Où se trouve le bagne des Annamites ?

Le bagne des Annamites se situe dans la commune de Montsinéry-Tonnégrande, en Guyane française, à environ 20 km de Cayenne.

Comment visiter le bagne des Annamites ?

Le site est accessible par un sentier balisé d'environ 5 km aller-retour (2 à 3 heures), ou en remontant la crique Anguille en canoë depuis Port Inini, à marée montante.

Quelle est l'histoire du bagne des Annamites ?

Créé en 1931 pour exploiter les richesses du territoire de l'Inini, il a emprisonné des opposants politiques indochinois déportés et des condamnés de droit commun, dans des conditions inhumaines, avant de fermer en 1946.

Que peut-on voir sur le site ?

On y découvre les vestiges des cellules des prisonniers, de la cuisine, de l'infirmerie et un cimetière, autant de traces de la vie quotidienne des détenus.

Eau & baignade★ Free accessMontsinéry-Tonnegrande

Découvrez le Bagne des Annamites : Un Site Historique Méconnu en Guyane

Free access

Distance3,8 kmDifficultéFacile

Gallery

Overview

The Bagne des Annamites is located in the commune of Montsinéry-Tonnégrande, in French Guiana, about twenty kilometres from Cayenne. This historic site preserves the ruins of a former penal colony where Indochinese political prisoners deported from their homeland — along with common-law prisoners — were held. Nestled in the heart of lush nature, it offers a window into a frequently forgotten chapter of Guianese history.

Why Visit

Beyond its tourist appeal, the Bagne des Annamites is above all a place of memory and reflection. The ruins, reclaimed by vegetation, tell the story of the extreme living conditions endured by the prisoners and invite broader reflection on the consequences of colonisation. The visit combines an easy hike, cultural discovery, and immersion in the Amazon rainforest, just a short distance from Cayenne.

History

The Bagne des Annamites was established in 1931. Its purpose was to exploit the natural wealth of the vast Inini territory, rich in gold, rosewood, and balata (natural latex), by settling a forced labour force there. The prisoners — mainly from Indochina (present-day Vietnam) — were political opponents of the French colonial regime, deported thousands of kilometres from their homeland, alongside French common-law convicts and a few foreigners. Subjected to forced labour (road construction, gold mine exploitation, timber cutting), they lived in inhumane conditions marked by malnutrition and tropical diseases. The penal colony closed its doors in 1946, after World War II.

Practical Information

The site is accessible via a marked hiking trail of approximately 5 km round trip; allow 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace, as the trail presents no major difficulties. On arrival, the ruins reveal themselves: prisoner cells, kitchen, infirmary, and cemetery. Bring hiking shoes, plenty of water, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen. The dry season (July to November) is ideal. As a place of memory, please do not move or damage anything.

Getting There

The trail begins off the Montsinéry road, approximately 20 km from Cayenne; allow about one hour of walking from the starting point to reach the site. For a more immersive approach, it is also possible to travel up the Anguille creek from the hamlet of Port Inini, by canoe or small aluminium boat. As this creek is tidal, plan your departure at high tide to avoid paddling against the current.

Wildlife

What you might see

Species most often reported by naturalists around this place. Nothing is guaranteed: wildlife comes and goes.

Bird
Piauhau hurleur
Lipaugus vociferans
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Saint-Georges · iNaturalist
Bird
Toucan ariel
Ramphastos vitellinus
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Roura · iNaturalist
Bird
Toucan à bec rouge
Ramphastos tucanus
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Kourou · iNaturalist
Bird
Trogon à queue blanche
Trogon viridis
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Régina · iNaturalist

Observations: GBIF and iNaturalist. Sources and credits

Getting there

Location

Montsinéry-Tonnegrande · Guyane

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Bagne des Annamites located?+

The Bagne des Annamites is located in the commune of Montsinéry-Tonnégrande, in French Guiana, approximately 20 km from Cayenne.

How do you visit the Bagne des Annamites?+

The site is accessible via a marked trail of approximately 5 km round trip (2 to 3 hours), or by travelling up the Anguille creek by canoe from Port Inini, at high tide.

What is the history of the Bagne des Annamites?+

Established in 1931 to exploit the resources of the Inini territory, it imprisoned deported Indochinese political opponents and common-law convicts in inhumane conditions, before closing in 1946.

What can you see on the site?+

You can discover the ruins of prisoner cells, the kitchen, the infirmary, and a cemetery — all traces of the daily life of the detainees.