French settlements in India or French colonies in India emerged after the colonization of the Netherlands and Britain. In some areas of India, the influence of the French is still visible. Settlements have been seen in Pondicherry, Karikar, Yanam on the Coromandel coast, Mahe on the Malabar coast, and Chandnagar in West Bengal. The city of Changernagor has a rich history of French architecture. The city is divided into the French District and the Indian District, and the differences between the two are so far obvious. Unlike earlier British architecture, French architecture uses local raw materials and takes into account the local climatic conditions. The French shutters, the carvings on the arches and the narrow streets are in the French style; however, they are integrated with the courtyards and gardens of typical Bengali houses.
The same goes for Pondicherry. French architecture and culture are best demonstrated in the Pondicherry Union Territory, where the longest settlement period in France. The French Quarter of Pondicherry, also known as the White City, has street signs in Tamil and French, and has some of the most beautiful buildings painted in soft and bright colors. Nearly 30 years after the French first arrived in the country, they acquired the present Pondicherry region from the Tamil rulers. Although the Dutch took over the area between 1693 and 1697, they returned the area to the French East India Company.
Pondicherry is full of French essence, which can be seen in many street names and museums. In addition to the residences, some of the most famous French buildings in Pondicherry include the French Institute and the Consulate General, the French palace today known as Government Square, the Roman Roland Library, and the Church of Our Lady of the Angels. The fusion of Tamil and French architectural styles can be seen in the FrancoTamil style buildings and residences in Pondicherry.