Pocketed away just behind the seafront is a series of cobbled streets, white-and-mustard buildings in various states of romantic dishevelment, and a slight sense of Gallic glory gone by, otherwise known as the French Quarter. A do-it-yourself heritage walk could start at the French Consulate near the north end of seafront Goubert Ave, then gradually head south.
Turn inland south of the French Consulate to shady Bharathi Park , with the neoclassical governor's residence, Raj Nivas , facing its north side. Return to the seafront at the Gandhi Memorial , pass the Hôtel de Ville and then potter south through the 'white town' – Dumas, Romain Rolland, Suffren and Labourdonnais Sts. Towards the southern end of Dumas St, wander into the beautiful École Française D'Extrême-Orient . A lot of restoration has been going on in this area: if you're interested in Pondy's architectural heritage check out INTACH Pondicherry (www.intachpondicherry.org).
