D'où vient le nom de la Place des Palmistes ?

Elle doit son nom aux palmiers qui l'ornent. Créée au XVIIe siècle sous le nom de Place Royale, elle a été rebaptisée en 1830 pour honorer ces palmiers.

Quels bâtiments historiques entourent la place ?

On y trouve la cathédrale Saint-Sauveur (la plus ancienne construction de Cayenne, XVIIe siècle), l'hôtel de ville, l'ancien hôpital Jean Martial et la préfecture de Cayenne.

Que peut-on faire le soir sur la Place des Palmistes ?

Le soir, la place se transforme en rendez-vous gastronomique grâce aux nombreuses roulottes qui proposent des repas rapides dans une ambiance conviviale.

Quels événements s'y déroulent ?

La place accueille festivals (film, musique, gastronomie de Cayenne) et concerts d'artistes locaux et internationaux tout au long de l'année.

Culture & patrimoine★ Free accessCayenne

La Place des Palmistes

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Overview

The Place des Palmistes is located in the heart of Cayenne, French Guiana. It takes its name from the palm trees that adorn it and remains a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. The square is surrounded by numerous historic buildings: the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, the prefecture, the former Jean Martial hospital, and the town hall.

Why Visit

The square hosts a variety of events throughout the year — festivals covering film, music, and Cayenne gastronomy, as well as concerts by local and international artists. In the evenings, it transforms into a food destination thanks to the many roulottes (street food stalls) that serve quick meals in a lively, convivial atmosphere.

History

Created in the seventeenth century by French colonists under the name Place Royale, it was renamed in 1830 in honour of its palm trees. In the nineteenth century, it served as a trading hub and a site of public executions, before becoming a leisure and recreational space in the twentieth century. Among the buildings that border it, the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral was built between 1825 and 1833; the town hall and the former Jean Martial hospital also date from the nineteenth century.

Getting There

The Place des Palmistes is situated in the centre of Cayenne, French Guiana. GPS coordinates: 4.9398494, -52.3337336.

Getting there

Location

Cayenne · Guyane

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Frequently asked questions

Where does the name Place des Palmistes come from?+

It takes its name from the palm trees that adorn it. Created in the seventeenth century under the name Place Royale, it was renamed in 1830 in honour of those palm trees.

Which historic buildings surround the square?+

You will find the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral (built between 1825 and 1833), the town hall, the former Jean Martial hospital, and the Cayenne prefecture.

What can you do on the Place des Palmistes in the evening?+

In the evening, the square comes alive as a food destination, with many roulottes (street food stalls) serving quick meals in a convivial atmosphere.

What events take place there?+

The square hosts festivals covering film, music, and Cayenne gastronomy, as well as concerts by local and international artists throughout the year.