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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.
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.
Established in 1852 under the French Empire, the Camp de la Transportation held exiled prisoners — from common criminals to political opponents — condemned to hard labour. These convicts built roads and buildings throughout the colony. The site is associated with notable figures such as Papillon and Seznec.
Guided tours run Tuesday to Saturday (9:30 am, 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm) and Sunday (9:30 am, 11:00 am); duration approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Admission: €6 per adult, €2–3 per child. Special evening tours are offered from June to October (€15, 2 hours). 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.
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.
The camp was established in 1852 under the French Empire to hold exiled prisoners — from common criminals to political opponents — condemned to hard labour.
Guided tours run Tuesday to Saturday (9:30 am, 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm) and Sunday (9:30 am, 11:00 am). Admission: €6 per adult, €2–3 per child. Bookings via info@hellosaintlau.fr or +594 594 34 23 98.
From Cayenne, approximately 3 hours 15 minutes (258 km via the RN1); from Kourou, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, by car or bus (€25–40). Free parking is available near the camp.
The Heritage and Architecture Interpretation Centre (CIAP) presents exhibitions on the history of the site; entry to these exhibitions is included in the camp visit.
« Endroit magique, on a vu deux toucans en arrivant ! Sentier bien balisé, parfait pour la matinée. »
« Super site, l'eau est cristalline. Petit bémol : prévoir des chaussures qui tiennent bien, ça glisse. »
« Tip BTK validé : on y est allés à 8h, on était seuls. Vers midi c'est beaucoup plus fréquenté. »
« On a passé l'après-midi ici en famille, les enfants ont adoré la baignade. Vraiment un coup de cœur. »
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