Palais de Mahe, Pondicherry

Location

Halfway down southeastern India's Coromandel Coast, Pondicherry is a colourful coastal city steeped in colonial history, from its charming French Quarter to its bustling promenade. The Palais de Mahe is in the perfect location to get stuck in to the delights of the city, situated on the corner of a street named after Alexandre Dumas, a short walk from the central square and less than the flick of a Gauloise away from the seafront.

 Accommodation

The emphasis at the Palais de Mahe is on maintaining the period charm introduced by the French, and bringing it into the modern day with air-conditioning and other luxuries. The 18 airy, high-ceilinged rooms contain a wonderful mix of elegant wooden furniture and contemporary fittings, with the breezy enhanced by the covered balconies.

Dining

As you might expect from an area with such a strong Gallic influence, the cuisine at the Palais is superb, combining the traditional techniques of French haute cuisine with the spicy allure of India to create a cuisine that is as unusual as it is delicious. Fresh fruits de mer abound, usually paired with a local version of hollandaise or béchamel. The hotel also has an excellent cafe for drinks and light snacks.

Facilities

Rooms are laid out in a courtyard style, around a glittering pool that makes a perfect centerpiece, and provides a quieter place for a dip than the nearby beaches, which have their own charms, not least promenades in the sea breeze. The delightful and central location makes the Palais de Mahe a great spot for exploring this delightful city.