Franschhoek

The Cape Winelands’ “French Corner” is a delightful region for discovering French Huguenot traditions of food and wine among picturesque valley scenery.

Nestled in a lush landscape of mountains and valleys, Franschhoek (meaning “French Corner”) is South Africa’s gourmet food bowl. French Huguenots brought their centuries-old traditions for food and wine here in the 1680s, and these traditions have developed a unique South African flavour. Franschhoek is an idyllic destination for enjoying fine cuisine amid beautiful scenery, only an hours’ drive from Cape Town.

Explore the tree-lined streets of Franschhoek on foot to take in the area’s art galleries, museums and antique shops at a leisurely pace. The Holden Manz Collection showcases artworks by contemporary African artists. Discover Franschhoek’s intriguing French history at the Huguenot Memorial Museum. At Huguenot Fine Chocolates, you can watch the chocolate-makers and try Belgian chocolates.

Visit one of Franschhoek Valley’s reputable wine estates. Experience wine tastings and cellar tours, or enjoy a leisurely walk around the estate and a picnic. The convenient hop-on hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram follows a scenic route through vineyards and long-established bodegas. The Hate Cabrière winery, dating back to 1694, is one of the area’s notable bodegas. Tour the bodegas at your own pace on a rented bicycle.

Franschhoek has a reputation for culinary prominence and a high number of award-winning restaurants. Attend a tour of the Franschhoek Valley Food and Wine Route to enjoy tastings of regional olive oil and cheese, cooking demonstrations and food paired with different wines. Celebrate food and wine at the exciting local events, such as the Bastille Festival in July and the Cap Classique and Champagne Festival.

Work off your Franschhoek treats on a vigorous hike in the nearby mountains. The Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve offers magnificent views of the Cape Winelands and, on a clear day, the outline of Table Mountain. A short drive to Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve will bring you to more walking trails and the habitat of over 100 bird species.

Enjoy a round of gold at Pearl Valley, located nearby. Jack Nicklaus, the world-famous golfer, designed this course.Reach Franschhoek by rental car from Cape Town. Once in Franschhoek, you can easily get around on foot or with a tour.

Explore the best attractions in Franschhoek
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Enjoy the delights of the wine grapes, restaurants and majestic lodgings in one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious wineries.
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Admire the intricate symbolism of this impressive structure. In the museum, learn about the beginnings of Cape Colony settlements.
Point of Interest

Go paragliding, cycling and trekking in this vast mountainous park to encounter its charming streams, heathland vegetation and dominant peaks.