Crique Grégoire: Évasion Paradisiaque en Guyane

Overview

Grégoire Creek is located in the municipality of Sinnamary, French Guiana, downstream from the Petit-Saut hydroelectric dam. This small creek with a sandy bottom offers cool, clear water ideal for swimming. A first waterfall is found right at the creek's entrance; others further upstream are reached after 1.5 to 2 hours of walking.

Why Visit

The site combines river travel, swimming and hiking:

• a first waterfall accessible right at the mouth of the creek;
• more impressive falls upstream, reached after a forest walk;
• access exclusively by river, making for an immersive experience;
• clear water with a sandy bottom perfect for swimming.

Practical Information

• Walking: 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the upstream falls; unmaintained trail, marked by blazes on trees and tape.
• River travel: approximately 15 minutes by motorised boat from the Petit-Saut launch, 1.5 hours from the town of Sinnamary; by canoe, about 1 hour going upstream and 2 hours on the return.
• Safety: the river is subject to water level variations downstream from the dam; pay attention to warning signs and plan your return before dark.
• Good physical fitness recommended for the canoe trip due to the current on the way back.

Getting There

There is no direct land access: the river is the only way to reach the creek. The boat launch is at the Petit-Saut landing, accessible via the road of the same name, between Kourou and Sinnamary. Launch downstream from the dam. The entrance to the creek, on the left when heading away from the dam, is recognisable by its characteristic reddish rocks. For the walking portion, it is advisable to be accompanied by a guide specialised in the Amazonian environment.