Living in Kourou: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Kourou.
Kourou is a unique coastal town of approximately 25,000 residents located on the northeastern coast of French Guiana, an overseas department of France in South America. Known worldwide as the home of the Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais), Europe's primary spaceport, Kourou offers expatriates an extraordinary blend of cutting-edge technology, tropical nature, and French administrative benefits. The town sits near the equator at latitude 5°N, surrounded by pristine Amazonian rainforest and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. As part of France, residents benefit from the Euro currency, European Union membership, and French social services while living in a South American environment.
5 Good Reasons to Move to Kourou
- Career opportunities in aerospace – The Guiana Space Centre employs thousands directly and indirectly, offering positions with CNES, ESA, Arianespace, and their contractors.
- French benefits in a tropical setting – Access to French healthcare, education, and social security while enjoying year-round warm weather and stunning natural landscapes.
- Exceptional natural environment – Pristine beaches, Amazonian rainforest, and unique biodiversity right at your doorstep, with opportunities for eco-tourism and outdoor activities.
- Multicultural community – A diverse population including French expatriates, Creoles, Brazilians, Surinamese, and indigenous peoples creates a rich cultural tapestry.
- Witness rocket launches – Experience the thrill of watching Ariane, Vega, and other rockets launch from one of the world's most important spaceports.
Working in Kourou: Careers at Europe's Spaceport
Employment in Kourou is heavily influenced by the Guiana Space Centre (CSG), which serves as the economic engine of the region. The space industry directly employs approximately 4,620 people in French Guiana, accounting for nearly 10% of all salaried jobs in the territory. When including indirect employment through contractors, suppliers, and service providers, estimates suggest up to 9,000 jobs are linked to spaceport activities. Beyond aerospace, employment opportunities exist in construction, tourism, public administration, healthcare, and education.
Key Employers and Industries
The main employers include CNES (French National Centre for Space Studies), the European Space Agency (ESA), Arianespace, and their numerous industrial partners. Positions range from aerospace engineers and technicians to quality assurance specialists, IT professionals, safety officers, and administrative staff. The public sector, including the hospital and schools, also provides significant employment. Knowledge of French is essential for most positions, and many technical roles require English proficiency as well.
Work Permits and Employment Data
As French Guiana is part of France, EU/EEA citizens can work freely without permits. Non-EU nationals require a work visa sponsored by an employer, with processing typically taking 2 to 4 months. The minimum wage follows France's SMIC at €1,766.92 per month as of January 2025. Many employers offer additional benefits including housing allowances and transportation supplements to attract talent.
Median monthly salary | €2,740 |
Space sector employment | 4,620 direct / ~9,000 total |
Key industries | Aerospace, construction, public services, tourism |
Higher Education in Kourou and French Guiana
Higher education in French Guiana is provided primarily by the University of French Guiana (Université de Guyane), a public university established in 2014. The university operates two campuses: the main Troubiran campus in Cayenne and the IUT Bois-Chaudat campus in Kourou. With approximately 2,000 students, the university offers programs in law, economics, humanities, sciences, and technology, following the French higher education model with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
University of French Guiana – Kourou Campus
The Kourou campus houses the Institut Universitaire de Technologie (IUT), which offers vocational two-year programs (DUT/BUT) in fields relevant to the local economy. Students can pursue studies in logistics, digital technology, and technical fields that often lead to employment opportunities at the space centre and related industries. Tuition fees for public universities in France are low by international standards: approximately €170 per year for bachelor's programs and €243 for master's programs for EU students. Non-EU students may face higher fees unless scholarships apply.
Admission and International Programs
Admission typically requires a baccalaureate or equivalent high school diploma. International students should apply through Campus France for degree programs. The university participates in Erasmus+ exchanges and maintains partnerships with institutions in the Caribbean and South America. French language proficiency is required for most programs, though some research opportunities may be available in English.
