is another abandoned prison camp 17km from St Laurent. It's accessed via two-hour tours offered by various…
18.66 MILES
This small museum gives an interesting overview of Hmong culture, history, tools and handicrafts.
19.33 MILES
On Suriname's eastern shoulder, Galibi Nature Reserve faces French Guiana across the Marowijne River. Here, hordes of sea turtles, including the giant…
5. Maison de la Reserve Naturelle l'Amana
20.02 MILES
Amerindian settlements and thick clouds of mosquitoes populate Awala-Yalimopo and Plage Les Hattes, one of the world's most spectacular nesting sites for…
20.15 MILES
This long stretch of beach is a very important nesting ground for giant leatherback turtles, which can grow up to 600kg. The females come ashore from…