Place des Palmistes

Cayenne, French Guiana, France; central Cayenne square

Place des Palmistes is one of Cayenne’s most recognisable public spaces and a useful orientation point for visitors exploring the capital. The square gives a strong sense of the city’s urban character, with its palms, open space and central location making it an easy starting point for walks through Cayenne’s historic centre. It ranks highly because it is simple to combine with other city experiences such as markets, food stops and colonial-era streets. For travellers who want to understand Cayenne beyond a quick stopover, this is one of the best places to begin. It is also a good reminder that French Guiana is not only wilderness and launch sites, but also a lived-in tropical capital.