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Cluny Embroidery Centre Pondicherry
🧵 Cluny Embroidery Centre, Pondicherry
Nestled in the colonial quarters of Pondicherry, the Cluny Embroidery Centre is more than just a boutique – it’s a soulful initiative that merges heritage, artistry, and social welfare. Located inside a beautiful 18th-century French mansion on Rue Romain Rolland, this center is run by Catholic nuns to support underprivileged women by training them in traditional embroidery and lacework.
📍 Address
46 Rue Romain Rolland Street, Hotel Lagrenee de Mezieres, Pondicherry, 605001, India
🆓 Entry Fee: Free
⭐ Rating: 4.0/5 (Based on 28 Reviews)
Cluny Embroidery Centre is an inspiring blend of colonial charm and compassionate craftsmanship. The center operates from an 18th-century heritage building with arched doorways, white pillars, and vintage French architectural elements. Inside, you’ll see women delicately working on detailed embroidery while soft local music plays in the background.
Founded in 1829 under the care of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the center was originally a charitable initiative by the church to uplift women in need. Over the years, it has evolved into a well-known spot for exquisite handmade textile art.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
October to March is the best time to visit Pondicherry, when the weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing and shopping.
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🏄♂️ Things to Do
✔ Explore Handmade Treasures
From embroidered napkins and tablecloths to bedsheets and pillowcases, every piece tells a story. These are perfect as souvenirs or thoughtful gifts.
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Watch the Artisans at Work
You can observe the women in action, using age-old techniques passed down by French nuns. Each item often takes weeks or even months to complete.
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Admire the Architecture
Walk through the historic hallways adorned with floral arches and vintage furniture – the building itself is a visual treat.
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Stay Overnight
There’s also a guest house within the premises. Twin-sharing rooms are available at approx. ₹3000 per night.
📚 History & Legacy
✔ Built in 1774 by M. Lagrenee, a French legal advisor, the building was once known as Hotel Lagrenee de Mezieres.
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Donated to the church and managed by Catholic nuns since 1827.
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Converted into an embroidery center in 1829 to empower orphaned and economically weak women.
🚗 How to Reach
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By Air: Fly to Pondicherry Airport. The center is just 15–20 minutes from there by taxi.
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By Train: Puducherry Railway Station is approx. 2 km away.
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By Bus: Pondicherry Bus Stand is around 2 km from the center.
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By Bike/Walk: Ideal for exploring the French quarters. Rentals cost ₹250–₹300/day.
📌 Tip: The easiest and most comfortable way to explore Cluny Embroidery Centre and other attractions is by hiring a private cab.
🎁 Plan Your Trip with Pondicherry Tourism
We at Pondicherry Tourism (powered by Holidays DNA) offer curated tour packages that include Cluny Embroidery Centre and other iconic spots in the city. Whether you want a spiritual retreat or a cultural walk through colonial heritage, we can customize it to your needs.
📩 Fill the Contact Form on our website to get started with your dream Pondicherry vacation.
| Day | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Friday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |