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Cayenne Central Market
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Landmark
The Marché de Cayenne is the pulsating heart of French Guiana's capital and an essential part of local life. The market is located in a large metal hall built in 1907 on the Place du Marché. It is famous for its incredible variety of exotic fruits, spices, medicinal herbs, and local crafts. Particularly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the market is bustling with activity as vendors from across the region offer their goods. In addition to the culinary specialties of Creole cuisine, one can also find influences from the Hmong community, who are famous for their fresh agricultural products. The market is not just a place for commerce but also a social meeting point where the various cultures of the department intersect. The animated colors of the peppers, vanilla beans, and tropical flowers offered make a visit an experience for all the senses. An adjacent fish market also provides fresh catches directly from the Atlantic.
- Location: French Guiana
- Top sights: Témoins de Jéhovah · Musée départemental Alexandre Franconie · Statue de Félix Éboué
- Nearby: Kaw Marshes (33 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 300 | 264 | 251 | 369 | 504 | 334 | 217 | 109 | 54 | 58 | 110 | 303 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Cayenne Central Market is open to all visitors and free to enter. You can stroll among the stalls and buy local products like spices and fruits.
Typical hours
The market is typically open Tuesday to Sunday in the morning and early afternoon, usually closed on Mondays. Saturday morning is the busiest and most bustling.
Photography
Photography in the market is allowed and even encouraged - the colorful stalls are a photographer's paradise. However, politely ask permission if photographing vendors or customers up close.
Time needed
Allow about an hour for a thorough stroll and to soak up the atmosphere. If you also want to shop, it could take up to two hours.
Combine with
The market is right in the center; combine it with Place des Palmistes and the Cathedral. The Alexandre-Franconie Museum is a five-minute walk away.
Getting there
The market is on Place Auguste Boudinot, centrally located and easily reached on foot. Parking is limited on nearby streets, so a taxi or walking is recommended.
Insider tip
Come early in the morning when fresh produce arrives and the market buzz begins. Make sure to try the local spice blends like 'Colombo' - a great souvenir!
Geography
Facts
- The current market hall was completed in the year 1907.
- The market is located on the Place du Marché, near the harbor.
- Main market days are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Hmong farmers from Cacao supply a large portion of the fresh vegetables.
- Traditional 'Bouillon d'Awara' soup is often served at the food stalls.
- The market includes both a covered hall and outdoor sections.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Cayenne Central Market (10)
Fort Cépérou🏰 castle
Fort that protected the city of Cayenne, French Guiana.
Ancienne caserne du Génie, dite Hôtel de l'Inspection
Former barracks in Cayenne, now a ruin.
Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur
Cathedral in French Guiana.
Église Chrétienne Évangelique
Evangelical Christian church in Cayenne.
Église Mondiale⛪ church
Church in Cayenne, French Guiana.
La Poudrière
Arts centre in Cayenne, French Guiana.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the best day to visit the market?
The busiest days are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The market opens around 4:00 AM and closes at 2:00 PM.
What should you definitely try?
Try the Hmong soup (Pô), fresh passion fruit juices, and exotic fruits like rambutan or dragon fruit.
Where is the market hall located?
It is located in the center of Cayenne at Place du Coq, near the harbor.
Can you buy handicrafts there?
Yes, there is a section for local handicrafts, including Hmong embroidery and Amerindian basketry.
Is card payment possible?
Mostly only cash is accepted. However, there are several ATMs in the immediate vicinity of Place du Coq.
Cayenne Central Market: where is it located?
Cayenne Central Market is located in French Guiana.
Cayenne Central Market: what is there to see?
Highlights include Témoins de Jéhovah, Musée départemental Alexandre Franconie, Statue de Félix Éboué.
Cayenne Central Market: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Cayenne Central Market: why is it worth visiting?
The Marché de Cayenne is the pulsating heart of French Guiana's capital and an essential part of local life.
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History & landmarks
Alexandre-Franconie Museum
The main museum in Cayenne showcasing the history, culture, and natural history of French Guiana within a traditional Creole house.
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral
The main church of Cayenne, built in colonial style, is a notable historical monument in the center of the capital.
Victor Schœlcher Statue
A significant monument to Victor Schœlcher, who played a crucial role in abolishing slavery in the French colonies.
Thérèse and Léon Blum House
A historic building in Cayenne connected with important figures of French history.
Cayenne Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse at Fort Cépérou that served as another vital landmark for coastal shipping.
🗺️
Jean Martial Hospital
An imposing former colonial hospital building in Cayenne, known for its classical Creole architecture.
Prefecture of French Guiana
The official seat of the prefect and an outstanding example of French colonial administration in the Caribbean and South America.
Félix Éboué House
The historical birthplace of famous politician Félix Éboué, which today is a small museum about Guiana's history.
More places
Maison de Félix Éboué
The historic birthplace of Félix Éboué, a prominent French Guianese colonial administrator.
Ancienne Mairie de Cayenne
The old city hall of Cayenne, showcasing classical colonial administration architecture.
Poudrière de Cayenne
A 19th-century gunpowder magazine used by the French military to store explosives.
Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie
A museum showcasing the natural history, archaeology, and ethnology of French Guiana.
Cayenne Gold Refinery
Specialized facilities in the capital where gold extracted from legal mines in the hinterland is melted and prepared for export.
Fort Cépérou
Historic 17th-century fort ruins overlooking the city of Cayenne.
Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur de Cayenne
The primary Catholic cathedral of French Guiana, featuring colonial architecture.
Monument aux Morts de Cayenne
A memorial monument dedicated to the soldiers from French Guiana who fell in the World Wars.