Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) | Cayenne

Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands): A Detailed Overview

Location and Overview

The Îles du Salut, or Salvation Islands, are a group of three small islands located approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) off the coast of French Guiana in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite their serene name, these islands are steeped in a history that is anything but peaceful, being most famously associated with the French penal colony system. The archipelago consists of:

1. Île Royale (Royal Island)
2. Île Saint-Joseph (Saint Joseph Island)
3. Île du Diable (Devil’s Island)

The islands are renowned for their natural beauty, historical significance, and as a poignant reminder of the harsh conditions of the French penal system.

Historical Background

Foundation of the Penal Colony

The Îles du Salut were established as a French penal colony in 1852 under Emperor Napoleon III. The idea was to send convicts, political prisoners, and exiles to these remote islands as part of France’s broader strategy to deal with overcrowded prisons and to deter crime.

Conditions on the Islands

Life for prisoners on the islands was notoriously brutal. The tropical climate, rampant diseases such as malaria and yellow fever, and harsh treatment by guards contributed to high mortality rates. Political prisoners, including notable figures, often endured solitary confinement.

Key Historical Moments

Devil’s Island and Alfred Dreyfus:
Devil’s Island became infamous as the place where Alfred Dreyfus, a French army officer wrongly accused of treason in the late 19th century, was imprisoned. The "Dreyfus Affair" later became a symbol of injustice and anti-Semitism in France.

Penal System Closure:
The penal colony officially ceased operations in 1953, and the islands were gradually repurposed for tourism and research.

The Islands Today

Île Royale

The largest of the three islands, Île Royale, served as the administrative center of the penal colony. Today, it is the most accessible island for visitors and offers several attractions:

• Restored Buildings: Includes the warden’s house, hospital, and prisoner barracks.
• Museum: A small museum displays artifacts and documents detailing the penal colony's history.
• Trails and Views: Scenic trails lead visitors through lush vegetation and offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Île Saint-Joseph

This island was primarily used for solitary confinement. Visitors can explore the eerie remnants of the prison cells, surrounded by dense forest, which evoke a haunting atmosphere.

Île du Diable (Devil’s Island)

Known for its inaccessibility, Île du Diable was reserved for political prisoners. Although landing on the island is challenging due to strong currents, it can be viewed from nearby Île Royale. The rocky terrain and desolate buildings tell the story of its grim past.

Natural Beauty

Despite their dark history, the Îles du Salut are incredibly scenic. The islands are surrounded by turquoise waters, rugged coastlines, and tropical flora. Wildlife such as monkeys, sea turtles, and colorful birds inhabit the area, adding to its allure.

Visiting the Islands

Access:
The islands can be reached by boat from Kourou, with organized tours available. Île Royale is the most visitor-friendly, with accommodations and dining options for those wishing to stay overnight.

Activities:

• Historical tours of the penal colony ruins.
• Hiking along marked trails.
• Wildlife watching and photography.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

The Îles du Salut have inspired numerous books, films, and discussions about justice and human rights. The most famous cultural depiction is the memoir Papillon by Henri Charrière, which recounts his supposed escape from the islands.

The Salvation Islands stand today as a striking juxtaposition of natural beauty and somber history, drawing travelers who seek to explore their layered past and breathtaking landscapes.