Everyone knows that Pondicherry is known as the land of French in India. Even now, years after the French first colonised this one corner of India, it continues to have the soul & spirit of France and here's where you can experience it at best:

Food:

There's nothing better about visiting a city than knowing all the true blue authentic places to eat! Pondy is buzzing with many French restaurants, but these stand out from the rest:

1. Café des Arts

Picture Credits: Lakshmi Narayanan Rajendran

Located in a French colonial heritage 19th century building inside the beautiful French Quarters of Pondy is where you will find this quaint looking café serving French classics, a variety of breads and fancy desserts such as Fondant Au Chocolat! Café Des Arts is sure to leave your French hearts wanting more.

Where | 10, Suffren Street
Meal For Two | Rs. 800

2. LB2 Lounge Pondy

Picture Credits: Pratik Singh

Widely praised for its wide variety of Frenchtastic flavours, LB2 lounge is sure to please your tastebuds. It's found in the White Town in Pondy and gives off the true spirit of France. Offering the best Coq au Vin in town, be sure to visit it ASAP!

Where | 2, La Bourdonnais St, White Town
Meal For Two | Rs. 1,400

Accommodation:

When wanting to breathe in the livelihood of France, there's nothing quite like staying in a beautiful French-inspired villa so check into these options right away:

3. La Villa

Restored from a 19th century French Manor House, La Villa is sure to impress. It offers the most exquisite stay in the French quarters of Pondicherry, with traditional elements as well as a tint of modernization with its pretty looking terraces, patios and balconies, and to top it off there's a restaurant that offers European delicacies as well!

Location | 11 Surcouf Street
Check Out Their Website | http://www.lavillapondicherry.com/en/rooms-and-suites

4. Hotel de L’Orient

Picture Credits: KARTHI KEYAN

Founded back in the 1760’s, Hotel de L’Orient is a marvelous way to revisit early Europe with its old world charm, antique furniture, high-raftered ceilings with savonnerie rugs and easy chairs to lounge away the afternoons! Enjoy fine Creole eating at the Carte Blanche, the courtyard restaurant where Tamil spices mix with subtle French flavours!

Location | 17 Rue Romain Rolland
Check Out Their Website | http://www.neemranahotels.com/m/pondicherry-de-lorient/

Monuments:

Recalling the era of French colonization in Pondicherry can uplift the spirits of many travellers and so here are two of the most prominent memorials you need to visit:

5. French War Memorial

Taking a roller coaster ride back to history, this monument dates back to the First World War as a reminder of the soldiers who laid their lives for their countries. Walking through the memorial is an ecstatic experience and is sure to give you goosebumps!

Where | Beach Road, Goubert Avenue

6. St. Luke’s Church

The beautiful cathedrals and churches portray the religious faith of those living in Pondicherry and a respect for old traditions. St. Luke’s Church is a Roman Catholic Church which is widely acknowledged by the Tamil residents as one of the most extraordinary religious creations. It holds great significance in the history of CSI and constitutes of gorgeous architecture.

Where | Near Mahatma Gandhi dental college, Gorimedu

Shopping:

What’s a trip without taking away a few souvenirs to help capture the beautiful memories of your travels and so Pondicherry offers a wide variety of French inspired boutiques and bakeries:

7. Ma Pondy Cheri

Constantly admired for its unique interiors, Ma Pondy Cheri is a one stop shop for the most artistic of gifts and souvenirs. It is highly appreciated for its ambience which makes it one of the most visited stores in Pondy. Moreover, its interesting mix of antiques and modern designs will leave you coming back for more!

Where | 29, First Floor, Nidarajapayer Street
Here’s Their Website | http://www.mapondycherie.com/

8. Le Maison Rose

Located amidst the French quarters, with a pink gate of serenity, Le Maison Rose is one of the most attractive destinations in Pondicherry. Designed by Agathe Lazaro, this location offers 3 different boutiques and the offerings are so vintage serving as reminders of the elegance of France itself.

Where | Near New Creation Arya Gate Road Auroville Post, Kuilapalayam
Here’s Their Website | https://www.lamaisonrosebyagathelazaro.com/

Pondicherry is calling you so why wait when Europe is so close to home?!

The Pondicherry Trailblazer