France out of France

A quaint view of the French Quarter in New Orleans as seen in the movie The Princess and the Frog.

New Orleans, Lousiana, USA.

Quebec, Canada.

Monaco.

This is my list of "French" places out of France herself that I would like to visit in the future. I've read that Quebec is just the quintessential "French" country but at cheaper rates than the real McCoy, while I've always admired New Orleans for the colonial architecture, the unique Creole culture and the seemingly happy-go-lucky attitude of its citizens (pre-Katrina, of course). And Monaco, that French-speaking playground of the rich and richer, who wouldn’t want to go there?

Now, Pondicherry may top the list as the most accessible one. Yes, Pondicherry in India. I had quite forgotten that it used to be a French colony, and in any case, Goa had always seemed more interesting. But now that they may soon have their own version of the Eiffel Tower, and the municipal will be playing up the French-colony theme more, Pondicherry has become quite a desirable place to visit. The fact that AirAsia flies to India is a BIG plus!

The Yanam Tower will be 333-feet high, and will have a restaurant overlooking the sea that I will totally visit! It is supposed to be ready in November, so perhaps after I visit Paris? Looking at the pics of Pondicherry, I imagine it would be quite a relaxing trip. Something like a trip back in time to a French countryside, non?

This is not the Yanam Tower. It is actually the French Institue at St. Louise Street.

According to an article on CNN.com, Pondicherry boasts "tree-line boulevards, quaint colonnaded buildings, tall statues and a tiny Tamil French community". Tres Francais!

Quaint collonaded buildings? Check!

This is a building called The Mairie, which houses the Pondicherry Municipality.

Oh, I'd almost forgotten that I have visited one French-related travel spot in the past, the shopping haven of Bandung, in Indonesia, also known as Paris Van Java! Although colonised by the Dutch rather than the French, Bandung received this moniker for being the most happening town this side of the world back in the age of imperialism. We're planning to go back to Bandung soon - need to update my wardrobe at the many branded factory outlets there!

Like the French phrase of the day says: Je dois sembler chic! = I must look chic! ;)