About an hour’s drive from Cayenne, the coastal town of Kourou (population around 25,000) feels distinctly different from the capital—quieter, more spacious, and shaped by its unique role in the global space industry. Built up largely in the 1960s alongside the development of the nearby launch facility, Kourou has a planned, almost suburban feel, with wide streets, modern housing, and a mix of local residents and international engineers and technicians.

Its defining feature is the Guiana Space Centre, one of the world’s most important rocket launch sites. Chosen for its proximity to the equator, which allows rockets to take advantage of Earth’s rotation, it serves as Europe’s gateway to space. Visitors can join guided tours that take in launch pads, assembly buildings, and control centers, showcasing both the science and scale of modern space exploration. If your visit happens to coincide with a launch, witnessing an Ariane rocket lift off above the surrounding rainforest is an unforgettable experience.

Beyond the space center, Kourou has a relaxed coastal atmosphere. There are low-key beaches and waterfront areas ideal for evening walks, along with a handful of restaurants and cafés catering to both locals and visiting professionals. The town also serves as the departure point for boats to the Salvations Islands, including Devil’s Island (see below). This contrast—between cutting-edge space technology and haunting remnants of the penal colony era—makes Kourou one of French Guiana’s most cool and unexpected destinations.

Read more in my post In South America, French Guiana Is an Undersung Historical, Cultural, and Eco-gem.

NASA´s James Web Space Telescope