DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Bagne des Annamites

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
—°4
Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)

Weather…

The Bagne des Annamites, located near Montsinéry-Tonnegrande, was a specialized penal colony established by the French colonial administration in 1930. Its primary function was the internment of political prisoners and insurgents from Indochina who had resisted French rule in Southeast Asia. The name is derived from 'Annam,' a historical term for central Vietnam. Inmates were subjected to forced labor, primarily in road construction and agriculture, under brutal conditions exacerbated by the tropical climate and the prevalence of diseases like malaria. the facility consisted of several wooden barracks, administrative offices, and a small infirmary, the ruins of which remain visible within the dense forest today. Following the end of World War II, the camp was officially decommissioned in 1945, and the remaining prisoners were repatriated to Vietnam. Currently, the site serves as a somber monument to the complexities of colonial history and is accessible to visitors via a dedicated archaeological interpretive trail.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626262626262627272726
Rain mm3002642513695043342171095458110303

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Bagne des Annamites is an abandoned penal colony whose ruins are freely accessible. The condition is heavily deteriorated, and visits are at your own risk without a guide.
🕒
Typical hours
As an open ruin, there are no opening hours. Daytime visits are recommended as the paths are in poor condition.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed without restrictions. The haunting atmosphere of the abandoned buildings features unique subjects.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for exploring the ruins. The area is relatively small, but examining the remaining walls takes time.
➕
Combine with
Combine this site with the nearby Bagne de Saint-Jean-du-Maroni. Both are located along the same river and can be easily visited in one day.
🧭
Getting there
The ruins are about 15 minutes by car from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, near the road along the Maroni. Without a vehicle, the site is difficult to reach.
💡
Insider tip
Bring plenty of water as there are no facilities on site. Watch out for snakes and mosquitoes - sturdy footwear and long clothing are essential.

Geography

Coordinates
5.01670, -52.68330

Facts

  • Established in 1930 for political prisoners
  • Most inmates were from Indochina (Vietnam)
  • Named after the historical region of Annam
  • Prisoners were forced to build local roads
  • The penal colony was closed in 1945
  • The ruins are now an archaeological site

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Monkey MountainMonkey Mountain4 km · SEExplore →
Pariacabo PortPariacabo Port9 km · EExplore →
Kourou Biomass Power PlantKourou Biomass Power Plant10 km · EExplore →
Roches Gravées de la CarapaRoches Gravées de la Carapa11 km · EExplore →
Dreyfus TowerDreyfus Tower12 km · NEExplore →
Guiana Space CentreGuiana Space Centre15 km · EExplore →
Montagne de Plomb ForestMontagne de Plomb Forest15 km · SExplore →
Air Liquide Plant KourouAir Liquide Plant Kourou15 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bagne des Annamites (4)

Montagne Penchée🌿 nature

A forested peak near the Bagne des Annamites, a site linked to the history of Indochinese deportees.

Montagne la Tribouille🌿 nature

A hill located within the dense forest of Montsinéry, overlooking the remains of former penal camps.

Montagne des Trois Carbets🌿 nature

A tropical peak covered in dense rainforest.

Matiti Paradise🎡 recreation

A water park with swimming pools and slides in the Matiti savanna.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was the Bagne des Annamites?
A penal camp for political prisoners from Indochina who were held here for forced labor.
How strenuous is the hike there?
It is an easy hike on a flat path that takes about 40 minutes.
Is swimming allowed nearby?
There is a picnic area by the river, but swimming is not recommended due to currents.
What can still be seen of the ruins?
You can see the remains of the quarters and some workshops, which are slowly being reclaimed by the jungle.
Are there mosquitoes there?
Yes, insect repellent is strongly recommended in the forest, especially during the rainy season.
Bagne des Annamites: where is it located?
Bagne des Annamites is located in French Guiana.
Bagne des Annamites: what is there to see?
Highlights include Montagne Penchée, Montagne la Tribouille, Montagne des Trois Carbets.
Bagne des Annamites: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Bagne des Annamites: why is it worth visiting?
The Bagne des Annamites, located near Montsinéry-Tonnegrande, was a specialized penal colony established by the French colonial administration in 1930.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in South America

Nearby cities

Cayenne — Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)
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 — Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
A historic town along the Maroni River, known for its former penal colony and vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
Awala-Yalimapo — Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)
Awala-Yalimapo
An indigenous coastal community, world-famous as a nesting site for the massive leatherback sea turtles.

History & landmarks

Dreyfus Tower — Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)
Dreyfus Tower
An old signal tower in Kourou, once used to communicate with the nearby Devil's Island during the penal colony era.
🗺️
Guiana Space Centre
The Guiana Space Centre is the main European spaceport located in Kourou, chosen for its proximity to the equator.
L'Enfant Perdu Lighthouse — Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)
L'Enfant Perdu Lighthouse
A solitary lighthouse on a small rocky island off the coast, guiding mariners as they approach Cayenne.
Cacao Bridge — Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)
Cacao Bridge
A distinctive bridge that provides access to the community of Cacao, where many Hmong refugees found a new home.

More places

Monkey Mountain — Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)
Monkey Mountain
Monkey Mountain near Kourou offers hiking trails and a great view of the space center.
🗺️
Pariacabo Port
The port of Kourou, used primarily for transporting rocket components for the space center.
Pariacabo Industrial Zone — Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)
Pariacabo Industrial Zone
An important industrial zone in Kourou, housing many suppliers of the nearby space center.
Kourou Biomass Power Plant — Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)
Kourou Biomass Power Plant
A facility generating electricity from wood waste and biomass, contributing to energy independence and the transition to green energy in …
Roches Gravées de la Carapa — Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)
Roches Gravées de la Carapa
An archaeological site featuring ancient pre-Columbian petroglyphs carved into rocks.
🗺️
Montagne de Plomb Forest
A mountainous forest area characterized by its dense tropical vegetation.
Montagne Plomb — Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)
Montagne Plomb
A forested mountain in the coastal plain that clearly stands out from its surroundings.
Air Liquide Plant Kourou — Bagne des Annamites (French Guiana)
Air Liquide Plant Kourou
A specialized Air Liquide industrial facility in the space center producing liquid oxygen and hydrogen for rocket propellant.