Kourou

Overview

Introduction

A few decades ago, Kourou was just a small village of 650 souls who raised cattle and farmed for a living. In 1964, all of that changed when the French Space Research Center, launch site of the Ariane rocket, was built in town. Located 25 mi/40 km northwest of Cayenne, Kourou is now a boomtown of technicians, scientists and support personnel. Reservations to visit the town must be made in Cayenne in advance. Be aware, however, that there may be a 10-day waiting list, so try to book this trip before arrival. Some Iles du Salut tours leave from Kourou. Because tours of the space center and the Iles du Salut both begin in the morning, you'll have to stay two days to take in both. If you're staying at the Hotel des Roches in Kourou, the staff can arrange the Iles du Salut trip (a 5-mi/8-km boat ride). We suggest at least a two-night stay in Kourou—three, if you're visiting the space center.

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