Official Language:
French
Secondary Language:
French Guianese
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Currency:
EUR
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Population:
Only the facility staff populates Devil's Island
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Devil's Island: Tropical and humid.Temperatures are in the high 80-90°F/27-32°C degree range, year-round.
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Devil's Island, is located off the coast of French Guiana. French Guiana stands out among South American countries as the only member of the European Union. Long a French colony, today French Guiana is an overseas department of France. Like Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, the 150,000 citizens of French Guiana have the same rights as a Parisian. In addition, French francs are the official currency and the language of love is the official tongue. It is famous for its infamy. Once a secluded and inescapable place, Devil's Island is today a real museum piece. You'll have to use your imagination to get a sense of how badly the prisoners would have wanted to escape from this place that you find so inviting. The island has become very popular for South American tourists.
French Guiana is the only South American country which is a member of the European Union. It is today an overseas department of France. Just like Guadalupe in the Caribbean, the 150,000 citizens of French Guiana have the same rights as a Parisian. In an attempt to help develop the colony, the French government built penal colonies on French Guiana in the mid-19th Century. Convicts were sent here after serving their time in prison, to live for the same period of time as their original sentences. This was to cast them out of one society and to increase the island's population, However, the majority of prisoners died of tropical diseases while on the island. Since then French Guiana has been trying to transform itself into a popular tourist destination. The French have even tried to eradicate the name Devil's Island from its maps, choosing to group the island with two of its neighbors, Ile Royale and Ile St. Joseph, under the name Iles du Salut (Islands of Salvation). The three islands - Devil's Island, Ile Royale and Ile St. Joseph - are about one hour by boat from the mainland. Each one of the islands served a different purpose. Ile Royale was the site of the administrative center and its prison cells held the less dangerous criminals; the more troublesome prisoners were kept on St. Joseph, while political criminals were held on the almost inaccessible Devil's Island. Political prisoners like Alfred Dreyfus were held in isolation. Henri Charrière, the most popular, was immortalized in the movie "Papillon" for supposedly being the only convict who managed to escape from "the Green Hell." Devil's Island is now used for tracking shuttles as they ascend from the Kourou Space Center, which has launched the majority of all European satellites now in orbit. However, no matter what the government does the island is still remembered for it's past.
Today, Devil's Island is used for tracking shuttles as they ascend from the Kourou Space Center, which has launched the majority of all European satellites now in orbit. But, for as much as they try to ignore their ignoble past, the three islands continue to achieve most of their notoriety from their penal colony past. Devil's Island is the most notorious of the three. The penal colony here housed falsely accused French spy Alfred Dreyfuss, and was the setting for Henri Charriere's novel, Papillon, which was later made into a film starring Dustin Hoffman and Steve McQueen.
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Attractions |
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Independent Exploration of Devil's Island:
The haunting history of Devil's Island comes to life, as visitors arrive at Ile Royale, wander its footpaths, and explore the overgrown ruins of prison cells and administrative buildings. A recently-restored museum is open for visits, and a small hotel, the Auberge Iles du Salut, offers modern tourist facilities that includes a restaurant and gift shop. The ship will anchor while at Ile Royale. There are no vehicles on the island, some of the paths are hilly and uneven and the remains of the various prison facilities can only be seen on foot. A 45-minute walk lets you circle the entire 70-acre island. Lightweight clothing and sun protection are suggested as the climate is hot and humid. There will be a few local guides to answer questions and provide directions.
The complex was formerly a self-contained community with houses, offices, a hospital, bakery, butcher shop, and church. There was even a guillotine used to execute convicts who committed crimes while in Guiana. On nearby Devil's Island are the ruins of the facility used for housing political prisoners. Here, the inmates were often left without guards, since strong currents and sharks made a getaway virtually impossible. Even wardens were buried on Ile St. Joseph, while convicts were buried at sea. All penal facilities in French Guiana were finally shut down in the 1940s. T-shirts, postcards, guide books and a variety of souvenirs are available at the shop located in the island's inn. Although local currency is the EUR and U.S. currency is accepted in the shop. Informative souvenir guide books are printed in English, and available for approximately $8 each.
Organized Expeditions :
Two tour operators organize expeditions to Devil's Island. Takari Tours (tel. 311-969) and Carbet des Iles (tel. 320-995) will both show you around the island.The Iles du Salut remain mostly primitive. The islands are covered by coconut groves and lush vegetation. However, if you look hard enough, you can catch a glimpse of history. The prison on Ile Royale was used to house the more harmless criminals. Ile St. Joseph's prison was for dangerous, hardened criminals. But the worst of them all were kept at Devil's Island. Just to get to Devil's Island used to be an adventure, as treacherous waters populated by bloodthirsty sharks separated the island from its neighbors. Prisoners here were kept in isolation, and there was no hope for escape. That was before Henri Charriere became the only man to escape from Devil's Island, dubbed The Green Hell by prisoners. His novel, Papillon, was later made into the film mentioned above, starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. (Incidentally, the film wasn't shot on Devil's Island, but in Jamaica.)
Kourou Space Center:
One-hour ride to Kourou Harbor. Upon arrival at Kourou, air-conditioned coaches for the the short drive to the Guiana Space Center. Here you can go through the security clearance and receipt of badges (your passports will be carried by the ship's escort for this purpose). First, you will view a movie about the history and activities of the center. Following this informative introduction, you will then visit the Jupiter control room before driving to the launch area for a visit of the Ariane 4 Launch Center and Assembly Hall. The 100-meter tall launch tower looms overhead. Continue to the Ariane 5 Launch Center for a visit. Your next stop will be at the Space Museum followed by some free time to browse in the souvenir shop. A short drive will bring you to Les Roches Hotel and a Créolia restaurant for lunch. Afterward you can return to the Kourou Harbor to board your shuttle boat for the return journey to Ile Royale and the ship.
Ile Royale:
Wander along the footpaths to explore the old prison cells and administrative buildings. You will come across a very recently restored museum which is open to the public. There is also a small hotel, the Auberge Iles du Salut, with a restaurant and gift shop which offer somewhat modest tourist facilities. There are no vehicles on the island, therefore, all sightseeing is done on foot. You can walk around the entire island in 45-minutes. There will be a few local guides to answer questions and provide directions if needed.
Festivals and Holidays:
Carnival is always a huge party on French Guiana. Unlike New Orleans, the party here lasts for about a month. If you happen to arrive in February, prepare to party! Because it's a French territory, all French holidays are celebrated. Bastille Day is a particularly joyous holiday, celebrated on July 14th .
Shopping:
The Hmong people came to French Guiana from Laos about thirty years ago. Today, their hand-woven tapestries are among the most coveted items in the country. There is also a small gift shop at L'Auberge des Iles du Salut (tel. 321-100).
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