≡The Cayenne Penal Colony, known as Devil's Island
The Cayenne Penal Colony, known as Devil's Island, was a French prison in the Salvation Islands, French Guiana, operating from 1852 to 1952. Notorious for brutality, high mortality and use for political prisoners, such as the Dreyfus case. The prison system covered several islands, each with specific purposes, and also had facilities on the South American continent. The penal system was gradually closed from 1946 to 1953, following public criticism and the impact of World War II. The Salut Islands became tourist destinations in the late 20th century.
The Salvation Islands, or Îles du Salut
The Salvation Islands, or Îles du Salut, are a group of small volcanic islands located 11 km off the coast of French Guiana. Part of the commune of Cayenne, these islands were a notorious penal colony from 1852, known for its severity. Gradually eliminated, the penal system ended in 1953. Today, the islands are a popular tourist destination, famous for the novel "Papillon" by Henri Charrière, who spent nine years detained there.
Discover some interesting facts about French Guiana
The Guiana Space Center (CSG)
The Guiana Space Center (CSG) is a French and ESA space launch base located in French Guiana. In operation since 1968, it stands out for its geographical location close to the equator and the security provided by the open sea to the east. ESA, CNES, Arianespace and Azercosmos carry out launches from Kourou, shared since 1975. Security is guaranteed militarily, and during launches, the Îles du Salut, including Devil's Island, are evacuated. The CSG was briefly occupied in 2017. Additionally, the site is home to the Îles du Salut, a former penal colony and tourist destination. The first launch took place in March 1970, with Diamant-B launching the DIAL/MIKA and DIAL/WIKA satellites.
Cacao is a town in French Guiana, south of Cayenne
Cacao is a town in French Guiana, south of Cayenne, with a population of Hmong farmers who have been refugees from Laos since 1977. The village, with around 750 people, has local establishments, primary schools, and public buildings such as a museum, library and church . Tourism includes jungle activities, canoeing, and a Hmong New Year festival in December. The economy is based on agriculture, with emphasis on a freshwater shrimp farm and a sawmill that employs 70 people. The main hotel is L'Auberge des Orpailleurs.
A penal colony in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, French Guiana
A penal colony in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, French Guiana, established in response to prison overcrowding in France, operated from 1852 to 1946. The town of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, founded in 1880, mainly housed guards and liberated prisoners. The prison served as a temporary stop for most inmates, with only a few staying long-term. Upon arrival, prisoners were sorted and separated based on behavior and nationality, and some suffered illnesses to plot escapes. Those who remained in Saint-Laurent experienced relatively better treatment, with simpler tasks, freedom within the prison, and improved rations. Notorious camps like Charvein earned the nickname "Camp de la Mort" (camp of death). The entire colonial penal system was abolished in 1946.
Exploring the Rorota trail
Exploring the Rorota trail is a precious and timeless experience on the outskirts of Rémire-Montjoly, attracting a variety of walkers, from athletes with crampons to nature enthusiasts. Although prohibited due to the risk of landslides and complex maintenance, the path has a history linked to the creation of lakes in the 18th century to supply water to Cayenne. The route, which circles the Mahury mountain and connects the lakes of Rorota, Lalouette and Rémire, offers a view of exuberant nature, with waterfalls, monkeys and wild flowers. The walk, approximately 6 km, provides fantastic viewpoints, highlighting the sea and the islets of Rémire, explaining its popularity, despite prohibitions, and the hope of quickly removing obstacles.
The French Guiana Zoo
The French Guiana Zoo, originally a hummingbird center called Fauna Flora Amazonica, opened in 1983. After closing in 2007, it was acquired and reopened in 2008 as Zoo de Guyane, located between Macouria and Montsinéry. Owned by Franck and Angélique Chaulet, the zoo became the second most visited attraction in French Guiana in 2013, after the Salvation Islands. The collection includes monkeys, sloths, anteaters, harpies, alligators and a variety of birds, highlighted by an aviary opened in 2014. The zoo offers an immersive treetop walk experience for children and is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquarius.
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