White chapel
By the entrance.
Ayshka Sene, Sophie Fuggle, Claire Reddleman — CC BY 4.0 · Ayshka Sene, Sophie Fuggle, Claire Reddleman — CC BY 4.0 · Ayshka Sene, Sophie Fuggle, Claire Reddleman — CC BY 4.0
The Camp de la Transportation is a historic site in the town of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, on the bank of the Maroni River that separates French Guiana from Suriname, less than a kilometre from the town centre. It was the headquarters of the penal colony system France set up in Guiana. The camp opened on 21 February 1858, after convicts began to be sent from France to Guiana in 1852. It had more than twelve buildings, including rows of cells around an inner courtyard, a hospital, kitchens, staff quarters, a laundry and a library, and every convict passed through it on arrival. Part of the site has been restored and now houses a museum on this period and the prisoners' lives, along with an interpretation centre on the region's heritage. A small white chapel stands by the entrance on the riverbank, and its walls look out over the wide water and the forest on the far shore. Visits are by paid guided tour. The site tells a harsh chapter of history, so visit quietly and respectfully, and combine it with a walk around Saint-Laurent's old colonial town.
By the entrance.
The era's history.
A wide view.
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, French Guiana
Yes, on paid tours.
Saint-Laurent's old town.