Which is the correct French Guiana pronunciation in English? And how is it written and pronounced by the locals? Did you know that there are about 40 different languages that are spoken in French Guiana? In this blog post, you will find how to say French Guiana in the most spoken languages in the territory. As well as some facts about the name, such as its etymology.
Are you in Guadeloupe for one day? I have the perfect itinerary for you. Even if I definitely recommend spending more than one day on the butterfly island, there are still many incredible things to do in Guadeloupe. Let’s see the 5 most unusual and adventurous activities.
“Hey Anita, I’m planning to come to visit you. Can you tell me when it’s the best time to visit French Guiana?” If I had a cent for all the times I heard this question! Disclaimer: I’d still be poor, as not many friends have come to visit me since my expatriation… But, hey if you are here it means you want to know more about French Guiana’s climate! So, in this blog post, I’m breaking down all the things you should consider for booking your tickets to French Guiana.
Is French Guiana safe? Are there some extra precautions I should take when visiting? While traveling to French Guiana is completely safe and an exciting adventure, there are still a few things to consider when preparing your journey there. In this blog post I’m going to dive into the most searched safety topics you should be aware of when planning to visit French Guiana.
Skyscrapers in the lush Amazonian Jungle? Yup most likely you have landed in Belem. This ancient/modern city of 1,5 million inhabitants is located on the large estuary of the Amazon River. Alternating colonial buildings, modern skyscrapers, and luxuriant vegetation, Belem is one of a kind city outside the tourists’ radars. And yet it’s very interesting to explore on a larger Brazil itinerary, or even as the starting point of the three Guianas crossing. Come check the best things to do in Belem.
Nature reigns in French Guiana. And if you need proof of that you don’t have to go far. In fact, a few kilometers from Cayenne the region’s capital, many trails cross the lush coastal vegetation. One of the most famous is without a doubt the Rorota Trail. Running on Rorota Mountain, the trail will let you discover one of the wildest forests of Cayenne’s peninsula.
Once one of the most infamous prisons, the Salvation Islands are nowadays a small nature paradise. Many tourists explore every year while learning more about the history of French Guiana. If you are willing to spend a day or two enjoying pristine nature and beaches, this may be the perfect escape for you.
French Guiana is a land of contradictions. 98% of its surface is covered by the lush Amazonian rain forest. And yet one-quarter of the remaining 4% hosts Europe’s Spaceport: the Guiana Space Centre. Since 1968, the site has been active for over 50 years and launched more than 300 rockets.
6 Reasons why you should visit the Guiana Space Centre:
1. Dream of launching a rocket at Jupiter’s Control Centre
The hearth and brain of CNES technicians during the final countdown is Jupiter Control Centre. The place has a theatre feeling. Red carpet and large comfortable seats, placed like in an amphitheater, face a huge glass wall. Beyond that? The Control Centre. Empty during public visits, it gets crowded on launch day. The operation’s director (DDO) and his assistants monitor the parameters and execute the final procedures until the rocket take-off.
By the way, have you dreamed of assisting to a launch? It’s a magical experience! If you’re interested don’t forget to check the guide to attend a rocket launch, and the Facebook page of the Centre Spatial Guyanais to be updated on upcoming launches and reserve your place.
2. Admire a real Ariane 5 EPC from Orchidée Belvedere
But first, what is an EPC?
Short for Etage Principal Cryotéchnique (Cryotechnic Main Stage), the EPC is Ariane 5 “body”, to which the two boosters are attached. It’s filled with liquid oxygen and hydrogen and has a Vulcain engine. When the EPC ends its mission, it re-enters the atmosphere and falls into the ocean.
This EPC was recovered for studies on the mechanical parts and components. It now lies at the entrance of the ELA (Ariane and Vega launch complexes), like a silent guardian. In recent years, to honor Webb telescope mission in December 2021, an artist collective painted a space-themed mural. A stair next to the parking allows you to sneak peek at the interior.
3. Stand on an active launchpad on ELA 3
One of the things I love the most when I’m visiting historical places is to relive in my mind what happened there. Now can you imagine how grandiose an Ariane 5 take-off must be? Since 1996 more than 110 rockets took off from this launchpad, making it one of the most important spots to visit for space geeks… and kids!
The insider tip? Before going on the visit, watch a past Ariane 5 launch. That way you will be able to picture that special moment even more.
