Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is a town in the northwestern department of French Guiana, a French territory bordering the Atlantic Ocean located north of the South American continent.
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is about 250 km from the capital Cayenne.
The "civil" commune was officially created only in 1949: until then it had been a "penitentiary" commune, that is to say, an area devoted to relegation and forced labor for Of convicted prisoners from metropolitan France.
With a population of nearly 41,000, the city has a large area (more than 4,800 square kilometers), bordering the Maroni River, which is a border with Suriname.
The history of the city is intimately linked to its penitentiary past, the vestiges of which have been classified and the influx of foreign populations (notably descendants of slaves who have fled plantations or originating from China or border countries) attracted by The search for gold.
In the tropics, the dry season extends from mid-July to December. From January to February, the sun alternates with tropical showers.
Besides the historical heritage, the very rich natural environment makes Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni a singular destination.
Labeled City of Art and History, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, for its urban part, can be visited freely or with guides. Starting with the discovery of still vivid remnants of his penitentiary past is advised.
This is the case with the vast "Transportation Camp", transformed into precarious dwellings in 1949 after the closing of the bagne and bought by the city in 1992. Permanent exhibitions and pedagogical animations make it a place of memory. For further information, please call +33 5 94 27 85 96.
We continue with the various districts of the city, including the Petit Paris, where were housed the civil servants and the suburbs devoted to the commerce and the researchers of gold. Visit possible on foot but also by bike or segway. Audio guides are also available. Information at +33 5 94 34 23 98.
Once the city is apprehended, the tourist can venture, on the territory of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, to the front of the Amazon forest and its riches (more than a thousand species of wood, 170 species of mammals and more than 700 species of birds!).
Attention: it is strongly advised to be accompanied by a professional guide and access to some remarkable sites is only possible in 4x4 vehicle.
The same applies to the forest of Saint-Jean once used by the penitentiary administration, the Voltaire falls (35 m vertical drop) or the Tatou creek, near the runway.
The Cascades cove can be a stage synonymous with picnics and swimming.
On the river, a stage on the island of the Lepers (where were formerly isolated sick convicts) also worth a change of scenery.
Discovering the river on board canoes or canoeing is also a must, but again, it is advisable to approach professionals (to avoid the danger of currents in particular). On its shores, hiking or mountain biking trails have been laid out. Information at +33 5 94 34 23 98.
In addition to the different markets which propose to discover in a colorful and friendly way the products of this original and exotic terroir, the year is punctuated by numerous events (information on +33 5 94 34 23 98).
In January and February, the city lives to the rhythm of the carnival of Guyana.
In April, the Festival of Tréteaux du Maroni (theater, puppets) and Urban Cultures program many shows.
In June, the Rendez-vous aux Jardins, the Archeology Days and the Bike Festival are popular with enthusiasts.
Over two weeks, in August, the patronal festival is rich in animations and various festivities.
In November, the festival of the Transamazoniennes, the Jakoewale festival offers performances and animations dominated by traditional music, while the Acoustik Vibes is more oriented towards contemporary music (rock and derivatives).
In December, the Christmas markets punctuate the year in a colorful and joyful way.