The French Quarter in Pondicherry - a portion of France in India

A portion of France still exists in India in the French Quarter in Pondicherry, which has a history of being acquired and colonised by the French East India Company to set up a trading centre. Pondicherry had been passed on to multiple colonial powers of Dutch, Portuguese, English, but predominantly French. Even now there's a huge French influence in Pondicherry, now a Union Territory of India. When Pondicherry was handed over to India, the residents were given an option to maintain their French passports. The residents (Indians and non-Indians originally) in Pondicherry are French citizens, the streets have retained their French names, the residents speak French, there are restaurants and cafes serving French food with menus in French language, the villas in French architectural styles prevail.
 
Lately I've been obsessed with exploring different architectural houses in India. I have explored the Portuguese Heritage Colony in Fontainhas in Goa and lived in Traditional Himachali house in Tirthan Valley. I have visited Pondicherry twice, my last visit to this place was on my journey on the Golden Chariot - the only luxury train in South India. Both the times I had experienced the French culture and I can keep going back to Pondicherry for the awesome French food.

Pondicherry is planned according to the French grid structure and has perpendicular streets. The French Quarter (Ville Blanche / White Town) lies on one side of the canal that separates the town from the Indian Quarter (Ville Noire / Black Town). The Heritage Walk in the French Quarter of Pondicherry is through the primary four streets: RUE DUMAS, RUE ROMAIN ROLLAND, RUE SUFFREN and RUE LA BOURDONNAIS. The best way to soak in the French culture is to explore these streets on foot.

​French Villas in French Quarter Pondicherry

The colonial style French villas have huge compounds, grand walls and majestic doors. This defines the French lifestyle of keeping their personal and social life to themselves behind the high walls. 

The villas are eminently coloured in sunburnt yellow, white and peach.

It is very common to cover the verandahs, balconies and terraces with thatched roofs to give a cool ambiance in the tropical climate of Pondicherry.

The windows and doors with ornate wooden grills contrast beautifully against the white columns.

Heritage French villas converted to guest houses in Pondicherry

A lot of French houses and villas have been converted to beautiful guest houses in the French Quarter.

I got a chance to visit the beautiful "Colonial Heritage" villa.

The interiors of the villa are rustic and impressive.

The dim yellow lights and the vibrant walls made a soft romantic ambience. 

I loved the way a rustic old-style weighing balance was used for plant pots. 

Some villas turned guest houses have converted their terraces to bamboo huts with thatch roofs. I was very fascinated with living in one of the French Heritage villas on my first visit to Pondicherry. I also experienced living on the terrace in the bamboo huts.

Vibrant streets of French Quarter in Pondicherry

It's not just the colourful French houses that make the vibrant streets of the French Quarter, there are graffitis on the roads and the walls that add on to the glimmer.

A creative graffiti on the wall of a cafe looks alluring. I was more impressed with the huge door!

The locals of Pondicherry are seen walking or riding a bicycle or a 2-wheeler on the streets.

The Heritage Walk in the French Quarter can also be done on the cycle rickshaws.

​French cafes in Pondicherry

My favourite French cafe in Pondicherry was "La Maison Rose" which was run by a handsome French guy and a French chef. It was undoubtedly the best place to eat in Pondicherry. I had the second best New York Cheese cake of my life and the best guava compote at La Maison Rose. I was dying to get back to this place but Unfortunately on my last visit here, in February 2017, i saw it was closed permanently.
There are many French cafes in Pondicherry that serve excellent and creative crepes and other dishes.

I was recommended 'Baker's Street' bakery for my breakfast in Pondicherry by the owner of the French villa I lived in. I couldn't resist ordering everything interesting I could spot on the menu - baguettes, croissants, cheese cakes and pies.

The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges / The Church or our Lady of  Angels in French Quarter, Pondicherry

The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (The Church of Our Lady of Angels), beautifully stands in pink colour in Rue Dumas. 

The promenade beach sums up the French Heritage town, giving a closer resemblance to France. The promenade beach has a long beachfront and is ideal spot for morning and evening walks.

Matri Mandir In Auroville

Matri Mandir in Auroville is open only to serious meditators who need to take permissions a day prior to meditate here. For everyone else, it is only a sight-seeing spot.

​Best time to travel to Pondicherry

The best time to travel to Pondicherry is November - February.

P.S. I had explored Auroville and Pondicherry twice. First time it was by myself and the second time I was invited by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation for a journey on Golden Chariot which took me through these destinations.

Related Posts:

Golden Chariot - the only luxury train in south India

Portuguese Heritage Colony in Goa

Living in a traditional Himachali house