Ile Royale,  French Guiana  (Devil's island)

It looks very welcoming, an island paradise. But it was no paradise for about 80,000 who spent time here from 1. 70% died here, mostly from mosquitoes and tropical disease. The prison was open from 1856-1956.

Many children of the guards and administrators died.  They have a children's cemetery, but most adults were buried at sea. This helped to maintain the shark population around the islands, thus slowing down the amount of attempted escapes. It is not certain if the movie was based on fact, but who knows.  There indeed was a soldier sentenced to life here, but a newspaper reporter spent many years of investigation to prove him innocent and he was finally set free. He returned here to live later in his life.

This is his house

Its a beautiful setting, a little hot and humid, but beautiful.

This is where the Commander lived. also visitor accommodations

The doctors house and infirmary

The hospital

school and teacher's quarters

Solitary Confinement

The church

Only the worst to the worst were sent to Devil's Island. Today is is a natural preserve.

Royal Island is used in tracking launched satellites. There is a tracking station, but no one lives on the islands.