This place is phenomenal…now. You would not have been saying that when it opened as a prison for French convicts back in 1852. To borrow words from A. Smith’s article, Devils Island: The Most Dreaded Prison In The World:
Devil’s Island is off the coast of South America’s French Guiana, and while it’s been closed as a penitentiary since 1952, it is currently home to agoutis , monkeys (careful – they are territorial), peacocks, cats, and a few people who work there. The island receives approximately 50,000 visitors a year, who can wander through the ruins of its crumbling structures, photograph its beautiful wildlife, or munch on a snack while enjoying the gorgeous view from its cafe.
A note to future visitors:
Wear bug spray or long sleeves and pants to avoid mosquitoes and the like. Sturdy shoes are also recommended, as much of the paths are uneven.