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Historic site · Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
Camp de la Transportation
The former central camp of the Guiana Francesa penitentiary, opened in 1858, where all convicted prisoners disembarked. Restored, it hosts guided tours through the cells, courtyards and accommodations, including the cell attributed to Papillon.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Camp de la Transportation
The Camp de la Transportation was the center of the bagne, the prison system that France maintained in the Guiana between the mid-19th and mid-20th centuries. Opened in 1858 on the banks of the Maroni River, it received all the convicts who arrived by ship from France. From there, prisoners were separated and sent to the other camps; those considered most likely to escape were sent to the Ilhas da Salvação.
The camp had more than a dozen buildings: rows of barracks with cells on both sides of a central courtyard, isolation cells, kitchens, laundry, library and the guards' houses. The town of Saint-Laurent grew around it, and for a long time almost all residents were guards or ex-prisoners. The penitentiary closed in the mid-20th century, and the complex has been a historic monument since 1995.
The guided tour, about 1h15, goes through the barracks, the isolation cells and the courtyards, and shows what daily life was like for the prisoners. One of the stops is cell 47, attributed to Henri Charrière, "Papillon", whose memoir and the film based on it made the prison known worldwide. Part of the camp houses the interpretation center for architecture and heritage, with exhibits about the city's history.
Guided tours take place every day, at various times in the morning and afternoon, in French and, depending on the day, in English and Dutch. Between June and October, the camp usually offers a monthly night visit, by lantern light. Times change; check first at the tourism office, located at the entrance to the camp.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h15 for the guided tour, plus 30 minutes for the exhibitions.
Best time
On the first guided tour of the morning, before the heat. Between June and October, the monthly night tour shows the camp differently; reservation required.
How to get there
It is located in the center of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, between the official neighborhood and the riverfront, a few minutes' walk from the town hall. The tourist office is at the entrance to the camp.
Tip
Buy the guided tour ticket at the tourist office as soon as you arrive in town, because groups have limited size. Read a little about Papillon and Dreyfus beforehand to better enjoy the guide's stories.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Camp de la Transportation
What was the Camp de la Transportation?
The central camp of the French Guiana penal system, opened in 1858. All convicts arriving from France disembarked there and were distributed to the other camps.
Can you see Papillon's cell?
Yes. The guided tour goes past cell 47, attributed to Henri Charrière, 'Papillon'.
Do you need a guide to visit?
The cells and housing area are seen on the guided tour, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Tickets are sold at the tourist office at the entrance to the camp. Check the times in advance.
Is there a night visit?
Between June and October, the camp typically has a monthly night visit, by lantern light, with prior reservation. Check dates at the tourist office.
Is the tour in Portuguese?
Guided tours are in French and, depending on the day, in English and Dutch. Ask at the tourist office if there is material or a guide in other languages.