Cayenne, Capital city in French Guiana, France
Description
Cayenne is the capital of French Guiana on the Atlantic coast, where the river of the same name flows into the sea and wide streets run through a district with colonial buildings next to modern administrative offices. The waterfront connects old docks with new moorings, while parks and squares break up the urban fabric.
History
After several failed attempts, French settlers founded the city permanently in 1664 and used it as a base for trade with the Caribbean and Europe. In the 19th century, the place developed into an administrative center for penal colonies and remained the political hub of the overseas territory even after their closure.
Culture
The name comes from early settlers who named it after the pepper variety, while today the city blends Creole, French, and several indigenous languages in daily life. Markets like the Marché Central show how residents buy fresh spices, tropical fruits, and handmade goods, making different cultural influences visible.
Practical
Those who want to walk will find most sights in the compact center reachable within 20 minutes, while side streets often offer shady paths through residential areas. Public buses run during the day to main districts and the airport, though travel times can vary due to traffic.
Did you know?
The old fort on Cépérou hill offers a wide view over the estuary and city, with remnants of stone walls from the 17th century still standing among palms and green spaces. Few visitors know that tunnels run beneath the fort, once protecting military supplies and today partly accessible.
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Cayenne's Prison
2.1 km
Cayenne Cathedral
390 m
Fort Cépérou
211 m
Place des Palmistes
175 m
Habitation Loyola
8.4 km
Prefecture hotel of French Guiana
334 m
Museo departamental Alexandre-Franconie
73 m
Zoo de Guyane
17.4 km
Statue of Victor Schœlcher
152 m
Pont du Larivot
5 km
Jardin botanique de Cayenne
1.6 km
Colonne de la république
214 m
Statue of Félix Éboué
151 m
Place du Coq
282 m
Salines de Montjoly
6.8 km
Phare de l'Île Royale
47.9 km
Plage de l'île Saint-Joseph
47.1 km
Maison-Musée de Félix Éboué
760 m
Guyana Botanical Garden
23 kmPhare de l'Enfant Perdu
21.3 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Montsinéry
18.3 km
Collège Eugène Nonnon
481 m
Hôpital Jean Martial
486 m
Externat Saint-Joseph de Cayenne
313 m
Maison Thémire
201 m
Place Léopold-Héder
78 mQuartier des détenus
47.2 km
Chapelle de l'île Royale
48 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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