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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Bagne des Annamites is located in the commune of Montsinéry-Tonnégrande, in French Guiana, approximately 20 km from Cayenne.
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.
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.
You can discover the ruins of prisoner cells, the kitchen, the infirmary, and a cemetery — all traces of the daily life of the detainees.
« 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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