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Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Arrive early in the day to visit the Camp de la Transportation before the midday tropical heat sets in.
If you plan to take a boat across the river to Suriname, ensure you check visa requirements beforehand.
Dress in light, breathable clothing as the humidity along the river is consistently high.
Take a guided pirogue (canoe) tour to fully appreciate the river's history and surrounding nature.

🍽 Food

🍽

Bushinengue Cuisine

Try traditional dishes from the Maroon communities, often featuring cassava and fresh river fish, at local riverside eateries.

🍽

Creole Street Food

Look for food trucks and small stalls near the market serving accras (fritters) and stuffed breads.

🍽

Jamais Goûté

A local river fish that is a delicacy; try it grilled or in a court-bouillon at a restaurant near the water.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍

Wednesday and Saturday Markets

The local markets are a melting pot of cultures, handy for finding fresh produce, Hmong handicrafts, and spices.

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Maroon Wood Carvings

Look for intricately carved wooden stools, paddles, and bowls made by the local Bushinengue artisans.

🧘

Banks of the Maroni River

Walk along the riverbank in the late afternoon for a peaceful breeze and views of the pirogues crossing the water.

🧘

Saint-Laurent Hospital Area

The old colonial hospital grounds offer a quiet, slightly melancholic atmosphere surrounded by historic architecture.

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is the second-largest city in French Guiana, located on the right bank of the Maroni River, which marks the international border with Suriname. The town was officially founded in 1858 as the administrative headquarters for the French penal colony system, with the 'Camp de la Transportation' serving as its grim centerpiece. Today, the municipality has evolved into a dynamic commercial hub characterized by its multi-ethnic population, including Bushinengue, Amerindians, and European settlers. Its architecture blends colonial brick buildings with modern Caribbean influences, reflecting the transformation from a prison town into an animated border city. Geographically, the area is surrounded by dense rainforests and the mighty Maroni river system, which acts as a primary artery for the transportation of timber and goods. Saint-Laurent is a vital gateway for cross-border exchange and serves as a cultural melting pot in the western part of the department. The city plays a central role in the regional economy, particularly in forestry and public services.

Location: French Guiana
Top sights: Débarcadère de la Glacière · Église du Bon-Pasteur · Marché aux poissons
Nearby: Awala-Yalimapo (21 km)
Population: ~24.287 (2018)

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	26	26	26	26	26	26	27	28	27	26
Rain mm	210	182	166	275	383	292	198	113	57	64	104	216

Geography

Population

24,287 (2018)

Coordinates

5.49880, -54.02870

Facts

Founded on February 21, 1858, as a penal colony headquarters.
Located approximately 250 kilometers west of the capital, Cayenne.
The Camp de la Transportation was only closed permanently in 1946.
The Maroni River is over one kilometer wide at this location.
Key center for local rum production, including the Saint-Maurice distillery.
Features one of the fastest-growing populations in all of France.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Église de Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni<1 km · EExplore →

Bagne de Saint-Jean-du-Maroni9 km · SWExplore →

Galibi Nature Reserve14 km · EExplore →

Maroni River18 km · EExplore →

Awala-Yalimapo21 km · NEExplore →

Amana Nature Reserve23 km · NEExplore →

Acarouany Forest26 km · NExplore →

Mana Rice Mills31 km · NExplore →

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 Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni (3)

Débarcadère de la Glacière🎡 recreation

A riverside landing spot on the Maroni, offering a small sandy area popular for local gatherings.

Église du Bon-Pasteur⛪ religious

A parish church serving the spiritual needs of the local community in the heart of Saint-Laurent.

Marché aux poissons🎭 culture

A riverside market on the Maroni where local fishermen sell fresh catch from the river's waters.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important historical site?

The Camp de la Transportation, a former prison that can now be visited as a museum.

On which river is the city located?

It is located on the Maroni, the border river with Suriname, and is an important hub for river traffic.

Can you take a boat to Suriname?

Yes, there are regular pirogue ferries to Albina on the opposite side.

What is the atmosphere in the city?

The city has a characterful colonial heritage and a very diverse, multicultural population.

Are there guided jungle tours?

Yes, many tours start from here deep into the rainforest or to Amerindian villages along the river.

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni: where is it located?

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is located in French Guiana.

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni: what is there to see?

Highlights include Débarcadère de la Glacière, Église du Bon-Pasteur, Marché aux poissons.

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni: why is it worth visiting?

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is the second-largest city in French Guiana, located on the right bank of the Maroni River, which marks the international border with Suriname.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →