Parlez vous Francaise?

HIT THE ROAD

The sunny south of France is a tempting prospect, but unless you're prepared to drive about 6,000 km, it's not up everyone's alley.

At least South Indians, especially Chennai residents, can hop over to tiny Pondicherry, a 17th century French colony. Walk the streets (sorry, 'rue') flanked by grand old French buildings with French signboards, and gaze upon westerners from nearby Auroville riding past you on bicycles and mopeds.

Pause at a seaside cafe for a coffee or perhaps a bottle of rosé and there's a fair chance that the owner might have French blood, or French citizenship, or a French wife, making for interesting conversation.

Food and drink is usually cheap and well-prepared. Drop by the serene Aurobindo Ashram or head a few km out to pretty beaches.

Chennai to Pondy is a brilliant 3-4 hour drive down the superb East Coast Road, a smooth, wide two-laner with proper road markings and not too much traffic.

There are plenty of hotels to suit all budgets, but we recommend the charming Rendezvous restaurant on Rue Suffren, which has characterful lodging for Rs 1,500 onwards.

Don't know where to go? pablo@business-standard.com