Sources: Université de Guyane, Campus France
Schooling for Children: French Education in the Tropics
French Guiana follows the French national education system, providing free, high-quality public education for all residents. Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16, covering primary school (école primaire, ages 6-11) and secondary school (collège, ages 11-15, plus lycée, ages 15-18). The system is overseen by the Académie de Guyane, the regional educational authority based in Cayenne. For expatriate families, the French curriculum provides recognized qualifications including the Brevet des collèges and the internationally respected Baccalauréat.
Schools in Kourou
Kourou offers several public schools at all levels. Primary schools (écoles maternelles et élémentaires) accept children from age 3 for preschool. The town has public secondary schools including a collège and a lycée. All instruction is in French, so children without French language skills may need language support during their transition. The Guiana Space Centre has historically attracted international families, and local schools have experience accommodating children from diverse backgrounds.
International and Private Options
Unlike metropolitan France, French Guiana has limited international school options. There are no British or American curriculum schools in Kourou. Families seeking English-language education typically rely on private tutoring or distance learning programs. Some families choose to send older children to boarding schools in metropolitan France or the Caribbean. For children integrating into the French system, the structured approach and small class sizes in Kourou can facilitate rapid language acquisition.
Sources: Britannica, StateUniversity.com
Housing and Neighborhoods in Kourou
The housing market in Kourou is shaped by the presence of the space centre, which creates consistent demand from aerospace professionals and contractors. Due to this demand, rents in Kourou can be comparable to or higher than Cayenne, the regional capital. The most common housing type in the central area consists of apartments in multi-story buildings locally called "collectifs verticaux" (CV), typically offering 70-80 m² with one to two bedrooms. Houses are available in residential neighborhoods surrounding the town centre.
Popular Neighborhoods for Expatriates
The most sought-after residential areas include Quartier des Roches and Quartier de Saint-Exupéry, which offer houses with gardens in quieter settings. The town centre provides convenient access to shops, restaurants, and the market, making it ideal for those without cars or preferring urban convenience. Properties near the beaches, such as around Plage de la Cocoteraie and Plage des Roches, are popular for their coastal lifestyle. Many aerospace workers live in company-provided housing or benefit from housing allowances.
Rental Prices and Procedures
Rental contracts follow standard French practices, typically requiring proof of income (usually three times the rent), a security deposit (one to two months' rent), and sometimes a guarantor. Furnished rentals are available, particularly useful for short-term contractors. The rental market is relatively small, so properties often fill quickly.
Studio/1-bedroom apartment | €600 – €800/month |
2-3 bedroom apartment | €800 – €1,200/month |
House with garden | €1,200 – €2,000+/month |
Sources: Anita Beyond the Sea, Locamoi.fr
Leisure, Culture, and Things to Do in Kourou
Kourou offers a unique combination of space exploration heritage, colonial history, and pristine natural environments. The town serves as a gateway to some of French Guiana's most remarkable attractions, from witnessing rocket launches to exploring former penal colonies and Amazonian wilderness. The multicultural population brings diverse festivals, cuisine, and traditions throughout the year, with the vibrant Kourou Carnival being a highlight.
Must-See Attractions
The Guiana Space Centre (CSG) offers guided tours of launch facilities, control centers, and the Guyaspace Expérience (formerly Space Museum), featuring interactive exhibits on rocket technology and space missions. The Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands), located 1.5 hours offshore by catamaran, comprise three islands that once housed France's notorious penal colony, including the infamous Devil's Island. Today, visitors can explore restored prison buildings, swim in crystal-clear waters, and observe wildlife including monkeys and tropical birds. The Centre d'Archéologie Amérindienne de Kourou (CaaK) showcases pre-Columbian petroglyphs and indigenous heritage.
