Cayenne

Cayenne is the capital and largest city of French Guiana, located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Cayenne River. Founded by the French in 1643, the city has a rich colonial heritage visible in its Creole architecture, the Place des Palmistes, and the remains of Fort Cépérou. As the administrative, commercial, and cultural heart of the territory, Cayenne has approximately 60,000 residents and serves as the primary gateway for visitors arriving by air or sea. The city is famous for its vibrant Carnival celebrations, bustling market, and diverse culinary scene reflecting the territory's multicultural population.

By plane

Cayenne – Félix Éboué Airport (CAY) in nearby Matoury is the main international gateway to French Guiana, with direct flights from Paris (Air France, Air Guyane Express), as well as flights from Fort-de-France, Belém, and Paramaribo.

By car

The RN1 highway connects Cayenne to Kourou (65 km west) and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni (a 3-hour drive). Roads are well-maintained along the coast.

By bus

Local buses serve the greater Cayenne area including Matoury and Remire-Montjoly.

Most of the town centre is walkable. Taxis are available for longer distances. Renting a car or scooter provides the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding area.

• Place des Palmistes — the central square with towering palm trees and colonial-era buildings

• Musée Départemental Franconie — museum of natural history and local culture

• Fort Cépérou — historic fort offering panoramic views of the city and coast

• Marché de Cayenne — the main market, best visited early morning for fresh produce and local crafts

• Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur — a striking 19th-century cathedral in the city centre

• Village Chinois — a vibrant neighbourhood with Chinese and Hmong shops and restaurants

• Join a guided tour of the city's colonial architecture

• Visit during Carnival season (January–March) for spectacular parades

• Take a boat trip along the Cayenne River to see mangrove forests

• Explore the nearby beaches of Montjoly and Remire

• Le Marché de Cayenne — try local specialties like bouillon d'awara and grilled fish
• Restaurant La Belle Époque — French Creole cuisine in a colonial-style setting
• Chez Mémé — traditional Guianese home cooking
• La Terrasse du Coin — a popular spot for drinks and Creole sharing platters

• Local cafés and bars for coffee, soft drinks, and regional beverages
• Try fresh tropical fruit juices at market stalls
• Local rum or fruit liqueurs are worth sampling

• Hotels and guesthouses in the town centre
• Self-catering apartments for longer stays

• Local markets selling crafts, spices, and fresh produce
• Small shops and boutiques for souvenirs
• Local artisanal products unique to the region

• Other towns and natural attractions in the region
• Return to the main city for onward travel connections