Cimetière des Relégués

The Cimetière des Relégués (Cemetery of the Relocated) in Saint-Jean-du-Maroni is a haunting reminder of the social exclusion embedded in the French penal colony system. It was established for the 'relégués', petty recidivist criminals who, under the law of 1885, were sentenced to life exile in French Guiana. Unlike the hardened convicts of Saint-Laurent, these men were often products of extreme poverty and were interned in Saint-Jean for forced labor. The cemetery contains thousands of graves that were originally marked only with simple wooden crosses, most of which have long since rotted away in the tropical climate. The anonymity of the burials reflects the systematic dehumanization of the prisoners, who were denied individual recognition even in death. Today, historians and archaeologists work to reconstruct the identities of those buried there and to preserve the site as a memorial. The area has been largely reclaimed by nature, yet the remaining markers stand as a tragic tribute to the thousands of men who died in isolation, far from their homeland. It remains a place of silence and reflection on the cruelty of the colonial justice system.

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

Bagne de Saint-Jean-du-Maroni

Also known as Camp de la Relégation, it was a penal colony for repeat offenders.

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.