Pondicherry Cafés

Pondicherry's French heritage shows up most deliciously in its cafés. The pastel-hued lanes of White Town are dotted with charming bakeries and courtyard cafés serving proper croissants, baguettes, crêpes and excellent coffee — a genuine slice of France on the Tamil coast.

Many occupy restored colonial villas with leafy courtyards, making them idyllic spots to linger over breakfast or an afternoon coffee. Combined with the seafront Promenade and the boho-chic boutiques, café-hopping is one of the great pleasures of a Pondy weekend.

• ›French bakeries for croissants and fresh bread.
• ›Courtyard cafés in restored heritage villas.
• ›Pair a morning café crawl with the seafront Promenade.

The French Quarter is small and best explored on foot or by bicycle. Weekdays are calmer than the Chennai-weekend rush.