Ariane Space Center and Devil's Island
In Kourou , you will find two main sights of French Guiana : the national pride, the Ariane rocket launch site and the old prison camps on the offshore islands.
The Ariane International Space Center, covering an area of 700 square kilometers, is one of the best in the world. The center was founded in 1964 by the French space agency. Nearly 85% of all telecommunications satellites are launched here. Visit the space center and its museum and with luck you may even see a rocket launch!
Off the coast of Kourou are the islands of les du Salut, including Devil 's Island, once the site of one of the most infamous prisons. From 1852 to 1942, this was home to France 's greatest criminals, political and military prisoners. Today it is completely overgrown by jungle and is home to capuchin monkeys, sea turtles and macaws. A visit to Devil's Island will make a big impression. The barracks have been emptied, but not restored.
