KourouOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Indigenous Settlements to French Colonialism

Kourou's history begins with Amerindian communities, particularly the Kalina (or Galibi) people, who lived in the area for thousands of years before the French arrived. Indigenous art is visible on rock walls at Les Roches Gravées, near the town.

The French established a settlement in Kourou in 1643. Early colonial efforts faced challenges from disease and conflicts with Indigenous populations. A more permanent settlement was founded by Father Lombard in 1712 as a Jesuit mission. This mission included people from the Kali'na and Acoqua groups and produced crops such as cotton, sugar, coffee, cacao, ginger, and tobacco.

The Kourou Expedition and Penal Colony

In 1763, after the Treaty of Paris, France planned to populate Guiana with European settlers. An expedition recruited 10,000 to 12,000 people, mainly French and German, with promises of prosperity. Kourou was unprepared for this influx. Between 1763 and 1765, about 6,000 pioneers died from fevers and other illnesses, leading many survivors to return to Europe. This event is known as the ill-fated Kourou Expedition.

From 1854 to 1944, Kourou served as a French penal colony for political prisoners and convicts. The Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) offshore were part of this penal system, which was abolished in the early 20th century.

The Space Age Transformation

Kourou's transformation began in 1964 when the French government selected it for the Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais, CSG). This decision followed France losing its previous space center territory in Algeria. Kourou became a center for global space exploration. The spaceport's location near the equator is suitable for launching satellites into orbit. The European Space Agency (ESA) began using the launch facility in 1975, which led to urbanization in Kourou. The 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment of the French Foreign Legion has been based in the Forget neighborhood since 1973, protecting the CSG. The Hôtel de Ville was completed around 1979.

• —Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais) — This facility offers tours of launch pads and the control center. A museum details the center's history, buildings, and rockets. It is about a 15-minute drive west of town.
• —Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) — A boat ride from Kourou, this archipelago includes Devil's Island, Île Royale, and Île Saint-Joseph. Visitors can explore the remains of prison buildings from the penal colony era. The islands also offer swimming and wildlife observation.
• —Les Roches Gravées (The Carved Rocks) — An archaeological site near Kourou with indigenous art etched into rock walls, left by the Kalina people before French colonization.
• —Kourou River — This 140 km long river allows for exploration of Amazonian flora and fauna. Pirogue or canoe trips are available to explore the river and its creeks. Activities like archery and zip-lining are also offered on its banks.
• —Marché de Kourou — In the Centre Ville, this market sells fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and handmade crafts. It is a place to find tropical produce and local items.
• —Promenade du Front de Mer — A boardwalk along the beach, suitable for walks and views, especially at sunset.
• —Monkey Mountain Botanical Trail — This 657-meter-long trail provides information on French Guiana's flora and fauna, with views of Kourou town from the summit.

Kourou has a tropical monsoon climate, with daily highs around 30-32°C (86-90°F) and lows near 23-25°C (73-77°F) year-round.

The dry season, from July to December, is the best time to visit, with a peak from August to November. During this period, skies are clearer, humidity is lower, and outdoor activities are more comfortable. September and October often have the most sunshine and fewest rainy days.

Avoid the wet season, from January to June, as heavy afternoon rains can make trails muddy and affect outdoor plans. May is typically the wettest month. The "little summer of March" can offer a drier period between the short and long rainy seasons.

Kourou is about 60 km northwest of Cayenne. Félix-Éboué Airport (Cayenne-Matoury) is the main international airport, 45 minutes to 1 hour's drive from Kourou. Kourou has a small airfield, but it does not handle international flights.

The town of Kourou is about 2 km across, making many areas walkable. For longer distances or to reach attractions like the Guiana Space Centre, a car or taxi is recommended. Public transportation within Kourou is limited. Shared taxis or minibuses are available for longer trips, costing around €1 to €2 per ride. Renting a car is recommended for exploring French Guiana, with prices starting around €45 per day.

A food market is held on Tuesdays and Fridays mornings until about 13:00 on Place de la République. Fresh fish is available every morning except Sunday in the fish hall in the old part of town. On Saturday mornings, a vegetable market operates next to Avenue du Général De Gaulle, near the fish hall.

Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. The currency is the Euro.