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Kourou

Kourou, French Guiana

Located in the northern coast of French Guiana, Kourou is a captivating town that serves as the gateway to the Guiana Space Centre, making it a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Th…

#Spaceport#Tropical#French Guiana#Launch site#ESA

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Kourou.

Top Hotels in Kourou

Top Flights to Kourou

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Kourou.

Tours

Visit the Guiana Space Centre

Explore the fascinating world of space at the Kourou Space Centre.

Shopping

Shop at Centre Commercial Régina

Experience local shopping at Centre Commercial Régina.

Outdoor

Hike at the Montagne des Singes

Enjoy a serene hiking experience amidst nature.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Kourou.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Kourou, French Guiana is "Not Available".

Languages

French, French, Creole, Hmong

Average weather

Kourou

Jan

29°23°

Feb

29°23°

Mar

29°23°

Apr

29°23°

May

29°23°

Jun

29°23°

Jul

30°23°

Aug

30°23°

Sep

31°23°

Oct

31°23°

Nov

31°23°

Dec

30°23°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Kourou.

What people love

Kourou, French Guiana, is a popular destination for space enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Here are some pros of traveling to Kourou:

Space Center: Kourou is home to the Guiana Space Centre, one of the most important spaceports in the world. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history of space exploration and witness rocket launches, making it a unique and exciting experience.
Rich Biodiversity: French Guiana is known for its diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, wetlands, and savannas. Kourou offers opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to explore the Amazon rainforest and spot a variety of plants and animals, such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
Beaches: Kourou has beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast, where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy water sports like surfing and snorkeling. Plage des Roches and Plage de la Cocoteraie are popular beaches in the area.
Cultural Heritage: Kourou has a rich cultural heritage with influences from indigenous peoples, African slaves, and European colonizers. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Kourou Church and the Fort Cépérou to learn about the region's past.
Local Cuisine: Travelers to Kourou can savor traditional French Guianese cuisine, which combines French, African, and indigenous flavors. Dishes like acoupa boucané (smoked fish) and pimentade (spicy stew) are popular choices to try.

Overall, traveling to Kourou offers a unique blend of space exploration, nature adventures, cultural experiences, and delicious cuisine, making it a memorable destination for visitors.

What to know

Traveling to Kourou in French Guiana may have some potential drawbacks. Here are some cons to consider:

Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Kourou is not a major tourist destination, so the infrastructure for tourists may be limited compared to more popular travel destinations. This could mean fewer accommodation options, restaurants, and tourist services available.
Language Barrier: French is the official language of French Guiana, including Kourou. If you do not speak French, you may encounter difficulties communicating with locals, making it challenging to navigate and fully enjoy your travel experience.
Remote Location: Kourou is a relatively remote town in French Guiana, which may limit your transportation options and accessibility to other areas. It may take longer to travel to and from Kourou compared to more centrally located destinations.
Safety Concerns: Like any destination, it is essential to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions while traveling in Kourou. While the overall safety situation may be decent, it is always advisable to stay vigilant, especially in unfamiliar environments.
Limited Activities: While Kourou is known for its space center and the launching of rockets, there may be limited tourist activities and attractions in the town itself. If you are looking for a wide range of entertainment options, you may find Kourou lacking in this aspect.

It's important to note that the cons mentioned above are general considerations and individual experiences may vary. Conducting thorough research and planning ahead can help mitigate some of these potential drawbacks.

Kourou is a town located on the northern coast of French Guiana, a region of France on the northeastern coast of South America. It is best known today as the site of the Guiana Space Centre, Europe’s spaceport.

Early History

The area around Kourou has been inhabited by indigenous peoples, primarily the Kalina (Carib) people, long before European contact. Little is documented about the very early history of Kourou.

Colonial Era

18th Century: French interest in the region increased in the 18th century. However, French Guiana was not heavily populated. In 1763, the French attempted to settle the region with the "Kourou Expedition," an effort to establish a colony with some 12,000 settlers. The expedition was a failure due to disease and hardship, with many settlers dying shortly after arrival.
19th Century: Kourou remained a small settlement throughout the 19th century, overshadowed by other parts of French Guiana like Cayenne. It was primarily involved in agriculture and small-scale industry.

20th Century to Present

1964: A pivotal moment for Kourou came with the establishment of the Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais, CSG) in 1964. The spaceport was established by the French government and later became the primary launch site for the European Space Agency (ESA). This turned Kourou into a significant hub for space exploration.
1990s-Present: With the development of the space industry, Kourou has seen significant growth and investment, transforming it from a small village into a town with modern infrastructure. The spaceport has been used for launching satellites for telecommunications, scientific exploration, and other purposes.

Important Landmarks

Guiana Space Centre: The most significant landmark in Kourou, the spaceport is one of the most important for European and international space missions. It includes several launch complexes and facilities for assembling and launching rockets such as the Ariane, Soyuz, and Vega.
Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands): Located off the coast of Kourou, these are a group of islands that were historically used as a penal colony, most famously housing the prison on Devil’s Island. They are now a tourist attraction and offer a glimpse into the region's penal history.
Kourou River: The river runs through the town and is a natural landmark of the area, providing opportunities for fishing and exploration.

Cultural and Economic Impact

The presence of the spaceport has brought an international community to Kourou, with many people from Europe and other parts of the world living and working there. This has influenced the town's culture and economy, making it more diverse and economically vibrant than many other parts of French Guiana.

In summary, Kourou's history is marked by its transformation from a small settlement to a key site in global space exploration. The Guiana Space Centre plays a central role in its modern identity, and the town's development is closely tied to the space industry.