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Commune in French Guiana, France
Photo: Arria Belli, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Kourou is a town in French Guiana. Together with the Îles de salut (Salvation's Islands) outside the coast it used to be part of a penal colony for the worst criminals in France, but in 1946 the prisons were closed. Since the 1960s Kourou has been best known for the Guiana Space Centre.
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Centre Spatial Guyanais
Kourou is primarily known for the European Space Agency's launch site. Take a guided tour of the area or watch a rocket launch (you have to apply for an invitation for the latter online - or you watch from a beach nearby).
A tower on a small peninsula that formerly was used for Morse communication between the mainland and the islands outside the coast. Named for the French officer of Jewish descent who was deported to the area on trumped up espionage charges, exposing widespread antisemitism and convincing Theodor Herzl of the necessity of Zionism.
From the mid-19th century.
The cultural centre of Kourou with regular events, a movie theater and an art gallery
Yet another place to go and see a movie.
Some interesting local flavors.
Brazilian food.
Good food and good prices at Kong Longs and they speak English, French and Chinese.
Ice cream and pizza. Not bad.
Stylish, pool, bar that also serves some snacks. Lots of mosquitoes in the outdoor lounge area, free repellent at the bar. Free, very fast WiFi.
The Ariatel is a bit upscale compared to the Atlantis.
By foot. There is no public transportation in Kourou itself, however the town is just about 2 km across.
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