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French Guiana

French Guiana, also known by its French name Guyane or Guyane française, is an overseas department and region of France located on the northern coast of South America in the Guianas and the West Indies. Bordered by Suriname to the west and Brazil to the east and south, French Guiana covers a total area of 84,000 km2 (32,000 sq mi) and a land area of 83,534 km2 (32,253 sq mi).

Type CountryPopulation 298,554

Why go

  • Overseas department of France.
  • Served by Saül Airport (XAU).

History

French Guiana, also known by its French name Guyane or Guyane française, is an overseas department and region of France located on the northern coast of South America in the Guianas and the West Indies. Bordered by Suriname to the west and Brazil to the east and south, French Guiana covers a total area of 84,000 km2 (32,000 sq mi) and a land area of 83,534 km2 (32,253 sq mi). As of January 2026, it is home to 298,554 people.

Airports

Maripasoula Airport (MPY) 82 km to the centre
Maripasoula, SL, GF — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Saül Airport (XAU) 37 km to the centre
Saül, SL, GF — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Tabiki Airstrip 86 km to the centre
Benzdorp, SI, SR
Outdoor
Lawa Anapaike Airstrip 94 km to the centre
Anapaike, SI, SR
Outdoor
Lawa Antino Airstrip 94 km to the centre
Benzdorp, SI, SR
Outdoor
Cottica Airstrip 98 km to the centre
Lawa Cottica, SI, SR
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

French Guiana
French Guiana
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Saül Airport (XAU); 5 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for French Guiana. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.