Franschhoek

Description

Franschhoek, meaning “French Corner”, is a quaint town in the Cape Winelands. It is one of the oldest towns of the Republic of South Africa, situated about 75km from Cape Town. Set in a landscape characterised by deep purple mountains and endless vineyards, Franschhoek is known as the “food and wine capital" of the country. Make your visit a reality by browsing the excellent Franschhoek accommodation listed below.

The Franschhoek valley was originally settled in 1688 by French Huguenot refugees, many of whom were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Olifantshoek (Elephants Corner) because of the vast herds of elephants that roamed the area. The name was later changed to Franschhoek. Many of the settlers named their new farms after the areas in France from which they came, such as La Motte, Provence, Chamonix, and La Dauphine. These farms have grown into renowned Franschhoek wineries today.

The town of Franschhoek, which was once a sleepy countryside, has turned into a premier holiday destination. It features ideal summer weather, snowy peaks in winter, and a close proximity to Cape Town. Franschhoek is most notable for its outstanding wine industry and is the ideal location for those wishing to tour the Cape Winelands. Experience Franschhoek’s wines by bus, private tours, the Franschhoek wine tram, or even on your own transport. Wine estates to visit in Franschhoek include Boschendal, Grande Provence, Akkerdal Estate, Lormarins, and La Motte wine estates.

In addition to wines, Franschhoek is notable for having some of the top restaurants in the country, with many award-winning restaurants to choose from. Franschhoek boasts cuisine from gourmet to rustic with something to please even the pickiest of palates. Visit Café BonBon, where you can enjoy delicious home-cooked food, or the Elephant and Barrel Village Pub, which specialises in more than 30 traditional beers.

While in Franschhoek, be sure to visit the Huguenot Monument, which stands at the edge of the town. The nearby Huguenot Memorial Museum chronicles the history of the first settlers of Franschhoek. Take a stroll down the main street dotted with eclectic book shops, art galleries, and fantastic restaurants. Other activities in Franschhoek include spa treatments, visiting the Motor Museum, chocolate tasting, and beer tasting at Dieu Donné Microbrewery. Don’t miss out on a night at The Screening Room, where you can sink into pink leather armchairs or love couches and enjoy a good film with a bottle of champagne.

Outdoors enthusiasts will revel in hiking, paragliding, cycling, fly fishing, and golfing in the Franschhoek Valley and the adjacent Dwars Rivier Valley, or exploring the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve with its diverse fynbos. In addition to these fantastic attractions, the festivals held in Franschhoek prove to be major draw cards. Attend the Franschhoek Bastille Festival, Franschhoek Literary Festival, Franschhoek Uncorked, or the Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival.

Make the most of your stay by booking one of the following fantastic accommodations available in Franschhoek.