Maison Perumal, located at the northern end of Pondicherry, provides a more “genuine India” vibe than other hotels and villas with a French influence. This 130-year-old Chettiar mansion with ten rooms boasts a magnificent interior that reminds us of Tamil culture with a Parisian feel. This mansion has a charming courtyard with beautiful wooden columns, intricate doors, arched windows, stained glass, photos of the founding family, and colonial furnishings. The courtyard is covered with greenery due to the plant and water lily pots, making it the most beautiful and lively aspect of the mansion.

When it comes to services, this villa provides its guests with the best staff, who is friendly and takes excellent care of their guests. The best part about staying here is the cuisine, which is cooked using traditional recipes, fresh local produce, and the fresh catch of the day. For vegans, a  vegetarian option is also available. Upon request, the villa also organises cycle rickshaw tours, an excellent way to see Pondicherry’s vibrant streets.

Are you looking for a French experience? Then, book a stay at Palais de Mahé, located in the old French Quarter and surrounded by picturesque streets that resemble a French mansion. This colonial retreat is one of the French Quarter’s most famous villas. The interiors are inspired by French elements, with balconies, broad verandahs, a majestic courtyard surrounded by lovely pillars, and antique furniture. The hotel has 18 high-ceilinged rooms with yellow-white walls that have a vintage charm to them. The rooms are spacious, clean, air-conditioned, and packed with classic furniture and four-poster beds, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay.

The hotel offers a variety of activities and entertainment for its guests to enjoy, such as relaxing in the outdoor pool, heritage walks, cycle rickshaw rides, a fine menu of delectable Tamil and French cuisine, live music at the lounge bar with drinks, or partying at the charming rooftop restaurant with amazing views of Pondy and the fascinating Bay of Bengal.

La Villa is a luxurious boutique hotel in Pondicherry’s white town that is a superbly renovated 19th-century French manor. La Villa includes six suites, which are located on the first, second, or third floors. There are four smaller suites from which guests will get access to a balcony, terrace, or veranda. The first-floor rooms offer views of the hotel’s 40-square-meter pool. The rooms are beautifully decorated, with dining spaces, rainforest showers, and comfy beds. La Villa has imported Fragonard French linens and toiletries but has a few touches and design elements that remind us of the local culture.

Guests can dine in the breezy outdoors under tall trees or by the pool.  The lush green garden is a lovely spot to relax, take in nature, and listen to the birds humming. If you feel like getting out of the hotel, Promenade Beach is only a 6-minute, and Sri Aurobindo Ashram is only 15 minutes away. Free cycles are available to ride around the French Quarter and discover what Pondicherry has to offer.

Villa Du Ocean is another White Town property making this list; it is very close to the famous Promenade beach (just 300 m). The rooms are spacious and elegantly designed, with a perfect combination of traditional furnishings and French colonial touches, as well as modern amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Some rooms even come with a private balcony. Those who book the suite get a soaking tub and a swing in the living room.

The most appreciated feature of this hotel is the Sea View Rooftop Restaurant, which provides one of the finest dining experiences and delectable cuisine while taking in the views of Promenade Beach. To beat the heat, guests cool off in the infinity swimming pool, which overlooks the ocean. Their spectacular complimentary breakfast is served in our sea-view restaurant. In addition, guests can relax and break down their stress with an ayurvedic massage in the privacy of their room or at the hotel’s designated room. The villa has a dedicated staff of professionals that make sure visitors have all they need and have a comfortable and memorable stay.

Hotel Villa Shanti is a heritage hotel built in the mid-1900s in the old French town. There are 15 rooms and suites spread over the interior courtyard of the 19th-century building. The hotel has spacious rooms with elegant furnishings, a light colour palette, and a suite with a balcony.

This villa is ideal for foodies, as the property offers a restaurant with outdoor and indoor seating and a vibrant ambience for guests. Villa Shanti provides Indian cuisine with a French flair and other cuisines. There is also a courtyard café-bar with soothing white décor and graphic art on the walls, which is a great spot to grab a drink or read a book from the in-house library. There are also services like free parking, airport transfers, laundry, and ironing services. The villa is close to popular attractions such as the Botanical Garden, Promenade Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, and the Pondicherry Museum.

La Closerie– the Bay of Bengal—is located about 50 metres from the picturesque Pondicherry Harbour. The villa has six rooms, some of which have wooden stairs that lead down to a basement. The villa has a swimming pool, a lounge bar with live music, and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Pondy and the Bay of Bengal. La Closerie only serves breakfasts. However, if you are in the mood for carving, there are some top cafes around.