Program European Heritage Days Guiana

What to see in French Guiana during the European Heritage Days 2025?

The European Heritage Days are back in French Guiana in September 2025! To mark the occasion, numerous events are being organized in Cayenne, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and Kourou to highlight the cultural, historical and architectural wealth of the region. Make the most of your stay in French Guiana to explore these unique sites and immerse yourself in the local heritage.

As a partner for your mobility in French Guiana, and with our extensive knowledge of local heritage, we can tell you everything you need to know about the Heritage Days!

2025 Heritage Days dates and theme

The 2025 European Heritage Days will take place in French Guiana 📅 on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, 2025.

This year's theme, "Architectural Heritage", invites visitors to explore the cultural sites that shape French Guiana's identity.

💚 Our selection of the 2025 Heritage Days program in French Guiana

To help you make the most of these days, we've selected the most exciting tours and events on the 2025 program in French Guiana.

1. 📍Centre spatial guyanais (Kourou) - "Diving into the heart of space heritage".

On September 20, 2025, starting at 8am, the Guiana Space Center offers an exceptional day:

• Visit the powder gas pedal test bench*, usually closed to the public;

• Historical exhibition in the Jupiter hall, with archive plans, original building permit, and documentary films by Bernard Paris;

• Planetarium sessions at Guyaspace Expérience**, combining constellations and crafts.

*Visits are free, but you must register at least 48 hours in advance. **Admission fee: free activities included in admission ticket.

ℹ️ Practical information

• Dates and times: Saturday, September 20, 2025, starting at 08:00.

• Price: Free or paying

• Registration: By telephone on 0594 33 77 77 or online at visites.csg@cnes.fr

2. 📍 Kourou - Conference: "French Guiana in a few dates - The town of Kourou".

© Crédits : Dac Kourou

On September 20, 2025, an interactive conference led by Prévoteau Père et Fils, illustrated by previously unpublished photographs, will retrace Kourou's historical contribution at local, national and international level. Free admission, no reservation required

ℹ️ Practical information

• Dates and times: Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 7:00 pm

• Place : Pôle Culturel

• Price: Free.

• Information : By e-mail at dac@ville-kourou.fr or by phone 0594 22 32 90

3. 📍 Les Îles du Salut: a living heritage to explore

Les bagnes - L'Île du Salut

Planned events

Film and documentary screenings - September 20 & 21, 2025

For the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine 2025, the Musée des Îles du Salut opens its doors for a unique immersion in the history of this emblematic site. A former penal colony that has become a place of remembrance, the Îles du Salut are home to an exceptional architectural, historical and natural heritage.

Throughout the weekend, specially selected films and documentaries will be screened in the museum. These images, some rare and previously unseen, will retrace the major stages in the history of the islands:

• the creation of the penal colony and the organization of daily life for the inmates;

• the evolution of the colonial and military buildings, which still bear witness today to the architectural genius of the period;

• the gradual transformation of the islands into a place of remembrance and heritage discovery;

• the surrounding natural wealth, which has made the Îles du Salut an essential cultural and tourist site in French Guiana.

ℹ️ Practical information

• Dates and times: Friday, September 19 to Sunday, September 21, 2025

• Price: Free and open to all

• Access: by boat only

• Further information and schedule: https://journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr

Exhibition in the Albert Londres block - September 20 & 21, 2025

At the same time, an exceptional exhibition will be held on the Albert Londres island. This emblematic site pays tribute to the famous journalist who, through his reports, helped bring the harsh reality of the penal colony to the attention of the general public. The exhibition will feature:

• rare archive documents;

• previously unpublished photographs from the prison era;

• eyewitness accounts of living and prison conditions.

This heritage presentation will give visitors a better understanding of the role played by the Îles du Salut in prison history and in the construction of collective memory.

4. "Konèt mo komin" - Discovering the communes of French Guiana (September 20 & 21, 2025)

A great opportunity to (re)discover French Guiana in a different way, the "Konèt mo komin" event invites the public to discover the cultural, historical and architectural wealth of French Guiana's communes.

This mediation initiative highlights:

• local history through exhibitions and living accounts;

• the architectural heritage of Guyana's towns and villages;

• the diversity of traditions, cultural practices and know-how that characterize each commune.

The aim is to bring local residents closer to their everyday heritage and strengthen their sense of belonging to their territory. This program, accessible to as many people as possible, offers an authentic immersion in Guyanese memory and identity.

ℹ️ Practical information

• Dates and times: Saturday, September 20, 2025 9:00 am to 11:30 am

• Price: Free on registration by Wednesday, September 17, 2025

• Place: Pôle Culturel Kourou

• Further information: by e-mail: dac@ville-kourou.fr

And many other events!

For the full program of the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in French Guiana, visit https://journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr/programme#/search@3.9348154,-53.1137466,7.68

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