Fort Cépérou, Colonial fort on Mont Cépérou, Cayenne, French Guiana
Fort Cépérou stands on a strategic hilltop position overlooking the Cayenne River mouth and the Atlantic Ocean from its stone fortifications.
The fort's construction began in 1643 when Charles Poncet de Brétigny purchased the land from indigenous chief Cépérou and built initial wooden fortifications.
The fort represents the first official French settlement in Guiana, marking the beginning of European colonization in this part of South America.
Visitors can reach the fort through a steep street that leads to the summit, where they can observe the city of Cayenne from multiple angles.
The fort's bell rang continuously for ten days during the great fire of 1888 until it cracked, and now resides in the Cayenne Museum.
Location: Cayenne
GPS coordinates: 4.93763,-52.33663
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:47
French Guiana contains rainforests, rivers and coastal areas. This list includes nature reserves with birds and turtles, colonial historical sites, indigenous rock carvings and traditional villages. The region displays a mix of South American nature and French history.
Cayenne's Prison
2.3 km
Cayenne Cathedral
598 m
Place des Palmistes
385 m
Prefecture hotel of French Guiana
492 m
Museo departamental Alexandre-Franconie
255 m
Statue of Victor Schœlcher
173 m
Pont du Larivot
4.8 km
Jardin botanique de Cayenne
1.8 km
Colonne de la république
413 m
Statue of Félix Éboué
359 m
Place du Coq
298 m
Maison-Musée de Félix Éboué
937 m
Collège Eugène Nonnon
691 m
Hôpital Jean Martial
697 m
Externat Saint-Joseph de Cayenne
516 m
Maison Thémire
298 m
Place Léopold-Héder
206 m
Bibliothèque Franconie
282 m
École Joséphine-Horth
253 m
Ancienne douane
120 m
Immeuble Delabergerie
1.1 km
Conseil général de Cayenne
277 m
Fontaine de Montravel
187 m
Lavoir de Cayenne
1.1 km
Plage Bourda
5.9 km
Maison Franconie
266 m
Museum of Guyanese Cultures
878 m
Maison, 6 rue du Fort
102 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes