Salvation's Islands (Îles du Salut)

After breakfast we took a catamaran to Salvation Islands ( Îles du Salut) which are a group of small islands of volcanic origin and were called so because the missionaries went there to escape plague on the mainland, until the notorious penal prisons known as "le Bagne" functioned there from 1952 until 1953.

The most famous island is Devil's Island. Henri Charrière wrote his tale "Papillon" about an escape from here. Afterwards the book was adapted for a Hollywood film of the same name. Charrière stated that all events in the book are truthful and accurate, allowing for minor lapses in memory. Since its publication there has been controversy over its accuracy. It was a lovely place to spend Thanksgiving none the less.

Devil's Island in the distance.

Prisoner's Artwork

Infirmary

French Border Police