"French Guiana Page" French Guiana by ATLC

French Guiana Travel Guide: 127 reviews and 253 photos

I visited in July 1980 when I was 16, crossed the Marowijne river which separates Suriname from French Guiana in a small boat (prauw), bought cheap champagne and Gauloises for my brothers who were there with me. The Gauloises I smuggled back to Surinam, the cheap bubbly made me nicely drunk for the first time in my life!
As I wobbled back on land again (wobbly because of boat and wine), we had to go into the little cabin that passed for a customs office. Nothing to declare?? No no, my brothers said. Whilst I was standing there, looking all innocent with 20 packs of Gauloises under my shirt.

St. Laurent is the capital of French Guiana. It also figures in the book "Papillon" by Henri Charrière. The famous, true story of a guy who was sentenced to Devils island but escaped. This was also turned into a film featuring Steve McQueen.
It's a book that I still read bits of now and again, just because it impressed me so much when I was very young.

Intro Written Sep 9, 2002
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Comments (26)

angiebabe Aug 10, 2009 at 2:01 PM Report Abuse

HI AT!, interesting to read of even more of your exciting adventures from an early age!
kiwi Mar 22, 2003 at 2:10 PM Report Abuse

Anke-Thea you take me to special corners of the world, thanx! Ah Papillon, a great story. - Pam.
Betul Aug 17, 2002 at 3:09 PM Report Abuse

you r a lovely person, I loved your writings
RubenE Aug 15, 2002 at 6:05 AM Report Abuse

hope you have some pictures!
hunterV Aug 11, 2002 at 8:54 AM Report Abuse

Nice memories, a very attractive place!
eelaine Aug 11, 2002 at 8:49 AM Report Abuse

:)) amusing page!
zabol Aug 2, 2002 at 12:30 AM Report Abuse

veeeeeeeeery nice pics,veeeeeeeeery interesting page.
richiecdisc Jul 31, 2002 at 3:32 PM Report Abuse

No one can get you in trouble like two brothers can. ;)
AGHIOS Jul 30, 2002 at 1:25 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic pictures! and great details !
Bluereptile Jul 21, 2002 at 3:46 PM Report Abuse

Good travelogue