Yanam is a town located in the Yanam district of Puducherry, India. It has a population of approximately 35,000 and is geographically unique for being entirely surrounded by the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The town was formerly a French colony for nearly 200 years and remains known by some as "French Yanam" despite its unification with India in 1954. Due to this history, the area possesses a distinct cultural blend of French and Telugu influences, a hybrid culture often referred to as Frelugu.
During the period of French rule, Yanam was notable for its Tuesday market, which attracted many people from the Madras Presidency seeking foreign and smuggled goods. This commerce was particularly prominent during the Yanam People's Festival held every January.