French Guiana Tours and Travel – 2024 and 2025

YPT Tours to French Guiana

Even though la Guyane française is not a country, but an overseas territory of France, we at YPT decided to offer French Guiana tours to this seldom-visited territory in the even-less known Guyanas region. It is a reminder of French colonialism in South America, where many different cultures mix. In our French Guiana Tours, you’ll learn about its tragic slave past, visit the former penal colony in Devil’s island and see a rocket launch from the space centre. French Guiana is where the most classic French cliches mix with the most tropical landscape.

Group Tours to French Guiana

We do not offer specific French Guiana Tours, but the territory is part of our Three Guyanas Tour, which runs every October. It includes Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Known as the “land of many waters”, those three each have their diverse past, culture and not to forget some of the best distillers of rum in the world!

The Guyanas Tour – October 21st-28th – $2195

Our Guyanas tours are on fixed numbers and tend to fill up fast, so we recommend booking in advance.

The Guyanas Tour

Independent Tours to French Guiana

Young Pioneer Tours has close connections to a network of local partners and guides. As such, we can arrange independent and bespoke French Guiana travel packages, either as standalone, or as part of wider Guyanas and South America packages. Prices for our independent French Guiana Tours depend on the number of people and what level of accommodation you require, but YPT can arrange everything you need for a perfect independent tour to French Guiana.

Example of a French Guiana Itinerary (4 days)

Day 1 – Cayenne

Arrival at your leisure and self-transfer to our centrally located hotel in Cayenne.
Dinner and drinks in Cayenne
overnight in Cayenne.

Day 2 – Saint Lauren du Maroni – Kourou

Breakfast followed by an early morning drive to Sant Lauren du Maroni, close to the border with Suriname.
Tour in Saint Lauren du Maroni, where we will visit a former transportation camp, where French prisoners would be sent to work as slaves.
Lunch in a local restaurant that really will make you feel like you are in Paris.
We continue along our journey to Kourou, where we will check in at our hotel.
Evening walk around Kourou, dinner and the opportunity of tasting some of the local craft beer.
Overnight in Kourou.

Day 3 – Kourou – Devil’s Island – Cayenne

Breakfast at our hotel before we head out to the Guiana Space Centre.
The Space Centre is also the main spaceport of the European Space Agency. Geographically, the spaceport is situated close to the equator and thus easier to launch a spacecraft into an equatorial, geostationary orbit!
Lunch before we hop on a 1 hour cruise to Devil’s Island for a 3 hour tour of the most infamous penal colony in the world – only 2,000 survived out of 60,000 souls imprisoned there. This was a French prison in the 19th and 20th centuries with prisoners sent there from France and other French colonies worldwide. Home to Alfred Dreyfus in the late 19th century – a chilling place.
Evening arrival in Cayenne, capital of this French territory/colony hopefully in time for the sunset and our last farewell dinner followed by a night out!
Overnight in Cayenne.

Day 4 – Cayenne

Breakfast at the hotel before we begin a walking tour of Cayenne, including Place de Palmistes, colonial French Architecture, St Saviour Cathedral, and Fort Ceparou.
End of the tour depart at your own convenience. YPT can arrange additional nights in Cayenne and land transport back to Paramaribo for a fee. We are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights.

Bespoke Tours to French Guiana

We can offer the following bespoke programs and extensions. Should what you are looking for not be on this list, please get in touch to see if we can fix it for you.

Amazonian Tours

Numerous hikes in the amazonian rainforest are available. We can help you find the right one for you and explore the less visited areas of the country, such as the Tumuc-Humac Mountains and the Inselberg Savane Roche Virginie.

Colonial Heritage Tours

Explore the rich colonial past of French Guiana in Cayenne, where remnants of French rule are evident in the architecture, museums, and historical landmarks. Learn about the explorers, settlers, and struggles that shaped the country’s identity and immerse yourself in the unique blend of French, African, and Caribbean influences that continue to define French Guiana’s culture.

Carnival Tour

If you are travelling in January, February or March, join the locals in their carnival celebrations. These celebrations became popular after the slavery was abolished and are popular around the region.

Kayak Tours

Explore the country from the river, witness the nature of this region as you paddle, this can be done as a day trip or as a multi-day tour camping in the jungle.

Multi Ethnic Communities

Visit the villages where the indigenous communities live and learn about their traditions and way of life. Get to know the village of Cacao, where refugees from Laos and Vietnam settled during the 1970s.

Rocket Launch Viewing

Witness a spectacle that defies description: the awe-inspiring launch of a rocket from the Guiana Space Centre. Feel the ground rumble as the powerful engines ignite, and watch in amazement as the spacecraft disappears into the inky blackness of space. This is a hightlight of French Guiana tours!

Tours to Guyana and Suriname

Combine your French Guiana tour with its neighbouring countries and experience the Three Guyanas

Frequently asked questions about travel to Fench Guiana

Do I need a visa to travel to French Guiana?

As an Overseas Department of France and a part of the European Union, most nationalities do not require a visa for tourism visits of up to 90 days. Note that French Guiana it not part of the Schengen Zone.

What is the best time to visit French Guiana?

The best period is October to April, the dry season. During this period, the chances of rain are lower, and the temperature and humidity are lower for a more comfortable experience in the country.

Is French Guiana safe for tourists?

Although you probably won’t notice anything nor feel threatened at any time, precautions should always be taken in French Guiana. Like any other city, avoid displaying your passport, large sums of cash and valuables.

What currency is used in French Guiana?

The official currency used is the Euro (EUR) due to being an integral part of France, European Union and the Eurozone. ATMs are readily available in Cayenne and accept international cards. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and bars/cafes.

Are there any health precautions I should take before travelling to French Guiana?

Travellers are advised to check with their healthcare provider for vaccinations and take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases. Common recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine vaccinations.

What is the local etiquette and customs in French Guiana?

You can wear anything you like in French Guiana, but it’s recommended to wear long trousers and closed shoes in the city.

Is it possible to use a SIM card for mobile communication in French Guiana?

In French Guiana, there is WiFi in most hotels, restaurants and cafes. Travellers can also purchase a SIM card in the airport or in any main city - there are different packages and prices according to your needs. Also, travellers using a EU sim card can take advantage of free roaming and use it like in their home country. Note that there is no mobile service in most jungle areas.

Why travel to French Guiana with Young Pioneer Tours?

YPT not only know some very cool places, but also how to save money and make the most of a trip to French Guiana. By travelling with us, you’re sure to find YPT’s ethos of good times, jam-packed itineraries, great food discoveries and a healthy dose of partying.