Heritage sites in Cayenne

Heritage of Cayenne

Cayenne's heritage is defined by a blend of colonial architecture and military history. This selection features 17th-century fortifications like Fort Cépérou, the 19th-century Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, and the vibrant Place des Palmistes. Notable landmarks include the Musée Alexandre-Franconie, housed in a traditional Creole building, and monuments dedicated to significant historical events, such as the 1914-1918 war memorial and the statue of abolitionist Victor Schœlcher. These sites reflect the administrative and cultural evolution of French Guiana's capital.

Heritage of Cayenne — Map

Lydav / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Immeuble Franconie

Housed in a 19th-century Creole building, this site contains the Musée Alexandre-Franconie. It features collections on natural history, archaeology, and the history of French Guiana's penal colony.

TIMMARAYAH Nadine / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Cayenne Cathedral

Cayenne Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral, seat of the Diocese of Cayenne.

Stéphane Hebler / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Fort Cépérou

Fort Cépérou was a fort that protected the city of Cayenne, French Guiana.

D

Place des Palmistes

The city's central square is characterized by its towering royal palms. Originally designed as an esplanade, it is surrounded by colonial-style buildings and serves as a primary gathering point for public events.

Raybx973 / Public domain

E

Statue of Victor Schœlcher

The Statue of Victor Schœlcher is a bronze statue sculpted in 1896 by Louis-Ernest Barrias, then dedicated the following year in Cayenne in…

F

Ancienne boulangerie Anatole

A designated historic monument representing 19th-century urban architecture and traditional commercial design in Cayenne.

G

Ancienne caserne du Génie, dite Hôtel de l'Inspection

A former military barracks and administrative building, this classified historic monument represents the city's 19th-century military and colonial administrative infrastructure.

H

Ancien Hôpital Jean Martial

A former hospital complex and designated historic monument. The site reflects the 19th-century medical and social history of the region.

I

1914-1918

A war memorial dedicated to the soldiers from French Guiana who served and died during World War I.

J

Immeuble Vitalo

A designated historic monument in Cayenne, recognized for its traditional architectural style and contribution to the city's colonial-era streetscape.

Other Lists

Cultural Highlights of Cayenne