4. Learn everything about Italian launcher VEGA from its launchpad
The newcomer at Guiana Space Centre is the Italian-made rocket VEGA. From Tangara observation point.
Did you know? Observation points at the Guiana Space Centre are named after birds from the region: Ibis, Tangara, Toucan, Kikiwi, Colibri, and Agami.
This observation site has an excellent view of VEGA’s mobile gantry but also of Ariane 5 launchpad. You should note that when there is a VEGA assembly campaign in progress the site is closed to the public. Stay informed about ongoing campaigns on the CSG Facebook page.
5. Meet Ariane 6 on ELA 4
Ariane 6 maiden flight will be in 2023-2024. But while waiting, we still can see the rocket shipyard from the outside. The bus stops externally to the area, but there are still many buildings you can spot. The most impressive of all is the huge 90-metre-high mobile gantry. Yeah, you’ve read it right, this giant has wheels that can move it back to 100 meters during Ariane 6 take-off. Its metallic frame is heavier than the one of the Eiffel Tower, 8200 tonnes against 7300.
Another building that will capture your attention is the BAL (Bâtiment Assemblage Lanceur). Not very tall but quite long, this structure is used to stock and assembly parts of the rocket during a launch campaign. Together with the gantry, they are the main buildings of the Ariane 6 launch complex.
6. Take a selfie with Ariane 5 mock-up
How cool would it be to take a selfie with a rocket? Although it’s only a mock-up, the 1:1 model of Ariane 5 launcher is the landmark of the Guiana Space Centre. And besides being a showstopper, the mock-up shows you the way to the Space Museum entry.
Did you know? There are two Ariane 5 mock-ups. In addition to the one of the Guiana Space Centre, a second mock-up is at the entry of the Cité de l’éspace de Toulouse (Toulouse Space City). There is a project to add a second mock-up of VEGA rocket in front of Ariane 5.
+ A little extra
If you are lucky enough, you also may spot the inhabitants of the Guiana Space Centre natural reserve. Sloths, capybaras, tortoises, and macaws are only a few of the animals that live inside the 700 square kilometers of the CSG area. The easier to spot are tortoises and capybaras crossing the road in search of greener pastures. Very few (lucky!) tourists have also seen jaguars, deer or giant anteaters.
You can also test your chance of seeing wild animals and insects, during the Visite des Savanes (CSG Natural Reserve Tour). Ask your guide when the next one will be and If you can save your spot.
How to reserve your visit
The visit is completely FREE. All the registrations are accepted If they are made at least 48 hours (working days) before the visit otherwise you will be refused. When reserving your spot, you must provide your first and last name, and your date and country of birth for foreign visitors, or city and region for French people. In order to reserve you can call or send an email to the Visitors Centre:
The visits take place from Monday to Saturday in two different slots:
Morning: From 8 to 11.30 AM Afternoon: From 1 to 4.30 PM
Keep always in mind that no visitors are allowed from D-1 to D+1 when there is a launch. Furthermore, since you are visiting an active launch base, the itineraries may vary depending on the satellites or rocket operations. Kids under 8 years old cannot visit the base for safety reasons, instead, they can discover the Space Museum.
Updated: due to the current works in progress, the Space Museum is actually closed. Its doors will reopen in the second semester of 2023.
Looking for more inspiration from French Guiana?
The Guiana Space Center is one of the best things to do when visiting French Guiana. But if you are looking for more reasons to visit, this is why you should add this destination to your bucket list. And for more French Guiana information, tips, and guides check out our French Guiana page.
3, 2, 1… décollage! Whether you are passionate about the space race or not, attend a rocket launch is a once-in-a-lifetime experience everyone should cross off their bucket list. The sudden light, the rocket crossing the sky, the noise and vibrations. In addition, the feeling of having witnessed something extraordinary. Because even though we launch a rocket almost every day nowadays, this is still something extraordinary that only a hundred years ago people considered impossible.
Brazil is the longest country in the world! As a consequence, it is crossed by many different climate areas. Furthermore, its landscapes are very variegated. Situated in the north of Brazil, Salvador de Bahia is one of Brazil’s most colorful gems. With more than 2,5 million tourists visiting every year, it is one of the cities which attract the most tourists in Brazil. Not to mention that it’s a must see during your Brazilian trip. With no further ado let’s dive into the ultimate travel guide to Salvador de Bahia.
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
How about burning some calories with the sound of the berimbau while connecting to Afro-Brazilian ancestry?
