Cayenne | French Guiana

Cayenne is the capital and largest city of French Guiana, an overseas department and region of France located on the northeastern coast of South America. It is situated on a peninsula between the mouths of the Cayenne and Mahury Rivers.

Historical Timeline

Founded in 1643 by the French, Cayenne was briefly occupied by the Dutch, English, and Portuguese before being returned to France. It is historically linked to the French Penal Colony system, serving as the administrative center for the infamous Devil’s Island (Île du Diable) and the mainland prisons. In 1946, French Guiana was elevated to an overseas department, integrating it fully into the French political and economic system.

Demographics & Population

The population is approximately 66,000 (urban area ~150,000). It is a highly multi-ethnic city, consisting of Creoles (of African/European descent), Maroons (descendants of escaped slaves), indigenous peoples, and significant immigrant populations from Haiti, Brazil, Suriname, and mainland France (Métropolitains).

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Place des Palmistes: The central social hub, a large plaza lined with giant royal palms and colonial-era cafes.

Le Vieux Port (The Old Port): The historic maritime area, now largely used for artisanal fishing.

Chinatown: A commercial district centered around the central market.

Montabo: An upscale coastal residential area featuring the main beaches and research institutes.

Top Landmarks

Fort Cépérou: Ruins of a 17th-century fortification offering panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

Place de Grenoble: A historic square containing the Town Hall and the Prefecture.

Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie: A museum detailing the history, flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures of French Guiana.

Cayenne Market: A vibrant marketplace known for its spices, tropical fruits, and traditional Hmong soup (Phở).

Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur de Cayenne: A 19th-century cathedral and a designated national monument.

Transportation Network

Air: Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport (CAY) is the main international gateway, with direct flights to Paris, Fort-de-France, and Pointe-à-Pitre.

Roads: The RN1 connects Cayenne to Kourou and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni; the RN2 leads to the Brazilian border at Saint-Georges.

Local: Public transport consists of the Petit Bus (minivans) and a structured urban bus network. Taxis are available but expensive.

Water: Ferry and pirogue services are used to access remote river settlements, though less common within the city itself.

Safety & Health

Crime: Cayenne has a higher crime rate than mainland France. Petty theft and street crime are common in certain districts; caution is advised after dark.

Health: Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. Malaria and Dengue fever are prevalent; mosquito protection is required.

Marine Safety: The water is often brown due to silt from the Amazon River; swimming is limited to specific areas like Montjoly due to strong currents.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

4G and 5G coverage is widespread, provided by Orange, SFR, and Digicel. The currency is the Euro (€). ATMs are abundant, and major credit cards are accepted in most businesses, consistent with European standards.

Climate & Ecology

Climate: Equatorial. It is hot and extremely humid year-round. The primary rainy season occurs from April to July.

Air Quality: Excellent, influenced by Atlantic trade winds.

Wildlife: The city is surrounded by secondary rainforest; sloths, iguanas, and tropical birds are frequently sighted within urban limits.

Culture & Social Norms

Carnival: Cayenne hosts one of the longest Carnivals in the world (January–March), famous for the Touloulou (masked women who invite men to dance).

Gastronomy: A blend of French, Creole, and Asian influences. Signature dishes include Bouillon d'Awara (a traditional palm fruit stew).

Language: French is the official language. Guianese Creole is the primary lingua franca.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: ~€2.50 ($2.70)

1 Baguette: ~€1.20 ($1.30)

1 Local Meal: ~€15–€25 ($16–$27)

Nearby Day Trips

Kourou & Guiana Space Centre: Located 60 km northwest; the primary spaceport for the European Space Agency (ESA).

Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands): A boat trip to see the ruins of the former penal colonies.

Rémire-Montjoly: Coastal suburb featuring the best beaches and the "Sentier des Salines" nature trail.

Facts & Legends

A verified political oddity is that Cayenne is part of the European Union, making it the most populous EU city in South America. Local legend speaks of the Maskilili, a forest spirit with backward-facing feet designed to lead trackers astray in the dense Guianese jungle.