Local Promenade Walk βNβ Talk
Doorways will guide you on a promenade along Goubert Avenue (Cours Chabrol) in Puducherry, from the South Boulevard to the North Boulevard, where you will discover many notable landmarks that reflect the city’s unique blend of French and Indian cultures.
Located at the southern end of Goubert Avenue, the New Harbour and Old PortΒ (Le Pier) reflect the city’s maritime history, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the fishing industry and engage with the locals. It is an ideal spot for witnessing the sunrise and sunset while enjoying the cool sea breeze. Next up, we have the Dupleix statue, a monument dedicated to the former French Governor Joseph Francois Dupleix, who played a significant role in shaping the history of Puducherry. The statue is located in the heart of the city and is a popular tourist spot. Adjacently, the Schoelcher Victor bust is located, which is a tribute to the French abolitionist who fought against slavery. The bust serves as a reminder of Puducherry’s role in the anti-slavery movement and the city’s connection to France. Moving on, we have the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue located near the old court building, a tribute to the Indian social reformer and architect of the Indian Constitution, who played a vital role in the Indian Independence movement. Our next stop is the Old Court Building (Cour dβappel), a magnificent piece of French architecture that serves as a reminder of Puducherry’s colonial past and was once the seat of the colonial government. The building is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
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Next, we have the Tourism Information Centre, which offers visitors helpful information about the city’s history, culture, and tourist attractions. It is a great starting point for visitors to plan their itinerary and explore the city. Moving on, we have the Joan of Arc Statue (Jeanne d’Arc statue), which honours the famous French heroine. Jeanne d’Arc played a significant role in French history, and her statue is a reminder of the city’s French heritage. Our next stop is Our Lady of Angels Church (NΓ΄tre dame des Anges), a beautiful church that was built in the 18th century. The church’s exquisite architecture and serene surroundings make it a popular tourist attraction. Next, we have the Mairie-Town Hall (HΓ΄tel de Ville), a beautiful colonial-era building that once served as the mayor’s office. The building was rebuilt recently and is a popular spot for architectural enthusiasts. Moving on, we have Le CafΓ© (ancienne capitainerie du port), a popular restaurant located in the French Quarter. It is known for its delicious French and Indian cuisine and is a must-visit spot for food lovers. Continuing on, we have the French War Memorial (combattants des Indes Francaises), a monument dedicated to the French soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I. In the next few steps, we will visit the Custom House (lβancienne Douane), which is a colonial-era building that once served as the customs office. Moving on, we have the iconic spot of Goubert Avenue, the Gandhi statueΒ (Place de la Republique), a tribute to the father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi. This is a popular spot for visitors to relax their evenings. Straight opposite the Gandhi statue is the Nehru statue, a tribute to India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. This spot often hosts interesting cultural events and exhibitions.
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Our next stop is the Old Lighthouse (lβancien Phare), built in the 19th century, a historic lighthouse that once guided ships into Puducherry harbour. The lighthouse is located in the French Quarter and is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Stepping ahead, we have Craft Bazaar and Pudumai Handicraft, known for their exquisite handicrafts, which make them a must-visit spot for souvenir shopping. These shops sell a variety of handmade items, including pottery, jewellery, and textiles. Progressing further, we have the Exhibition House of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a space that hosts exhibitions showcasing the local arts and culture. It is a must-visit spot for art enthusiasts. Continuing along the route, we arrive at the French Consulate, a stunning edifice that has been the seat of the French consulate from the colonial period until the present day. Following that is the Indian War Memorial, a monument dedicated to the Indian soldiers who fought in the dreaded and unforgettable war of Kargil. Next, we have the Old Distillery, a historic building that once served as a distillery during the French colonial era. These colonial-era buildings were abandoned long ago, and recently they were morphed into the Puducherry Tourism Convention Centre. This place is a modern hub for the city’s tourism industry, providing state-of-the-art facilities and resources for visitors and locals alike.
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Our promenade from South Boulevard to North Boulevard along Goubert Avenue comes to an end. We hope you had a wonderful time exploring the city’s rich history and culture through these iconic landmarks and attractions.