French Guiana Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
French overseas department and region in South America
About French Guiana
Originally inhabited by various indigenous peoples (Kalina, Arawak, Galibi, Palikur, Teko, Wayampi and Wayana), French Guiana was colonised by the French during the seventeenth century in the face of opposition from the indigenous Amerindians as well as the Portuguese and English. French Guiana was the site of notorious penal settlements (collectively known as Devil's Island) until 1951. The European Space Agency launches its communication satellites fromKourou. It is the only portion of mainland South America still governed by an overseas nation. Tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation and heavy rainfall throughout most of the year. Low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains, mostly an unsettled wilderness. It also consists of hill plateaus and the T
French Guiana Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 18 sections including: