BEACH ROAD (GOUBERT AVENUE)

The waterfront of Pondicherry is a kind of local Promenade des Anglais. In the middle is an imposing statue of Gandhi on the march, under an elegant pavilion. Almost opposite is the Monument to the French Indian warriors who died for their country in 14-18, under the protective gaze of the old lighthouse nearby. To the south of the waterfront, a statue of Joseph-François Dupleix, governor of Pondicherry and commander general of the French establishments in India, reminds us of the ephemeral greatness of Pondicherry. At the other end is the Puducherry War Memorial. The old town hall was being renovated when we visited in March 2019.

The promenade is dotted with palm trees and many benches to sit and enjoy the view of the Bay of Bengal. The beach is present depending on the tides, and swimming is strongly discouraged. Police officers, in red kepi, patrol regularly along the avenue.

Early in the morning, in the evening and on Sunday afternoons, the avenue Goubert is closed to traffic and is transformed into a pedestrian promenade for the pleasure of the inhabitants of the city. Between 6am and 7:30am, walkers and some runners take over the place. In the evening and on Sundays, it is a favorite place for locals and tourists who come to stroll with family or friends. A small streetfood market is nearby and a pleasant café is located near the Mahatma statue.