Pondicherry was established in 1674 as a major trading post by François Martin, the first director of the French East India Company. Though France’s trading pursuits in the Indian subcontinent took off in the 17th century by the time its rule ended by quitting Pondicherry its old bastion in 1954 its left behind a cheery, vibrant architectural legacy draped along its elegant tree-lined allées, and boulevards.

The colour yellow in architecture and design helps create a sense of space and vibrancy. It is used both for its functional uses and for aesthetics. Culturally, it has often been considered a sign of royalty or prestige. Le Corbusier, the architect of Chandigarh in North India, was well known for using yellow in his projects. It’s also one of the most vibrant symbols of Pondicherry’s French colonial past.

Popularly known as the ‘Yellow City’, Pondicherry offers an excellent opportunity to explore the aesthetics of the French colonial style of architecture. It represents the elegant amalgamation of influences that were popular in France around the 17th-20th centuries — and elements from the local cultures and climes abroad where the French established their colonies.

Typical French connections in the pursuit of elegance in design, to look for are the shaded balconies and verandas (ideal outdoor spaces for enjoying the climes of tropical or subtropical regions), symmetrical facades, lofty, shuttered windows, pitched roofs, and dormer windows. The blend of French features and local elements has in itself created quite a unique and very distinctive architectural style that is a legacy worthy of conservation.

An unmissable aspect of the French Quarter or “White Town '' in Pondicherry is the delightful range of yellows that come into play in the architecture and interior design of both the private and public buildings around town from the French colonial period. It’s a very distinctive feature of the seaside resort’s creative energy and bohemian and artisanal vibe. It's also a big hit for insta and selfie moments for visitors.

Visitors looking for a deeper engagement with Pondicherry’s rich structural legacies would do well to opt for a guided heritage walk; this will prove to be both enlightening and deeply inspirational. It offers a delightful recap of the vibrant French colonial past of this serene seaside resort town that can be savoured and relished at leisure.

French Consulate

Almost three centuries gone and the French Consulate, straddling the corner of Rue de la Marine and Goubert Avenue, still holds steadfast its elegant presence in Pondicherry’s architectural legacy. The attention-grabbing bright yellow façade is reflective of many other French-era structures scattered around town. You should be here around the annual celebrations of French National Day, held on July 14, when the Consulate is abuzz with action. The biggest draw for the citizenry is the fireworks organized by the Consulate on the beach promenade.

Le Palais Du Governor

It was the official residence of François Dupleix the governor of Pondicherry in the mid-18th Century. Now the Raj Niwas, and home to Pondicherry's lieutenant governor, it has gone through several architectural changes. Its Baroque style was abandoned for the Rococo style in the late 1760s. Varying shades of yellow have been incorporated in the interior design. A neat amalgamation of French and local elements, the two-tiered building features monolithic pillars sourced from Gingee.

Institut Français De Pondichéry

A paler shade of yellow is the hallmark of the façade of the lovely Institut Français De Pondichéry or the French Institute of Pondicherry located on Rue Saint Louis. With highlights picked out in white the neoclassical structure continues to defy time with its serene vibe. Established on March 21, 1955. It has stood witness to the pursuits of Jean Filliozat, its first director, in the study of Indian civilization and culture, in particular that was related to South India’s history and religions. Today it offers the services of both a museum and a library The bright yellow of the interior walls is heightened by features such as the contrasting terracotta steps of the staircase leading up to the upper floor.

Dune de l’Orient Hotel

Dating back to the 1790s this historic mansion now serves as one of Pondicherry’s most popular hotels. Frenchman Francis Wacziarg and his partner Aman Nath of the Neemrana chain of hotels fame, have lovingly restored the property, set in the heart of Puducherry on Rue Romain Rolland. The property still has in place its South Indian components such as the Chettinad plaster, the red oxide flooring, and ceiling paints. The hotel has scored greater brownie points by winning the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation in 2000.

Gratitude Heritage Homestay

Built around the 19th century as a classical French Colonial family home from around the 19th century, it now serves as a lovely homestay option for visitors. Its street-side entry is marked by an elegant lemon and white façade. Inside, lofty white pillars in a veranda look down an array of greenery in an outer space. It is located on Romain Rolland Street.

Bharathiyar Memorial Museum and Research Center

INTACH has played a pivotal role in restoring quite a few French-era buildings around town. Taken over by the government in 1973 to house a museum, the building is a tranquil hub in shades of yellow and terracotta highlights. A refuge for the poet Subramanya Bharathiyar, who lived here from 1908 to 1918 while escaping arrest from the British in neighbouring Madras, it’s a delightful blend of Franco-Tamil components of design and architecture.

Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges

It’s interesting to note how versatile the colour yellow can be when it comes to architecture and design. Here visitors will find how beautifully a pale yellow has been teamed with a pale terracotta pink. Overlooking the waters of the Bay of Bengal this is among the oldest churches in Pondicherry, having been completed in 1855. Originally the colour of an egg white, it donned its new hues in the 1900s and 2000s. To accommodate the mixed gentry of town the church, located on Dumas Street, offers mass in English, French, and Tamil.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Dating to the late 18th century this tranquil building on mission street is unmissable for its façade which is a pretty synthesis of yellow and white.

Cafe Des Arts

The bright sunburnt yellow of this quirky cafe on Suffren St. is a big hit with insta buffs. Dating to the 19th-century it reflects the Pondy’s vibrant spirit of bonhomie and creative inspirations with its cheery interiors and delicious food.

Sultry, mysterious, precious Pondicherry doesn’t encourage you to hurry…that’s because it will hold you by the sleeve and take you around town on a leisurely study of many more of its hidden , vibrant, French-era architectural gems.