French Guiana

French Guiana

Getting from Macapa in Brazil to Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana was a challenge as the tarmac road disappeared after a while and we would have to cross 110 kms of dirt track. It was just red hard packed earth all the way and since it was the beginning of the rainy season, it was also muddy and slippery.

At one particular point, the bridge over a river was being repaired so some of the safety railings had been removed to give access to the main planks that carried the weight of the traffic but the road gand assured us that it was safe to cross.

After a breath taking the crossing and not knowing whether we were about to plunge into the river below, we were back on the 'safe' part of the bridge and we were back on schedule.

Another bridge being repaired by a road gang.

A view over the edge of the bridge.

And then we arrived in Cayenne, the capital of the French colony of Guiana. There were several things to see of interest to the tourist such as the market with its colourful sights, smells and sounds.

There was both an open area and an area under cover but it was very hot and humid inside.

Outside was some remnants of the old port with some odd the rusting infrastructure  still in place such as this old crane.

The original harbour was just an estuary of a small river that flowed into the bay.

The old town had a few examples of typical colonial architecture such as the cathedral.

 A typical colonial house complete with shutters.

 A grand building, a former government office, now serving as a business centre housing several different businesses.

 The old fort built to protect the harbour, although there is little to see of the original stone buildings.

 A view of the old port and harbour where some fish are still landed and there is a fish market nearby.

 But it wasn't a good site for a port as all around it were mangrove swamps such as this view for the other side of the stone built pier.