Chutes Voltaire, Waterfall in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, French Guiana

Chutes Voltaire is a series of waterfalls on the Voltaire Creek, which rises from the Voltaire Inselberg and drops 35 to 45 metres depending on the season. The creek splits into two arms around hard granite; the left arm is the widest, the right offers the better view. About 200 metres on, the arms rejoin and the water flows via the Sparouine Creek to the Maroni. The upper steps fall over dark rounded ledges, then fan into a wide white sheet across smooth pinkish-red rock streaked with dark horizontal lines.

The falls were discovered in January 1991 by sappers of the 2nd Compagnie de Travaux École of the 3rd RSMA of Cayenne, who cut a hunting trail linking the village of Apatou; section chief Philippe Choisy led the works. The ONF of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni learned of the site weeks later during a visit to Camp Voltaire. The falls and their access trail lie on state land, and the surrounding 18,000 hectares have been protected since 2000.

The falls lie in an 18,000-hectare area protected since 2000 by the Office National des Forêts, which also covers the neighbouring Vieux Broussard Falls. The rainforest there shelters many endemic plant and animal species. The name Voltaire comes from the Voltaire Creek and the Voltaire Inselberg that feeds it.

A four-wheel drive vehicle is needed from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, following the road toward Saint-Jean-du-Maroni before turning onto the foot trail. The journey is demanding, so proper footwear and preparation for jungle conditions are essential.

The falls were first recorded in January 1991, when sappers of the 2nd Company of the 3rd RSMA of Cayenne cut a hunting trail toward the village of Apatou and came upon them. The ONF of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni learned of the site weeks later during a visit to Camp Voltaire.