The French Heritage

Pondicherry is synonymous with French Heritage in India and understandably so as it served as the capital of the French Colonies in India. The town was under French administration for centuries together and hence it is imperative that this place has a strong French feel in its architecture and monuments.

There are a lot of monuments here which speaks about the strong French presence. It includes the French built Children’s park with a statue of Dupleix Marquis Joseph François. The other monuments of French Heritage are the Mairie building which house the Puducherry Municipality , the Le Café which used to be the port office, The French war memorial in Goubert Avenue , The French consulate building , An abandoned light house , The Aayi Mandapam built during the time of Napoleon three and the Romain Rolland Library. Apart from these there are several churches and other monuments which are part of the French Heritage. The Church of our Lady of the Angels at Dumas Street and the statue of Joan of Arc at Dumas Street. Are other reminders of French influence. The Streets and Roads of Pondicherry have a marked French influence. The Beach road which is part of the Pondicherry heritage is a classic example of French construction. Apart from these the various French learning institutes set up here are great reminders of the French Heritage in Pondicherry. This influence makes the place a pioneer in the field of fashion – be it in garments or home interiors. There are a lot of houses which are ancient and constructed in accordance with the French way of architecture. A visitor to Pondicherry is bound to experience the style and elegance of the French influence that has been infused into the length and breadth of Pondicherry.