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On the banks of the Maroni River in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni stands "La Peine du Bagnard" (The Convict's Suffering), a bronze statue by French sculptor Bertrand Piéchaud. The work depicts a convict seated in contemplation, serving as a reminder of the city's penal colony past. Installed near the Camp de la Transportation — the heart of the former colonial penal colony, now a listed historic monument — it stands close to the local tourist office.
The sculpture moves visitors through its simplicity and emotional power: it evokes the harsh conditions endured by prisoners transported to French Guiana during the colonial era, as well as their resilience. Some compare it to Rodin's "The Thinker." Its location, right beside the Camp de la Transportation, makes it a natural stop for anyone exploring the history and soul of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.
In 1991, Bertrand Piéchaud visited his son in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. Captivated by the atmosphere and local history, he decided to create a statue; his son suggested paying tribute to the convicts, the prisoners transported to French Guiana during the colonial era. The statue was made in France and shipped by boat. It arrived in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni on June 21, 1993, where it was installed near the Camp de la Transportation.
On foot: from the centre of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, walk about 10 minutes towards the Maroni River; the statue is located near the tourist office. By car: head towards the riverbank, near the entrance to the Camp de la Transportation; parking is available next to the tourist office.
It was created by French sculptor Bertrand Piéchaud, whose inspiration came in 1991 during a visit to his son in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.
Made in France and transported by boat, the statue arrived in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni on June 21, 1993, and was installed near the Camp de la Transportation.
It stands on the banks of the Maroni River, near the entrance to the Camp de la Transportation and the tourist office, about a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
It depicts a seated convict and evokes French Guiana's penal colony past, the harsh conditions endured by prisoners transported during the colonial era, and their resilience.
« 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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