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Place des Palmistes
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Historical site
Place des Palmistes is the central square and social heart of Cayenne, renowned for its impressive avenues of towering Royal Palms. The square was developed in 1821 under the direction of Governor Pierre-Clément de Laussat to provide the city with a formal administrative and social center. The distinctive palms, belonging to the species Roystonea regia, were planted to enhance the tropical character of the colonial capital and give the square its name. At the center of the site stands a monument dedicated to Félix Éboué, a prominent French Guianese politician and Resistance leader. Surrounded by historic colonial-era buildings, the square is now a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, particularly during carnival season and public holidays. The vast green space frequently hosts cultural festivals and markets that showcase lively everyday life.
- Location: French Guiana
- Top sights: Église Chrétienne Évangelique · Igreja Padroneira · Église Mondiale
- Nearby: Kaw Marshes (32 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
The square is a public space freely accessible at any time. You can view the square and the surrounding colonial buildings from the outside.
Typical hours
As a public square, there are no opening hours - it is accessible around the clock. Shops and cafés around it have their own schedules.
Photography
Photography is allowed anytime without restrictions; panoramic shots of the palm tree line are especially nice. Light is good early morning or late afternoon.
Time needed
A short walk around the square takes about 15-20 minutes. If you stop at one of the cafés, allow half an hour or more.
Combine with
The square is right in Cayenne's center, within walking distance of the museum and cathedral. Cayenne's market is also just a few minutes away.
Getting there
Place des Palmistes is in the heart of Cayenne, easily reachable on foot, by taxi or bus. Many accommodations are just a short stroll away.
Insider tip
Visit the square early in the morning when it's still quiet and the palms cast long shadows. In the evening it becomes a meeting spot for locals, offering a lively atmosphere.
Geography
Facts
- Created in 1821 by Governor Pierre-Clément de Laussat.
- Famous for its Royal Palms (Roystonea regia).
- Features a statue of politician Félix Éboué.
- Site of the Monument to the Republic (1890).
- Central hub for the Cayenne Carnival celebrations.
- Surrounded by classic French colonial architecture.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Place des Palmistes (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you do at Place des Palmistes?
You can stroll under giant palms, eat local snacks, and observe city life.
Is there Wi-Fi available?
There is often free public Wi-Fi provided by the city in the square.
What are the 'Madras' stalls?
These are food stalls that sell delicious sandwiches and local specialties in the evening.
Is the square suitable for families?
Yes, it is a popular meeting spot for families and a safe place to relax.
Why is the square named this way?
Because of the numerous tall royal palms that characterize the square.
Place des Palmistes: where is it located?
Place des Palmistes is located in French Guiana.
Place des Palmistes: what is there to see?
Highlights include Église Chrétienne Évangelique, Igreja Padroneira, Église Mondiale.
Place des Palmistes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Place des Palmistes: why is it worth visiting?
Place des Palmistes is the central square and social heart of Cayenne, renowned for its impressive avenues of towering Royal Palms.
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History & landmarks
Prefecture of French Guiana
The official seat of the prefect and an outstanding example of French colonial administration in the Caribbean and South America.
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Cayenne City Hall
The beautiful administrative building of the city of Cayenne, designed in a classical colonial style with striking yellow facades.
Victor Schœlcher Statue
A significant monument to Victor Schœlcher, who played a crucial role in abolishing slavery in the French colonies.
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.
Thérèse and Léon Blum House
A historic building in Cayenne connected with important figures of French history.
Alexandre-Franconie Museum
The main museum in Cayenne showcasing the history, culture, and natural history of French Guiana within a traditional Creole house.
Cayenne Central Market
The bustling central market of Cayenne, housed in an iconic steel structure and famous for its local spices.
More places
Monument aux Morts de Cayenne
A memorial monument dedicated to the soldiers from French Guiana who fell in the World Wars.
Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur de Cayenne
The primary Catholic cathedral of French Guiana, featuring colonial architecture.
Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie
A museum showcasing the natural history, archaeology, and ethnology of French Guiana.
Ancienne Mairie de Cayenne
The old city hall of Cayenne, showcasing classical colonial administration architecture.
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.
Maison de Félix Éboué
The historic birthplace of Félix Éboué, a prominent French Guianese colonial administrator.
Poudrière de Cayenne
A 19th-century gunpowder magazine used by the French military to store explosives.