French Guiana

Blanketed by thick tropical rainforest, the remote overseas territory of French Guiana is a paradise for nature lovers and culture vultures alike. Charming French colonial fortresses and Creole houses lie alongside gorgeous golden-sand beaches and leafy palm trees. Although travel through the country can be challenging if you venture off the beaten track, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience.

Capital Cayenne is set on the country’s northeast coast and is a melting pot of cultures including French, Caribbean, and Brazilian. Its 17th-century Old Town is overflowing with picturesque buildings. Head to Avenue du Général de Gaulle for chic shops and cafes, and explore the high ruins of the French colonial Fort Cépérou. Some of the country’s more grisly history can be found in Îles du Salut, or the Salvation Islands, three tiny islands clustered far offshore where prisoners were sent by Napoleon and the governments which followed him. Time your visit to Guiana right and you might even be able to see a space rocket take off at Centre Spatial Guyanais. No visit to the country would be complete without a spot of nature-watching; head to Trésor Nature Reserve for easy rainforest hikes, and Kaw Nature Reserve for the chance to see animals such as caiman and scarlet ibis.