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Written by fredff on 01 Jul, 2003
The space centre in Kourou is the location of the European Space program. If you are lucky, you can even watch the take off of an Ariane rocket, as it happens about once every three weeks. The best way to get tickets (free) to a…Read More
The space centre in Kourou is the location of the European Space program. If you are lucky, you can even watch the take off of an Ariane rocket, as it happens about once every three weeks. The best way to get tickets (free) to a close location (the closest is at 4.5km) is to go to the visitors center a day or two before the launch and just ask for them.
To watch the rocket taking off is incredible and it is very strange to see the launch and not to hear anything, as the sound takes 15 seconds to reach you, while the light (your vision) reaches you right away.
It is also possible to visit the centre on a tour (also free) and to see the different launch pad and facilities. A good museum of space also displays everything you want to know about the space program and is really worth seeing.
Overall, if you are in French Guyana, it is a must to visit the space center.
One hour by boat from Kourou, you can visit the infamous Devil Islands. The "Iles du Salut" in French used to be the place of choice for all the worst convicts. Indeed, the current are so strong, the sharks so numerous, and the coast so…Read More
One hour by boat from Kourou, you can visit the infamous Devil Islands. The "Iles du Salut" in French used to be the place of choice for all the worst convicts. Indeed, the current are so strong, the sharks so numerous, and the coast so far that it was absolutely impossible to escape. Famous convicts include “Papillon”, Dreyfus---a Jewish soldier who was accused of treason at the beginning of the 20th century---and Seznec, another famous French convict. The islands are very beautiful, filled with forest, monkeys, and “Agouti”, a kind of fat rat. The remains of the prison have since been swallowed by the jungle and they make a very impressive sight. The smallest of the three islands, Devil Island, used to be completely barren and is famous for having kept the political prisoners, including Dreyfus. It is still so dangerous to go there because of the current that it is currently closed to tourism.
Overall this day trip is fascinating and it gives a rare opportunity to discover a truly beautiful site.