Want to go to France without leaving the Americas? You can actually do that because French Guiana is an actual department of France in South America and is considered a part of the European power. Long story short, stepping into French Guinea is stepping into French soil, much like stepping into Hawaii and Alaska is considered stepping into US soil. It is also considered the outermost region of the European Union despite not being in Europe.

So, what does one do in this part of Europe outside of Europe? There are plenty of things, actually, as French Guiana marries French culture with a South American and Caribbean way of life.

Places To Visit While in French Guiana

Found along the Caribbean Coast, there is a lot of stuff to do in this tropical French paradise, from luscious beaches and spectacular diving spots to pristine jungles and wonderful cultural spots. We have picked five wonderful places for you to visit while in the South American side of France.

Tresor & Kaw Nature Reserves

French Guiana is best known for its natural beauty and wild splendor, and the Tresor & Kaw Nature Reserves are the best places to enjoy it. Filled with exotic South American plants and animals, this nature reserve boasts a rich biodiversity and popular animals such as the scarlet ibis, according to Lonely Planet.

Devil's Island

Simply put, Devil's Island is French Guiana's answer to Alcatraz off San Francisco, California. According to The Originals Human Hotels and Resorts, this used to be a penal colony off the Coast of Guyene that was used in the film known as "Papillon." It also housed some very infamous criminals such as Alfred Dreyfus and is now known for its historic buildings that have been painstakingly restored.

READ MORE: French Guiana Food: French Cuisine in the Heart of South America

Centre Spatial Guyanais

France actually has its own space program and it usually launches its missions to space from French Guiana. Also known as the Guiana Space Centre, it has been in operation since 1968 and visitors can watch rockets take off into orbit here from a safe distance. Right now, Centre Spatial Guyanais is being used not just by the French government but also by the European Space Agency and various commercial companies. Located just outside Kourou. it also has a museum and there are regular tours being hosted here, according to Responsible Travel.

Plage Montjoly

The European side of France may be known for its beaches on the European side, especially around Nice and Cannes. However, there is another beach destination few talk about, and that is in French Guiana, and that is Plage Montjoly, which is known as one of the country's best beach destinations.

Musée des Cultures Guyanaises

Want to learn about the culture and history of French Guiana, such as how France ended up having part of its national territory in South America? You can learn it at the Musée des Cultures Guyanaises in the capital, Cayenne. It touches on the pre-colonial era, its native population, the slave trade, and more.

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Written by: Rick Martin

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