Guiana Space is the European spaceport, set in Kourou on the coast of French Guiana, an overseas region of France on the northeastern edge of South America. It is an attraction and landmark as much as a working launch site, and for many visitors the draw is the chance to see the rocket programmes of Europe up close.
What you can see
Guided tours take visitors through the site, giving an insight into how launches are prepared and carried out. The spaceport is known for its launches of Ariane, Soyuz and Vega rockets, and these missions take place throughout the year. Because launch dates are set by mission schedules, anyone hoping to witness a launch should check the timetable before travelling.
Planning a visit
- Type of visit: a guided tour of a working spaceport, suited to those interested in engineering, space exploration or European technology.
- Launches: watching a rocket lift off is the highlight for many, but launch timing depends on the mission, so it is worth confirming the schedule in advance.
- Getting there: Kourou is the nearest town, and French Guiana's wider landscape of coast and rainforest makes the trip part of a broader journey.
A visit to Guiana Space suits travellers who want something out of the ordinary. Set aside time to explore Kourou and the surrounding coast as well, so that the trip offers more than a single stop.