Cayenne Lighthouse

The Cayenne Lighthouse, also known as the Phare du Fort Cépérou, stands atop the hill of the same name overlooking the capital city of French Guiana. The current iron structure was erected in 1863, replacing an earlier wooden tower that could no longer meet the demands of increasing maritime traffic. Standing at a height of approximately 11 meters, it served as a crucial navigational landmark for ships entering the harbor of Cayenne for many decades. Although it is no longer used for active navigation today, the lighthouse remains a significant historical monument and a prominent landmark of the city. Its location provides visitors with a panoramic view over the rooftops of Cayenne and the Atlantic coast. The lighthouse symbolizes the maritime history of the region during the 19th century and is closely linked to the development of Fort Cépérou, which has defended the city since the 17th century. It is a popular destination for those interested in colonial architecture and the strategic urban history of the French overseas territory.

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

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Jean Martial Hospital

An imposing former colonial hospital building in Cayenne, known for its classical Creole architecture.

Alexandre-Franconie Museum

The main museum in Cayenne showcasing the history, culture, and natural history of French Guiana within a traditional Creole house.

Thérèse and Léon Blum House

A historic building in Cayenne connected with important figures of French history.

Saint-Sauveur Cathedral

The main church of Cayenne, built in colonial style, is a notable historical monument in the center of the capital.

Félix Éboué House

The historical birthplace of famous politician Félix Éboué, which today is a small museum about Guiana's history.

Victor Schœlcher Statue

A significant monument to Victor Schœlcher, who played a crucial role in abolishing slavery in the French colonies.

Prefecture of French Guiana

The official seat of the prefect and an outstanding example of French colonial administration in the Caribbean and South America.

Cayenne Central Market

The bustling central market of Cayenne, housed in an iconic steel structure and famous for its local spices.

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.

Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie

A museum showcasing the natural history, archaeology, and ethnology of French Guiana.

Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur de Cayenne

The primary Catholic cathedral of French Guiana, featuring colonial architecture.

Poudrière de Cayenne

A 19th-century gunpowder magazine used by the French military to store explosives.

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.

Monument aux Morts de Cayenne

A memorial monument dedicated to the soldiers from French Guiana who fell in the World Wars.