Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is a historic river town in French Guiana, a French overseas region on the northern coast of South America. It sits on the Maroni River, which forms the border with Suriname, and the town's setting along the water shapes much of its character.
What to see
- The former Transportation Camp, now a museum. It is the town's best-known site and offers a direct look at a difficult chapter of the region's past.
- The traditional markets, where Maroon cultural influences are visible in the goods on sale and in the everyday life of the town.
- The riverfront, a fitting place to take in the border setting and the view across to Suriname.
What kind of visit it makes
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni suits visitors interested in history and in the cultures of the Guiana region. The museum gives the visit a clear focus, and the markets add a more lively, daily side to the town. Because the town is smaller than the capital, a visit can be unhurried, with time to walk between the historic site, the market and the river.
Plan the trip with the rest of French Guiana in mind. The town is part of a wider region of rivers, forest and coastline, and its position on the border makes it a natural point from which to understand the area's mix of peoples and influences.