Capoeira was once forbidden in Brazil. Nowadays It is one of its national symbols. Taking part in a masterclass is both fun and educative! You can join a Capoeira class with Associação de Capoeira Mestre Bimba. Situated in the city center, the school is nearby all the other main attractions and restaurants.
The cost of the lesson for one person is 30€. If you’re traveling with other people you may have group discounts. The classes take place every Saturday from 11 to 12 AM and they are divided into two parts. At first a demonstration from the masters, then It’s your turn to try. Don’t forget to wear pants as Capoeira is based on kicks and circular moves.
Sit with Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai
While walking on the seafront, you may encounter a statue of two persons sitting on a bench with their dog. They are Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai. Two of the most famous Brazilian writers, with their French bulldog Sadul. Made by artist Tatti Moreno, the sculpture is situated in the Largo de Santana, in front of the Santana Church. After they moved to Salvador, this was one of the couple’s favorite spots.
You can sit and take a picture with them while exploring the shops around.
Explore Pelourinho
It’s the neighborhood that goes from Largo do Pelourinho to Terreiro de Jesus. Pelourinho in Portuguese means the pillory stone where slaves were flogged. Eventually, It gave the name to the whole area, which was abandoned until the 20th century when it entered the UNESCO list.
This colored area is one of the most picturesque in the city. Street artists, musicians, and tasty restaurants liven up the festive atmosphere. Very often the neighborhood becomes part of larger celebrations and religious manifestations.
Note: be careful to the slippery ground! The very famous cobblestones that pave the neighborhood are slippery especially when it rains. Wear comfortable shoes to avoid an accidental fall.
Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim
If you’ve already wandered in Brazil, probably you’ve already seen the ribbons of Bonfim, knotted on church grates. This tradition comes from the Bahian city. And more specifically from the Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim. You can visit the basilica and the local museum, or hang your prayer ribbons on the external bars.
The Basilica has also an impressive room that collects prosthetic limbs tangling from the ceiling.
Elevador Lacerda
The Elevador Lacerda is the first urban elevator in the world. It was completed in 1873. Connecting the lower and upper cities. Its structure is 72 long. The elevator is located in the Baía de Todos os Santos, and it offers a beautiful view over the city. The price for the ticket is around 0,50 €.
Enjoy the beautiful orchids of Orquidario Bahia
Get lost among the perfumes and colors of Bahia’s Orchidarium. The visit will let you visit the greenhouses where the orchids are and the laboratory. The owner Ednildo will introduce you to the many species he grows, and the ones that are typical of the region.
The Orquidario also hosts courses to teach you how to run a successful garden on your own. As a photographer I really enjoyed this experience. The orchids are indeed an amazing subject to photograph and there are so many varieties.
Is Salvador de Bahia safe?
Salvador de Bahia is the capital of one of the poorest states in Brazil. For this reason, there are many beggars on the streets asking for money.
In addition to this, the crime rate is very high: 61,7 per 100.000. But besides these stats, it is a safe city to travel to. As long as you stay in the touristy areas. The beaches are safe as well but always prefer more crowded ones. Especially if you’re traveling solo.
When is the best time to visit Salvador de Bahia?
The best time to visit the Capital da Alegria (Capital of Happiness), is during Brazilian Summer, from November to March. It’s the dry season and it’s not really rainy. Even if the temperatures are high, as a coastal city, Salvador de Bahia benefits from the Atlantic Ocean to help reduce the heat wave during summer.
Although very touristy, the period from January to March is the best in general to visit Brazil. When preparing your itinerary, consider assisting to the Brazilian Carnival, one of the most famous in the world. The festivities take place every year from mid-February to the beginning of March.
Salvador de Bahia in 5 facts:
The territory was discovered and settled in the 16th century.
Salvador de Baia was Brazil’s capital from 1549 to 1763.
The city was the second largest slavery harbor in the world, with over 1.500.000 slaves coming from Africa.
As a result of the point above, nowadays 80% of the population is black. This means that it is the biggest city in number of black people outside Africa.
Its nickname is Capital da Alegria, because of its festive events and lifestyle.
In conclusion, is Bahia worth it?
Absolutely! You shouldn’t skip Salvador de Bahia for many reasons. Its colors, scents, and joyful ambiance are only a few of the things that liven up this wonderful city!
Are you planning to visit? Make sure to read our Rio de Janeiro guide to add this iconic city to your itinerary as well.
