Did you know that France's largest region is in South America? Between Brazil and Suriname, French Guiana is a paradise for nature lovers. A great opportunity to discover the lungs of the Earth, the Amazon rainforest. The territory is home to the Guiana Amazon Park, one of France's 11 national parks. This "exceptional territory", protected and showcased, is a destination of international renown. Guiana offers a multitude of activities in theheart of an omnipresent natural environment, rich in incredible biodiversity. Activities on land, on water and even in the air... French Guiana never ceases to amaze. Discover a nature destination like no other with these unique experiences in French Guiana.
Forest experiences
Hiking in the heart of nature, combining forests and swimming!
Hiking is religion in French Guiana. The Amazon rainforest, which covers 97% of the territory, can be discovered along the many trails that criss-cross it. While some trails can only be explored in the presence of guides, as is the case for forest immersions, most are accessible on their own. Start with the Mont Grand Matoury Nature Reserve, an interesting introduction to Guyana's primary forest near Cayenne.
Leaving from Rémire-Montjoly, the Rorota trail is perfect for a walk with the kids. It's a very popular trail, because it's simple and offers a beautiful view of the sea. It's also an opportunity to come across a cross-section of Amazonian fauna, with saimiri monkeys, morpho butterflies and, if you're careful, you might even spot a sloth.
Trek from Saül
Saül is a small village in French Guiana, the gateway to Guyana's Amazonian Park. Getting there is an experience in itself, as the commune is only accessible by plane. Saül also offers numerous hiking spots. Among the most beautiful treks are "Mont la Fumée", immersed in lush vegetation; "Le Belvédère", a night hike to the summit to watch the macaws take flight at sunrise; and the " Gros Arbres" hike , ideal for encountering large specimens. There are a total of 5 itineraries departing from Saül, giving you plenty of choice. Spending one or two nights in the village is also one of the best ways to connect with local life.
Sleep in a wilderness carbet
There's no better way to immerse yourself in the heart of the rainforest than to spend a night among the trees. In French Guiana, the carbet is a wooden shelter without walls, typical of Amerindian cultures. Ecotourism camps such as Camp Cariacou await visitors for an unforgettable experience. After a night in a hammock, falling asleep to the sounds of the wildlife that inhabits the Amazon rainforest, the following day can be spent canoeing the Balata, a creek in the Kourou River. If you prefer, you can opt for a nature hike or discover local practices such as gathering and weaving.
Take a microlight flight over the canopy
From hiking to water sports of all kinds, French Guiana has no shortage of opportunities to enjoy a multitude of sporting activities in the great outdoors. Why not take to the skies to see just how beautiful the natural environment is in this French territory on the South American continent? Head for the Mana region and take off from the river of the same name. From the air, you can observe the waterways, the verdant immensity of the Amazon rainforest and many other Guyanese jewels, such as the Amana Nature Reserve and the communes of Mana, Awala Yalimapo and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.
The sea, rivers and water sports
Canoeing up the Maroni River
A must-do activity during your stay in French Guiana! The rivers are essential transportation routes in this forest-covered territory. The Maroni is the longest, at 611 km. Going down the river in a pirogue, as well as upstream, is one of the most peaceful ways to observe nature. And don't forget to stop off in the villages and towns along its banks, such as Papaïchton, Providence and Belikampoue. A number of service providers offer pirogue trips on the Maroni, coupled with activities such as hiking in the forest or discovering the cultures of the river's populations.
Water sports
Guiana is a land to discover by water. Kayak, paddle, sail or jet ski on the sea or river.
Montsinery-Tonnegrande and its river are a popular spot for water sports. Professional instructors are on hand to welcome you, with sessions also available for children. With friends or family, there's nothing like sailing in French Guiana to forge lasting memories.
Kayaking on Lake Petit Saut
The Petit Saut dam lake is one of the most fascinating spots in French Guiana. A kayak outing is recommended to observe this magnificent, atypical landscape of submerged forest. The dead tree trunks that stand on either side of the lake give the feeling of a trip on another planet. Birds (parrots, toucans, birds of prey...), monkeys (howlers, spiders, capuchins, sakis...), not to mention giant otters, tapirs and deer, are easily spotted along the way. Another breathtaking moment in French Guiana.
Embark on a voyage to the Isles of Salut
From Kourouone of the best things you can do is hop on board a boat to discover the archipelago of the îles du Salut. Île Royale and Île Saint-Joseph are paradises on earth. You'll discover translucent waters that are perfect for taking a dip. Wildlife abounds, with peacocks, iguanas, samiris monkeys and sea turtles. In the archipelago, nature also gives way to parts of history, with many remains of prisons open to visitors.
Meet the wildlife
Discover the exceptional fauna of the Kaw marshes
The Kaw Marshes Nature Reserve is France's third largest nature reserve. A paradise of biodiversity just a few kilometers southeast of the capital Cayenne. Although called a "marsh", it is in fact a wetland that does not encourage the proliferation of mosquitoes. Comprising a large swampy area and a mountainous zone around the Kaw mountain, its rainfall favors the presence of incredible flora and fauna. This sort of floating savannah, covered with papyrus, mangroves and aroids, can be explored by pirogue or floating carbet. Observing and listening to the wildlife is a must on any expedition to the Kaw Marshes Nature Reserve. Red ibises, black jacanas, crested hoazins and cocoi herons, zebus, black caimans, tapirs, howler monkeys and hundreds of other bird species have made this part of the territory their home.
Watch sea turtles lay their eggs on Guiana's beaches
French Guiana is a land of encounters with multiple animal species. Strolling along the beaches of Cayenne, Rémire-Montjoly and Yalimapo in the cooler hours of the day, you'll have the chance to watch sea turtles (leatherbacks, green turtles and olive ridle turtles) digging their holes to lay their eggs. This spectacle of nature takes place from February to August. While the moment is particularly moving, there are of course a few good practices to be observed. These include not approaching the animal, not touching it, and respecting the calm and silence.
