A hiking paradise
This territorial collectivity is one of the richest in the world in terms of biodiversity, both plant and animal. With most of its territory covered in forest, a national park, a regional park and several nature reserves, French Guiana is, not surprisingly, a hiker's paradise. Whatever your level of ability, you'll find marked trails, which can be walked with or without a guide, in a wide variety of areas. For example, the General Council has identified several trails for beginners, opened and developed by the Office National des Forêts (ONF), in various parts of French Guiana, including the Isles of Salut, the Voltaire Falls near Apatou and the Saül trails. For more experienced hikers, there are numerous possibilities offered by tourism professionals, departing from towns and villages and lasting from a few hours to several days. Ecotourism accommodation is also available for stopovers between the various stages of your hike.
The Molokoi trail. This hiking trail is the longest marked trail in French Guiana. Managed by the ONF, it traces an itinerary through the rainforest, from the town of Cacao to the RN2. A flagship hike in French Guiana, it offers total immersion in the region's natural heritage, in the heart of a lush and exuberant natural environment. Along the way, you'll also discover some magnificent little coves.
Access to the trail is free, but the hike, which is classified as challenging, is relatively difficult. Although only 18 km long, it represents a good ten hours' walk. A two-day hike is therefore recommended. Bivouacs are available halfway along the route.
Les îles du Salut. Located around 14 km off the coast of the space city of Kourou, the îles du Salut - Île Royale, Île du Diable and Île de Saint-Joseph - are a must-see for tourists. Made famous by the presence of the penal colony and the stories of Papillon and the exile of Dreyfus, these islands are a magnificent place to stroll, where the water is much clearer than on the coast, and coconut palms are present by the thousands.
Horseback riding too! The department's natural areas are also ideal for budding or experienced riders. Ranches offering horseback rides and riding lessons are not uncommon in French Guiana, although the practice is not widespread. Two-day excursions with overnight stays in a carbet on the edge of a creek or in the forest are also possible.
On the water, great possibilities
Whether on the ocean or inland, on rivers and streams, you can enjoy a wide range of water sports during your stay in French Guiana.
Kitesurfing and surfing. More and more kitesurfing enthusiasts are flocking to Guyana's beaches, although the sport is still a marginal one. Indeed, French Guiana offers the perfect conditions for kitesurfing: a steady wind, waves (albeit rather modest) and space, since the coastal beaches are not very crowded. Between December and June, however, there are fewer outings. The Guya'Kite School and kitesurfing association(www.guyakite.club) offers introductory and advanced courses led by state-certified instructors. Surfing is less popular, while paddleboarding is a great way to discover Guyana's coastline or to travel up rivers.
Canoeing and pirogue. Drained by rivers and streams, Guiana's natural environment provides an ideal playground for canoeing and piroguing, an unmissable way to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of the Amazon. Jumps and rapids, on the other hand, provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy a thrilling kayak ride. Countless rapids punctuate the upstream and downstream stretches of Guyana's rivers. And they are often ideal for swimming.
Most agencies, as well as a number of carbets, offer guided or self-guided kayak excursions along streams and rivers, or on the calm waters of the Kaw marshes. As the boat glides gently over the surface of the water, your eyes and ears are alerted to the diversity of the rich fauna, so protected yet so threatened... Finally, river jet-skiing is also a popular activity with locals and tourists alike.
Fishing. Fishing is widely practiced throughout French Guiana. Whether you're looking for sport fishing on a professional outing at sea, or just a leisurely stopover in the Kaw marshes, there are plenty of options to suit both enthusiasts and novices. Snappers, croupias, machoirans, palikas, piranhas... the aquatic fauna being rather rich, it's difficult to come back empty-handed from a fishing trip. This activity is very popular off the Isles du Salut, a well-known spot for big-game fishing enthusiasts the world over. Numerous records have been set here. Fun and without the need for expensive equipment, fishing can also take on the character of a competition between family members. You can fish on your own or with a partner. It's a good excuse to immerse yourself in the forest, but also to offer the whole family the opportunity to enjoy a picnic near a creek or on the beach. The Atmosphère d'Amazonie agency is a great place to organize fishing outings.
Traditional leisure activities
Dominoes and card games. Dominoes, belote and tarot reign supreme in French Guiana: there's not a weekend without a competition, and on every terrace there's a game of dominoes or cardboard. Games of dominoes give rise to memorable confrontations, with vociferations, gesticulations, passion and puns. A folklore that can't be missed!
Cockfights. In French Guiana, cockfights have long been a part of tradition. Gallodromes are places for betting, excitement and shouting... This practice, which runs counter to animal welfare, is not to be encouraged and is even tending to disappear today. On the other hand, there is one avian leisure activity that is more popular than ever:
Picolette competition. This traditional and very popular competition features these little songbirds, appreciated for the beauty and variety of their song. During the contest, which often takes place in a festive atmosphere with enthusiastic spectators and prizes for the best singers, the birds are judged mainly on the quality, melody and repetition of their song. Owners train their birds to develop specific, distinctive songs.
