subject: Devil's Island [print this page] Devil's Island Devil's Island
Devil's Island is perhaps the most infamous prison in human history. Located at about seven miles off the coast of French Guiana it is the smallest of the Three Isles of Salvation. Till 1952 Devil's Island in South America was a penal colony in French Guiana which was well represented in Steve McQueen's 'Papillon'.
History of Devil's Island:
Originally a leper colony, the les du Salut archipelago (or "Devil's Islands"), is comprised of three islands le Royale, Saint-Joseph, and the le du Diable itself. These islands became the destination for transported prisoners from France, the last of whom left only fifty years ago, and now they are a must-see destination of South America. For the prisoners it was "a true excursion into hell," as one writer has it but for you and your fellow travelers, it is a quite pleasant, half-day, civilized excursion into a lovely tropical island resort.
Escaping from Devil's Island in French Guiana was virtually impossible. The water surrounding the island was infested with piranhas and beyond that there was a dense jungle. Even if someone was successful in crossing the rivers he would be caught by Dutch soldiers stationed in the jungle.
Initially, the Dutch government offered shelter to those prisoners who crossed the waters successfully. However, due to atrocities committed by the escaped prisoners or 'bagnards' as termed by the Dutch, the practice was stopped except for German nationals. After 1938 the government of France stopped sending prisoners to Devil's Island, and subsequently in 1952 this prison was closed down permanently.
Devil's Island Tour:
The islands themselves have always served as a deepwater outport for Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, whose harbor cannot accommodate large ships. Most likely, yours qualifies, so you'll anchor and come ashore on launches. Once there, your time is basically spent on a long lunch and a tour taking several hours. Lunch will be good; French cooking is the norm, and the mother country sends all the necessary ingredients for high quality dishes.
Devil's Island is a real museum piece, and you'll have to give your imagination a workout to get a sense of how badly the prisoners would have wanted to escape from this place that invites you to stay.
So, plan a visit to this unique destination: Devil's Island in French Guiana
