Tour Dreyfus

Tour Dreyfus is a cylindrical stone tower standing on the coastal point known as Pointe des Roches, where it has served as a navigation beacon for ships entering local waters. The structure rises prominently above the shoreline and remains one of the oldest surviving maritime markers in the region.

Built in 1856 when Kourou functioned as a penal settlement, the tower operated as a semaphore station to relay messages between coastal facilities and Île Royale. Later it transitioned to serving as a navigation light as maritime needs evolved.

The name honors Alfred Dreyfus, whose controversial case transformed public debate about fairness and justice in France. Today it stands as a quiet reminder of those difficult times.

Access the tower by walking along the coastal path starting near Hotel des Roches, where clear signage helps guide visitors. The best time to visit is during morning or evening hours when lighting conditions are clearest.

This beacon is one of the last remaining structures from Kourou's former prison colony era, now standing in contrast to modern space facilities built nearby in recent decades. The stark difference tells the story of how the region completely transformed its purpose.

Location: Kourou

GPS coordinates: 5.15961,-52.62665

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:00