A wonderful French mansion turned boutique hotel, Palais de Mahe takes you to the heart of France, in Pondicherry. The yellow-walled hotel, cheerful hotel is the ideal place to feel refreshed and relaxed, while being a stroll’s distance from the top highlights of Pondicherry.

Amongst the many regions of India that live with a colonial stamp, Pondicherry is the most unique. The salty breeze from the Coromandel coast, cobble-stone streets (rues when you’re roaming in Pondy) and typical French villas make you time travel to not only a different era, but even a different location. This little slice of France only 3 hours south of Chennai is the ideal location for a do-nothing holiday or an easy-paced trip. And one of the best places to stay in Pondicherry?  Palais de Mahe.

The bright blue swimming pool in the central courtyard - a visual and actual oasis or sorts – contrasted by the yellow walls puts one in a holiday mood immediately. Palais de Mahe’s other features include traditional French architecture vignettes and modern amenities and facilities for a great break. It lies in the heart of the ‘white’ town, with French styles buildings, relatively traffic-free and cleaner streets. It is great for a stroll to the Aurobindo Ashram, the temple, churches and the Goubert Avenue which is closed to vehicles in the evenings so that walkers can dominate the boulevard by the sea.

Rooms are delightfully ‘French’ with period style décor, high roof beams and breezy areas. There are three options to pick from. The in-house dining options of Palais de Mahe include the Cocktail Bar, Earth Café and Les Alizes, serving contemporary dishes and fusion French and local cuisine with seafood as a favourite pick. 

The swimming pool, Ayurvedic massages and access to Wi-Fi combined with a number of things to do in Pondicherry makes staying in Palais de Mahe a great choice to stay in the sunny sea-side town.