Make friends with monkeys at Ilet la Mere
Ilet la Mere is a deserted island about 30 minutes (by boat) from the marina at Dégrad des Cannes, just outside Cayenne. It is not only a lovely example of nature in its rawest form, but also home to one of French Guiana’s biggest attractions - monkeys.
The best thing about the monkeys that inhabit Ilet la Mer, isn’t just that there are so many of them, but that they are very sociable and love to interact with humans. They aren’t afraid of us at all, so be prepared to have them jumping on your shoulders, fighting for your attention and rifling through your bags. It’s safe to say, by the end of the trip you will be all the best of friends!
But even though monkeys may be the main attraction, they are not the only thing you can see around here. The island’s breathtaking landscapes are sure to conquer your heart - you can indulge in the forest’s natural wealth (which pretty much covers the entire island) and completely forget about everyday life as you unwind to the sounds of the wind rustling through the trees, or the birds singing.
Still, contemplating nature’s beauty is not all that you can do on the island, besides having a photo with the monkeys, you can stroll along the walking trails which is the best way to view the island in more depth; you can sunbathe and swim on the small beach, or simply enjoy a picnic. Whatever the activity you decide to go for, Ilet la Mere is a must-do location for your French Guiana itinerary.
Blend in with the locals at the Cayenne's market
Who doesn’t love going to a food market on holiday? They are the perfect place to really experience a new culture as you will be able to blend in with the locals and have the opportunity to see first-hand how everything is being done as well as how people interact with each other.
When in French Guiana, the market you cannot miss is the ‘Cayenne's market’. Located close to the Place des Palmistes (Cayenne’s symbolic square planted with giant palm trees), this market is famous all over French Guiana as one of the go to places for buying and selling fresh, local, produce.
The market is located inside the large metal-framed hall (built in the early 20th Century) but is mostly recognisable for its explosion of colours, armour and flavours. Coming here really is a treat to the senses as you will be able to see, smell, and taste, French Guiana’s best produce! There are several stalls on the market so don’t rush and take your time to visit each one of them.
The stallholders are very friendly and as expected in this type of environment have the ‘gift of the gab’, and will try to persuade you to buy their exotic fruits, spices, vegetables and more. If you do feel tempted to buy anything be sure that all the produce is grown by the Hmong in the south-east and west of the country so that its quality is always at the highest standard.
The market also includes a selection of local arts and crafts (such as objects made from exotic woods or braided necklaces) and there are also small restaurants at the end of the hall where you can also taste the local produce. Try the soups (like Vietnamese noodle soup) or the tropical fresh juices, they are simply delicious!
Go on a botanical trail experience
As a nature filled destination, French Guiana is a place where you have to take the time to be out in the nature. What’s the best way to do it? By going on a botanical trail experience, of course!
Even though considered French Guiana’s smallest natural park, Réserve Naturelle Régionale Trésor is one of the most accessible ones and a definite ‘go to’ when it comes to doing a botanical trail. The park’s trail is 1.7km/1.5miles long and you will find clearly marked path winding through the entire forest to make your journey easier and giving you the chance to focus solely on the rich biodiversity present in the park.
Make sure to get a few leaflets at the park’s entrance which will give you an insight on the flora and fauna you can spot along the route. Also, keep an eye out for the informative signs that you will find while doing your trail. Many will provide you with interesting information about individual plants, including how they can be used by humans.
The park also features thematic guided tours several times a month about everything from medicinal plants, to night walks where you will be spotting bats.
Although the park may be small, the wildlife is abundant featuring 1233 of French Guiana’s 5600 plant species, along with 56 species of fish, 78 amphibians, 49 reptiles, 327 birds, 60 bats, and 53 species of mammals. Obviously, you won’t be able to see them all while in the park, still, the plant life alone makes for a fascinating visit. Just imagine walking past towering jungle trees dripping with roots and vines. This is a place where the view is easily described in just one colour - green.
Make it a Zoo day!
Before venturing out into the wild, spending a few hours at the zoo can be a great way to get acquainted with the local wildlife. The ‘Zoo de Guyane’ is a great place to do this as this is a small zoo and the visit won’t take any longer than 2 to 3 hours.
As most of the species living in this zoo are native to French Guiana you will be able to spot many that perhaps you wouldn’t in the wild. Plus, it is just great to have some extra insight into French Guiana’s biodiversity and be able to see a few of the species before going out on a trail, and seeing them in their natural habitat, this way, you will be able to recognise them much more rapidly.
So what species can you expect to spot while at the zoo? Well, the list isn’t short as the zoo includes 450-plus animals with about 75 different species represented. The best part? All of the animals that live here have been rescued either from more dubious animal parks, private individuals, or were found injured and needed aiding. The zoo features an SOS Faune Sauvage program which aims not only rescue and rehabilitate the wild animals, but also to release them back into the wild. In fact, the zoo only keeps those individuals that are unable to care for themselves in the wild.
Some of the species you will find here are - jaguars, margay, ocelots, sloths, agoutis, crocodiles, caiman, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, giant anteaters, bush Dogs, capybara, and a panoply of birds, like toucans and macaws. The zoo also offers naturalistic exhibits on a series of well-signposted trails through lush vegetation. - Everyone loves the treetop walk, strung through a canopy of native forest, and if you are with your children make sure to take them to the children's playground too.
Last but not least, there is also the zoo’s gift shop where you can find a lovely selection of local handicrafts.
Go on a Pirogue River Trip
For those who enjoy more adventurous oriented activities, another incredible way to view French Guiana’s wildlife and natural beauty is by going on a pirogue river trip. Just imagine yourself paddling along the jungle-fringed river in a traditional dugout canoe all the while getting a more immersive sense of the sights, smells and sounds of French Guiana’s impenetrable wilderness. Sounds good right?
The perfect place to go for a Pirogue trip is on the Maroni River on the border between French Guiana and Suriname. The river is French Guiana's longest and most populated waterway, it is not only a beautiful place to explore, but also, provides ample opportunity got you to interact with the Amerindians and Maroons who live there
The entire pirogue river trip takes place right in the heart of the jungle you will not only see French Guiana’s incredible species in their natural habitat (which include animals such as capybara, caiman, and monkeys), but also the picturesque and remote villages in the area most of which belong to the Amerindians and Maroons.
Other great river options for this type of activity are the Sinnamary River which is 163-miles long and even cuts through the Amazon rainforest. The water is peaceful and unspoiled as well as rich with life. The Oyapock river is another one to consider and known for being rich in mining history. It obviously also filled with wilderness and is a great place to meet Amerindians and Brazilians who usually make their way home along the river banks. Finally there’s the Approuague River which is where you will find the highest rapids in French Guiana along with incredibly pristine forests.
Sunbathe at Remire-Montjoly Beach
Holidays to French Guiana are usually more focused on the wildlife which means you will be spending a lot of time out in the parks, still this is not all you can do here and there will definitely be some time to get yourself a nice tan!
One of the most famous spots to do so is on Remire-Montjoly beach in Cayenne as you will see that here there’s the best stretch of sand and sea. Still be warned that all beaches in French Guiana are usually known for being wild, windswept affairs, and Remire-Montjoly beach is no different.
This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a few hours on the beach, because you can. Even though it’s narrow, there is a strip of golden shoreline that is great for sunbathing. There are also palms and lush greenery around which fringe the sand, and provide nice patches of shade for when you need it.
Even though the silty waters are not ideal for swimming, they are still good enough for a quick dip. Especially helpful if you are coming from a hike in the nearby nature reserve. Plus, you might even spot sea turtles here during nesting season!
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