Bagne de Saint-Jean-du-Maroni

The Bagne de Saint-Jean-du-Maroni, situated roughly 17 kilometers south of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, was a distinct element of the French penal system in Guiana. Established in the 1850s, it was primarily designated for 'relégués', repeat offenders sentenced to life exile for multiple minor crimes. Unlike the high-security labor camps, Saint-Jean was organized as an agricultural colony where inmates worked under slightly less restrictive conditions to help develop the territory. Prisoners were employed in land clearing, road building, and crop cultivation, though they still endured a harsh regimen of forced labor and social isolation. The facility included administrative offices, quarters for the guards, and extensive barracks for the convicts. Following the official decree to abolish the penal colonies in French Guiana in 1938, the camp remained operational until its final closure in 1946. Today, several of the well-preserved buildings serve as a base for the Regiment of Adapted Military Service (RSMA), while other portions of the site stand as historical ruins memorializing the era of deportation.

Nearby cities

Cayenne

In Cayenne, the largest administrative center and capital of the region, known for its vibrant Creole culture and historic colonial archi…

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

A historic town along the Maroni River, known for its former penal colony and vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.

Awala-Yalimapo

An indigenous coastal community, world-famous as a nesting site for the massive leatherback sea turtles.

History & landmarks

Saint-Jean-du-Maroni Camp

The abandoned remains of the relegation camp, which formerly housed repeat offenders from the French justice system.

Saint-Joseph Church of Iracoubo

A colorful and elaborately decorated wooden church in Iracoubo, painted entirely on the inside by a former convict.

Petit-Saut Dam

A massive hydroelectric dam on the Sinnamary River that supplies a significant portion of electricity for French Guiana.

Nature

Maroni River

The Maroni is the longest river in French Guiana, forming the border with Suriname.

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Lake Petit-Saut

Lake Petit-Saut is a large reservoir that provides hydroelectric power for French Guiana.

More places

Cimetière des Relégués

A somber cemetery in Saint-Jean-du-Maroni where many exiled prisoners were buried.

Toucan Rum Distillery

A local agricultural business in Saint-Laurent that grows sugarcane and traditionally processes it into quality rum.

Saint-Laurent Timber Industry

Several large sawmills in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni process tropical hardwoods from the surrounding forests.

Église de Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

A prominent church in the border city, built in the early 20th century by convicts.

Camp de la Transportation

The main penal colony facility where prisoners arrived in French Guiana before being distributed.

Saint-Laurent River Port

An important river port on the Maroni, facilitating border trade with Suriname and access to the interior.

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Amana Nature Reserve

A vast coastal reserve encompassing wetlands and beaches, serving as an important nesting ground for birds.

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Acarouany Forest

An important forest reserve in the northwest of French Guiana.