Hot, steamy and buggy French Guiana is a department of France and home to one of the last great tracks of tropical rainforest a number of Amerindian tribes still living as they have for centuries many rivers and Wild and Beautiful Fishes of French Guiana. It's also home to Kourou the Guiana Space Centre where the launch pad and Space Museum are carved out of the forest.
Long famous for the infamous penal colony on Devil's Island, French Guiana is tuning down that notoriety by changing the island into an upscale vacation spot. Celebrities and rocket scientists now walk where Papillon once did.
Cayenne, the capital city, is named for the hot pepper and the scene of the hottest entertainment. Carnival is a lively event borrowing as it does from Caribbean traditions and French joie de vivre. Although Carnival is late winter the best times to visit are in late summer and fall from August to December in the "dry season" when you can form your own Overview of French Guiana.
You might be staying outside Cayenne at the Le Grillardin or Motel Beauregard in Remire-Monjoly which offers tennis and squash courts, mini-golf and bowling activities but most likely you will be based in Cayenne.
Most beaches are muddy and silty and therefore not very good for swimming, so save your snorkeling and scuba gear for elsewhere but take a trip to Kaw the everglades region of the country. Or trek along one of the many footpaths through the jungle. Visit the church in Iracoubo which hosts a display of art by Devil's Island prisoners.
Don't expect a high degree of tourist amenities. Do expect high prices and roughing it but if you're willing to accept those facts you'll find that French Guiana has a beautiful untapped wilderness waiting for you.
{i]Bon voyage!