French Guiana: Tourist & Vacation Guide

Country's codes

International phone code for French Guiana: +594

Standard ISO 3166-1:

3 letters: GUF

2 letters (internet domain): .GF

Digital country code 254

Standard EAN-13 (country barcode): 300–379 (France range)

Olympic country code: — (represents France)

FIFA code: GUF (non-FIFA member)

🇬🇫 French Guiana Travel Guide

🇬🇫 French Guiana is a unique South American destination with a European identity. Known for its vast rainforests, space center, and diverse cultures, it offers a mix of nature, science, and history.

🌍 RegionSouth America (Overseas region of France)

⭐ Famous forGuiana Space Centre, rainforests, Devil’s Island

📅 Best time to visitAugust – November

💰 CurrencyEuro (EUR)

  ✨ Why visit French Guiana?

  French Guiana offers a rare blend of Amazonian wilderness and European infrastructure. From rocket launches at the Guiana Space Centre to exploring untouched jungle and historic penal colonies, it’s a destination full of contrasts.

Top Attractions in French Guiana

🚀 Guiana Space Centre (Kourou)

Europe’s main spaceport, where rockets launch into orbit — a must-see for science and space enthusiasts.

🏝️ Salvation Islands (Îles du Salut)

Historic islands including Devil’s Island, once a notorious French penal colony.

🌿 Amazon Rainforest

Dense tropical forest covering most of the territory, rich in wildlife and biodiversity.

🏙️ Cayenne

The capital city with colorful Creole houses, markets, and a vibrant cultural mix.

Best Places to Visit

🏙️ Cayenne – Cultural center with markets and colonial architecture.
🚀 Kourou – Home of the Guiana Space Centre.
🏝️ Îles du Salut – Scenic islands with historical significance.
🌿 Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni – Gateway to the jungle and historic prison sites.
🌳 Interior rainforest villages – Remote communities and eco-tourism experiences.

  💡 Travel Tip: Guided tours are recommended for rainforest exploration — conditions can be challenging, but incredibly rewarding.

Things to Do in French Guiana

Watch a rocket launch at the Guiana Space Centre.
Explore the Amazon rainforest with local guides.
Visit the historic Devil’s Island prison ruins.
Experience Creole, French, and indigenous cultures.
Spot wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles.

🍽️ Local Experience: Enjoy Creole cuisine blending French and Caribbean flavors — try seafood dishes, spicy stews, and tropical fruits.

Travel Tips for Visitors

☀️ Hot and humid tropical climate year-round.
🦟 Strong insect protection is essential in rainforest areas.
💳 Euro is used and cards are widely accepted.
📄 As part of France, EU entry rules apply for many travelers.

📌 Useful Country Information

Quick Facts

Total area: 32,253 sq mi (83,534 sq km)

Population (2023 est.): ~300,000

Capital: Cayenne (~60,000)

🇬🇫 Cayenne: Capital City Profile

Other major cities: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Kourou

Currency: Euro (EUR)

CurrencyRate

National name: Guyane française

Language: French (official), Creole languages

Ethnicity/race: Creole, Maroon, Amerindian, European, Asian

Religions: Christianity (majority), other beliefs

National Holiday: July 14, Bastille Day (France).

Background

🇬🇫 French Guiana is an overseas department of France located on the northeastern coast of South America.
🏝️ Historically known for its penal colonies, including Devil’s Island, it has transformed into a strategic and scientific hub.
🚀 Today, it is home to the Guiana Space Centre, Europe’s primary spaceport.
🌿 Covered largely by Amazon rainforest, it remains one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, offering unique eco-tourism opportunities.