Qui a créé la statue « La Peine du Bagnard » ?

Elle a été créée par le sculpteur français Bertrand Piéchaud, dont l'idée est née en 1991 lors d'une visite à son fils à Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.

Quand la statue a-t-elle été installée ?

Réalisée en France puis transportée par bateau, la statue est arrivée à Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni le 21 juin 1993, près du Camp de la Transportation.

Où se trouve la statue à Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni ?

Elle se dresse au bord du fleuve Maroni, près de l'entrée du Camp de la Transportation et de l'office du tourisme, à environ 10 minutes à pied du centre-ville.

Que symbolise cette statue ?

Elle représente un bagnard assis et évoque le passé pénitentiaire de la Guyane, les dures conditions des prisonniers envoyés au temps des colonies et leur résilience.

Culture & patrimoine★ Free accessSaint-Laurent-du-Maroni

La Peine du Bagnard" : Une Statue Chargée d’Histoire à Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

Free access

Gallery

Overview

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.

Why Visit

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.

History

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.

Getting There

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.

Getting there

Location

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni · Guyane

Google Maps Waze directions

Frequently asked questions

Who created the statue "La Peine du Bagnard"?+

It was created by French sculptor Bertrand Piéchaud, whose inspiration came in 1991 during a visit to his son in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.

When was the statue installed?+

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.

Where is the statue located in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni?+

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.

What does this statue symbolise?+

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.