La Cote d'Azur de l'Est

Of those territories, Puducherry is particularly interesting as an example of a beautiful city that is blooming into one of the most important locations in south India. The territory and the city changed its official name in September 2006 and would be known from then with the vernacular original name, Puducherry. The name Puducherry means (literally) "New Village," although the territory (and in particular the city) is also known as the "French Riviera of the East" (La Cote d'Azur de l'Est). With the intensive social development in the area that has been going on for the last couple of decades Puducherry is now considered as one of the most important educational hubs of south India and houses around 7 medical, 7 engineering and 10 arts colleges. Not only that but many science and technical universities and many medical and engineering colleges are currently in queue.

Remnants of the French India.

Puducherry shows a remarkable degree of French influence to this day. The design of the city of Pondicherry was based on the famous French grid pattern which gives it the characteristics of the cities of the west: neat sectors, perpendicular streets and the unique numbering system for the houses where all the even numbers are on one side and the odd numbers are on the opposite side of the road. The city has two prominent sections, the French ('Ville Blanche' or 'White town') and the Indian ('Ville Noire' or 'Black Town') Quarters.

Puducherry mixes a vintage heritage with a modern pace and the promise to be the educational lighthouse of southern India. If you decide to visit, and you really should, you would do well to prepare beforehand by studying the regional language. The good thing about this is that French, one of the most popular languages nowadays, is still one of the official languages and is widely spoken throughout the region. This will make it easier for you to go prepared to enjoy the minute details that the mysterious city has to offer, and you can get a head start by taking part in one of the many French Courses London is currently promoting. Many private institutions are making sure to create great packages that include some of the best French classes London has to offer. If you live nearby this is an easy choice for you, but if you don't why don't you start your holidays with a trip to one of the liveliest cities in the Old Continent. Whatever you choose to do, remember that if you want to learn French London is a perfectly valid option and we wish you a wonderful visit to the marvellous French India and the beautiful Cote d'Azur de l'Est.