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Introduction
Cayenne: French Guiana’s atmospheric capital and chief port offers a number of attractive sights. Points of interest include the Jesuit-built residence of the Prefect in the Place de Grenoble, the Canal Laussat (built in 1777) and the Botanical Gardens. In the centre of town, the Musée Départamental and the Musée des Cultures Guyanaises feature good exhibits on indigenous peoples and the notorious penal settlements on Devil’s Island. Lively cafes and market stalls are to be found in the Place des Palmistes. Montjoly, the city’s best beach, is a short drive away.
Kourou: The main French Space Centre was built here which makes Kourou something of a European enclave. Ultra-modern buildings now dominate the city and there are several restaurants and two good hotels. Tourist attractions include tours of the space centres, bathing, fishing and the Sporting and Aero Club.
Iles du Salut: These islands include the infamous Devil’s Island, where political prisoners were held. There is a hotel (an ex-mess hall for the prison warders) on Ile Royale.
Haut-Maroni and Haut-Oyapoc: Visits to Amerindian villages in these areas are restricted; permission must be obtained from the Préfecture in Cayenne before arrival in the country.
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