About
The Îles du Salut, or Salvation Islands, lie a short way off the coast of French Guiana, an overseas region of France on the northeastern shore of South America. The group is best known for Devil's Island, the name by which the wider archipelago is often remembered, and for its past as a French penal colony.
Today the islands are a destination for a day trip rather than a place to stay. Visitors reach them by boat from the mainland, and the crossing is part of the experience, as the sea and the green outline of the islands come into view. Once ashore, you can walk among the preserved buildings of the former colony and visit the museums that explain its history. The setting is calm and wooded, and the contrast between the quiet landscape and the site's history gives the visit its character.
What to expect
- History: The preserved buildings and museums tell the story of the penal colony, and are the main reason to come.
- Beaches: The shores are pristine, making the islands a pleasant place to pause between visits to the sites.
- Access: The islands are reached by boat, so plan your day around the crossing.
Around the islands
The islands are part of French Guiana, so a trip here fits naturally into a wider exploration of the territory. Its coast, forests and towns offer a further contrast with the islands' remote and historic character. If you are interested in the story of the penal colony, the islands make a focused and memorable outing, and they reward a visitor who is willing to take the time to look closely at what has been preserved.