Outdoor Activities and Beaches
Kourou's beaches include Plage des Roches, Plage de la Cocoteraie, and Plage Pim-Poum, offering sandy shores for relaxation and swimming (though ocean currents require caution). The Kourou River provides opportunities for pirogue (traditional canoe) excursions into the rainforest. Day trips to the Petit-Saut Dam and Kaw-Roura Nature Reserve reveal exceptional biodiversity. For adventure seekers, Camp Canopée offers zipline and canopy tours through the rainforest. Local restaurants serve Creole cuisine, French dishes, Brazilian churrascarias, and Asian fare.
Sources: TripAdvisor Kourou, Centre Spatial Guyanais
Daily Life in Kourou: Tropical Living with French Convenience
Daily life in Kourou combines French administrative efficiency with a relaxed tropical pace. The town is compact and easy to navigate, with most amenities within short distances. Shops, supermarkets, banks, and services operate on French schedules, typically closing for lunch and on Sunday afternoons. The Marché de Kourou (central market) offers fresh produce, fish, and local products, providing a colorful insight into local life. The climate is equatorial, with temperatures consistently between 24°C and 32°C year-round and high humidity. The dry season runs from August to December, while heavy rains occur from January to July.
Transportation
Public transportation is extremely limited in French Guiana, making a personal vehicle essential for daily life and exploring the region. There are very few buses, and no train or metro system exists. Most residents own or lease cars; fuel prices are regulated by the prefecture. Cayenne-Félix Eboué Airport, located about 45 minutes from Kourou, provides connections to Paris, the Caribbean, and Brazil. Within Kourou, distances are manageable by bicycle during the dry season, though sudden tropical downpours require flexibility.
Shopping and Services
Kourou has supermarkets (including a Carrefour) stocking French and imported products, though prices are higher than in metropolitan France due to shipping costs. Specialty items and a wider selection are available in Cayenne. Banking, postal services, and telecommunications follow French standards. Internet connectivity is generally reliable in urban areas. The town has restaurants offering French, Creole, Brazilian, and Asian cuisine, reflecting its multicultural population.
Sources: Anita Beyond the Sea, CityCost
Cost of Living in Kourou: What to Expect
The cost of living in French Guiana is approximately 24% higher than in the United States and significantly higher than neighboring South American countries. This is primarily due to the territory's reliance on imported goods shipped from France. However, rents are generally 35% lower than US averages, and residents benefit from French social services. Salaries, particularly in the aerospace sector, typically include allowances that help offset higher costs. Local produce, fish, and Creole restaurants offer more affordable options than imported goods.
Monthly Budget for a Single Person
The following table provides estimated monthly expenses for a single professional living in Kourou, excluding rent.
Category | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
Groceries | €350 – €450 |
Utilities (electricity, water, gas) | €100 – €150 |
Transportation (fuel, maintenance) | €150 – €200 |
Internet and mobile | €50 – €70 |
Dining out (occasional) | €100 – €200 |
Total (excl. rent) | €750 – €1,070 |
Monthly Budget for a Family of Four
Families should expect higher costs for groceries, larger housing, and potentially private childcare or activities.
Category | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
Rent (3-bedroom house) | €1,200 – €1,800 |
Groceries | €700 – €900 |
Utilities | €180 – €250 |
Transportation | €200 – €300 |
Childcare (if applicable) | €400 – €800 |
Health insurance (complementary) | €150 – €300 |
Total | €2,830 – €4,350 |
Sources: Numbeo, LivingCost.org
In Short
Kourou offers an extraordinary expatriate experience unlike anywhere else on Earth. Here, you can build a career at Europe's premier spaceport, enjoy French social benefits and quality of life, and immerse yourself in one of the planet's most biodiverse regions. The town combines the practicality of French infrastructure with the adventure of tropical South America. While the cost of living is elevated and certain conveniences of larger cities are absent, the compensation packages in the aerospace sector and the unique lifestyle often prove rewarding. Whether you're drawn by professional opportunities, the chance to witness rocket launches, or the appeal of Amazonian nature, Kourou delivers an experience that stays with you. Ready to connect with others who've made the move? Join the Expat.com French Guiana forum to share experiences and get advice from the community.
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