French Guiana is an overseas department and region of France on the northeastern coast of South America, offering a remarkable fusion of pristine Amazonian rainforest, French European infrastructure, and extraordinary cultural diversity. Home to Europe's primary orbital launch facility, the territory combines space-age technology with some of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Rhum arrangé (spiced infused rum)
Price: €10–€30 (~$11–$32) per bottle
Where: Géant Casino, Cayenne supermarkets, or direct from artisan producers
Maroon woodcarving
Price: €20–€200 (~$22–$216) depending on size and complexity
Where: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni market, Cayenne central market
Hmong paj ntaub (embroidery)
Price: €15–€80 (~$16–$86)
Where: Cacao Sunday market (Sunday only)
Couac (roasted cassava flour)
Price: €3–€6 (~$3.25–$6.50) per kilo
Where: Cayenne Central Market, Madeleine Market
Tropical spice mixes (épices créoles)
Price: €4–€12 (~$4.30–$13)
Where: Cayenne Central Market stalls
Gold jewelry (bijoux créoles)
Price: €50–€500+ (~$54–$540+)
Where: Goldsmith shops on Rue Lallouette and surrounding streets, Cayenne
Space Center memorabilia
Price: €5–€50 (~$5.40–$54)
Where: Guyaspace Museum shop, Kourou
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Marché Central de Cayenne
Tropical produce, Creole street food, spices, cassava products, Maroon crafts
Where: Central Cayenne
Hours: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 06:00–13:00
Marché de la Madeleine
Produce, fish, Creole food, cheaper than central market; fewer tourists
Where: Cayenne
Hours: Mon–Sat 06:00–13:00
Marché Hmong de Cacao
Handwoven baskets, paj ntaub embroidery, Hmong textile art, fresh produce, Vietnamese food
Where: Cacao, ~80 km south of Cayenne
Hours: Sunday 07:00–13:00 only
Marché Artisanal de Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
Maroon woodcarvings, calabash art, Saramaka patchwork textiles, hammocks
Where: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni waterfront
Hours: Weekends 07:00–13:00 and some weekday mornings
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Centre Commercial Katoury
Hours: Mon–Sat 08:30–20:00
Géant Casino Hypermarket
Hours: Mon–Sat 08:00–21:00
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
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Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Items:
- Rule
- Gold export
- Detail
- Artisanal gold mining is a significant industry; gold jewelry and raw gold can be exported with receipts. Carry purchase receipts to avoid customs issues.
- Rule
- Plant and food restrictions
- Detail
- Fresh produce cannot be brought into mainland France from French Guiana (EU phytosanitary rules). Processed food items, spice mixes, and dried products are generally fine with receipts.
- Rule
- Protected species
- Detail
- Do not purchase items made from sea turtles, caiman skins, or protected Amazonian species. These are illegal to export and carry severe penalties.