Quand le Camp de la Transportation a-t-il été créé ?

Le bagne guyanais est institué en 1852, mais le camp de la Transportation est inauguré le 21 février 1858. Environ 70 000 condamnés y ont transité avant d'être répartis dans les camps de la colonie.

Quels sont les horaires et tarifs des visites ?

Visites guidées le lundi (15h00, 16h30), du mardi au samedi (9h30, 11h00, 15h00, 16h30) et le dimanche (9h30, 11h00) ; tous les jours en juillet-août. Tarifs : 8 € à partir de 17 ans, 5 € de 13 à 16 ans, 4 € de 6 à 12 ans.

Comment se rendre au Camp de la Transportation ?

Depuis Cayenne, comptez environ 3h15 (258 km via la RN1) ; depuis Kourou, environ 2h15. L'accès se fait en voiture ou en bus. Un parking gratuit est disponible près du camp.

Qu'est-ce que le CIAP ?

Le Centre d'Interprétation de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, installé dans les locaux du camp, présente la vie quotidienne des transportés et des relégués.

Culture & patrimoine★ Free accessSaint-Laurent-du-Maroni

Camp de la Transportation : Plongez dans l’Âme Historique de la Guyane

Free access

Gallery

Overview

The Camp de la Transportation is located in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, on the banks of the Maroni river in French Guiana. Rooted in French Guiana's colonial and penitentiary past, this listed site is open to visitors: you can explore the restored cells, the disciplinary quarters and the exhibitions of the Heritage and Architecture Interpretation Centre (CIAP), which are included in the visit. Nearby, the Maroni river offers a view over the Amazon rainforest and neighbouring Suriname.

Why Visit

The camp offers an immersive journey into the history of the penal colony through its restored cells and the CIAP exhibitions. The site also hosts cultural events — such as the FIFAC film festival in October — and pirogue rides on the Maroni river complement the visit perfectly. The colonial neighbourhood known as "Petit Paris" is just a few minutes' walk away.

History

The Guianese penal colony was instituted in 1852, but the Camp de la Transportation itself was inaugurated on 21 February 1858. Every convict shipped from mainland France landed here before being sent on to the camps of the colony: around 70,000 men passed through. Behind the walls, twelve large buildings housed the convicts, who slept on wooden plank beds until 1928 before being allowed hammocks. Closure was ordered in 1938, but the war delayed it: the camp was only emptied in 1953. The site is associated with notable figures such as Papillon and Seznec.

Practical Information

Guided tours run Monday (3:00 pm, 4:30 pm), Tuesday to Saturday (9:30 am, 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm) and Sunday (9:30 am, 11:00 am). In July and August, daily at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm. Duration approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Admission: €8 from age 17, €5 for ages 13-16, €4 for ages 6-12, and €6 per person for groups of 8 adults or more. Evening tours are offered once a month from June to October, at dusk (€15 per adult, €8 per child). Bookings via info@hellosaintlau.fr or +594 594 34 23 98. The dry season (July–November) is ideal; bring comfortable shoes, water and a hat. Free parking near the camp.

Getting There

From Cayenne, allow approximately 3 hours 15 minutes (258 km via the RN1); from Kourou, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Access is by car or bus (€25–40). Free parking is available near the camp.

Getting there

Location

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni · Guyane

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Frequently asked questions

When was the Camp de la Transportation established?+

The Guianese penal colony was instituted in 1852, but the camp itself was inaugurated on 21 February 1858. Around 70,000 convicts passed through before being sent on to the colony's camps.

What are the visiting hours and admission prices?+

Guided tours run Monday (3:00 pm, 4:30 pm), Tuesday to Saturday (9:30 am, 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm) and Sunday (9:30 am, 11:00 am); daily in July and August. Admission: €8 from age 17, €5 for ages 13-16, €4 for ages 6-12.

How do I get to the Camp de la Transportation?+

From Cayenne, allow about 3 hours 15 minutes (258 km via the RN1); from Kourou, about 2 hours 15 minutes, by car or bus. Free parking is available near the camp.

What is the CIAP?+

The Heritage and Architecture Interpretation Centre, housed within the camp, presents the daily life of the transported and relegated convicts.