French Guiana Holidays
Papillon Tour
9 Night Itinerary from £1,795
Private Individual Tour
France in the tropics, land of the old, infamous Papillon penal colony, pristine rainforest and the vast European Space Centre averaging twelve satellite launches per year.
Select your preferred departure date
Tour Route
- Cayenne - 2 Nights
- European Space Centre - 1 Night
- Observe sea turtles on the beach from February to August - 3 Nights
- Stay in a comfortable lodge and explore - 2 Nights
- Optional visit to a Amerindian village - 1 Night
Travel Highlights
- A fascinating combination of French lifestyle in the pristine tropical rainforest
- Explore the old remnants of an ancient, infamous penal colony
- Visit Europe's modern, state of the art Space Centre with massive European rocket Ariane V that launches satellites.
- Relax on the beach at Cayenne or visit Amerindian Villages
- Stay in charming Saint Laurent du Maroni. From March to August, watch leatherback turtles lay their eggs on the beaches along the coast.
- Spend 2 nights at an Amazon jungle lodge including all meals and guided tours
This itinerary can be modified and adapted to your preference with a specialst advisor, who can provide a guaranteed price, based on hotels, transport, excursions and flights.
Tour Itinerary
Cayenne - 2 Nights
Day 1 - Travel to Cayenne
Day 2 - Visit Cayenne and drive to Kourou
- Full Description
Day 1
Arrive in Cayenne
Arrive in Cayenne (international flights not included) and transfer to your chosen beachfront hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the palm fringed shore.
Day 2
Visit Cayenne and drive to Kourou
The following day you will receive your self-drive car, maps and be fully briefed. Visit the colonial city of Cayenne visiting the museum and sampling the local food drawn from French, Caribbean and Asian influences before driving to Kourou.
European Space Centre - 1 Night
Day 3 - Giuded tour of the European Space Centre
- Full Description
Day 3
Guided tour of the European Space Centre
Kourou is a town with a modern French atmosphere, strangely incongruous in the tropical haze. It is famed for the European Space Centre, encompassing a vast area of coastline and a guided tour of the Space Centre centre is included. We will visit the fascinating museum and assembly rooms. Lying opposite Kourou, in the Atlantic Ocean, are the infamous Iles du Salut, including " Devil's Island", where the penal colony functioned from 1852 to 1953. We visit the Ile Royale, where the prison cells remain, partly entangled by the lush vegetation and the children's graveyard at tiny church housing an interesting collection of paintings of prison life.
Observe sea turtles on the beach from February to August - 3 Nights
Day 4 - Observe leatherback turtles
Day 5 - Explore Saint Laurent
Day 6 - Travel to Cayenne
- Full Description
Day 4
In search of leatherback turtles
Depart in your self-drive car for Saint Laurent du Maroni, situated on the Suriname border, formerly the penal transportation camp and now a tranquil colonial town. Drive to Les Hattes, via Mana, to witness the beautiful leatherback turtles struggling up the beach to lay their eggs (April-August).
Day 5
Explore Saint Laurent
Return to Saint Laurent where we explore the abandoned penal centre. In the evening, enjoy an included dinner overlooking the Maroni River on an old sailing boat, converted into a restaurant, its candlelit atmosphere making a perfect relaxing end to the day.
Day 6
Travel to Cayenne
Leave for Cayenne to return your car and overnight.
Stay in a comfortable lodge and explore - 2 Nights
Day 7 - Amazon jungle lodge
Day 8 - Exploring the Amazon rainforest
- Full Description
Day 7
Amazon jungle lodge
More discoveries in the rainforest today, in the company of your expert local guide.
Day 8
Exploring the Amazon rainforest
Today we take guided treks into the rainforest with knowledgable guides.
Optional visit to a Amerindian village - 1 Night
Day 9 - Relax in Cayenne or visit Amerindian Villages
Day 10 - Transfer to the airport
- Full Description
Day 9
Relax in Cayenne or visit Amerindian Villages
Today you can choose to enjoy the ambiance of French Guiana capital city, or join an excursion to the nearby Amerindian villages.
Day 10
Transfer to the airport
Transfer to the airport for your onward connection.
Price Guidelines
| Season | High Season |
|---|---|
| Travel Dates | September to April |
| Room Arrangement | Tourist |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £1,795 |
Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- Excursions with English-speaking guides
- Self drive vehicle for transport
- Accommodation in a room for Double Occupancy
- Breakfast throughout
- Transport, meals and guided excursions in the Amazon Lodge
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