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Lake Petit-Saut

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Petit-Saut is the largest reservoir in France, created in 1994 by flooding a vast area of rainforest for the construction of a hydroelectric dam. Covering approximately 365 square kilometers in central French Guiana, it provides a significant portion of the electricity for the department and the Kourou Space Center. The lake's most striking feature is the thousands of skeletal tree trunks protruding from the water, creating a ghostly and surreal landscape. This flooded forest area has fostered a unique ecosystem that is now a vital habitat for caimans, rare fish species, and waterfowl. The construction of the dam was ecologically controversial, as it led to the release of mercury from the soil and the formation of methane gas. Today, the lake is a popular destination for anglers and researchers studying the impact of human intervention on tropical nature. Access is regulated to protect the delicate balance of the environment. Despite its artificial origin, Lake Petit-Saut has evolved into a fascinating natural space that highlights the complex relationship between energy demands and environmental conservation.

Location: French Guiana
Top sights: Montagne Marie-Hilaire · Montagne Saint-Jacques

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	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	26	27	27	25
Rain mm	268	240	229	343	469	322	214	113	56	61	110	282

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Reaching this massive reservoir generally requires driving from coastal towns like Kourou towards Sinnamary, where specific access roads lead directly to the main dam area.

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Best season

The dry season, typically from July to November, provides the most reliable road conditions and pleasant weather for boat tours and exploring the surrounding dense tropical forests.

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Terrain & paths

The lake is surrounded by very thick, untouched Amazonian rainforest, meaning land exploration is highly restricted to the immediate dam perimeter unless on an organized water tour.

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What to bring

Standard tropical gear is advised; bring lightweight clothing, effective mosquito repellent, a rain poncho for sudden downpours, and binoculars for spotting distant wildlife.

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Parking

Designated parking areas are typically available near the hydroelectric dam infrastructure or at specific embarkation points where visitors board boats for guided excursions.

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Safety

Respect all security perimeters around the active hydroelectric facility, and rely on certified boat operators when venturing onto the lake due to submerged trees and varying depths.

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Time needed

Simply viewing the dam might take just an hour, but taking a comprehensive guided boat tour to explore the flooded forest can easily occupy a half to a full day.

Geography

Coordinates

4.93880, -53.04750

Facts

The reservoir covers an area of approximately 36,500 hectares.
The hydroelectric plant has an installed capacity of 114 MW.
Thousands of hectares of primary forest were submerged during flooding.
The lake is located on the Sinnamary River in the interior.
It serves as a major research site for methane emissions from reservoirs.
Navigation on the lake is extremely hazardous due to the submerged trees.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Petit-Saut Dam9 km · EExplore →

Puits des Orpailleurs13 km · SWExplore →

Montagne de Plomb Forest26 km · NExplore →

Dieu Merci Mine27 km · SExplore →

Sinnamary Zebu Farm31 km · EExplore →

Soyuz Launch Facility (ELS)34 km · NEExplore →

Trinité Mountains36 km · SWExplore →

Ariane 6 Launch Complex (ELA-4)37 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Lake Petit-Saut (2)

Montagne Marie-Hilaire🌿 nature

A forested hill rising above the Petit-Saut reservoir, known for its primary tropical vegetation.

Montagne Saint-Jacques🌿 nature

A natural elevation near the Petit-Saut dam, providing a habitat for diverse Amazonian bird species.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Lac de Petit-Saut?

It is France's largest reservoir, created by the construction of the Petit-Saut dam on the Sinnamary River.

Why are there dead trees in the lake?

The forest was not cleared before flooding. The tree trunks now emerge from the water as ghostly silhouettes.

Can you go boating on the lake?

Yes, boat tours are the only way to explore the lake. Caution is advised due to the submerged tree trunks.

What animals live at the reservoir?

The lake is a haven for howler monkeys, toucans, and rare giant otters, often spotted from boats.

Is fishing allowed in the lake?

Yes, but there are strict rules. The lake is famous for catching large Peacock Bass (Toukouunaré).

Lake Petit-Saut: where is it located?

Lake Petit-Saut is located in French Guiana.

Lake Petit-Saut: what is there to see?

Highlights include Montagne Marie-Hilaire, Montagne Saint-Jacques.

Lake Petit-Saut: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.

Lake Petit-Saut: why is it worth visiting?

Lake Petit-Saut is the largest reservoir in France, created in 1994 by flooding a vast area of rainforest for the construction of a hydroelectric dam.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →