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Franschhoek

Franschhoek Overview
Franschhoek Recommended for:
  • Wine Estates /
  • Restaurants /
  • Art Gallery /
  • Shopping /
  • Hiking /
  • Local Crafts /
  • Mountain Biking /
  • Cultural Landmark /
  • Walking Trails /
  • Spa /
  • Romantic /
  • Museum /
  • Bike Tours /
  • Fishing /
  • Horse Riding /
 

Description

This sybaritic little town is situated smack in the middle of some gorgeous scenery in the heart of the Winelands. It’s one of those places that became fashionable some time around the 1980s and things just snowballed. Fabulous restaurants line the main street, there are some lovely little guest houses and – of course – great wineries.

In fact, Franschhoek has a special place in the history of South African wine making. The name, which means French Corner, came about in the 17th Century when a whole bunch of French Huguenots, who were fleeing persecution by the Catholic Church in France, settled here. They weren’t the first to grow and produce wine in the Cape but they certainly contributed a certain flair that the Dutch didn’t really possess.

Notwithstanding their Gallic skill with an oaken vat, these immigrants became totally integrated into the colonial scene and soon started speaking Dutch – and then Afrikaans. So much so, in fact, that many South Africans consider surnames such as du Toit, Labuschagne and Marais to be Afrikaans. But, even though no French is spoken here, there are strong links to France. A pretty monument to the Huguenots dominates the town and – in July – Franschhoek celebrates Bastille Day with a flourish unmatched except, perhaps, in Paris.

There is an excellent paragliding launch site in the mountains on the outskirts of the town, and the nearby pine plantations offer some great mountain biking.

Franschhoek & Surrounds

*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling distance.

In and Around

Nearby Locations
Nearest Airport
Featured Destinations
Beaches
 

Customer Reviews

Reviews 44 of 44
Joy Dos Santos
South Africa

Franschhoek epitomises everything good about the Western Cape. The choice of quality restaurants, availability of all necessary goods in the many stores and, naturally, the surrounding wine farms make for a perfect holiday.

02 April 2013
Karen Abrams
South Africa

Franschhoek is a great town, restaurants are plentiful, and you are spoilt for choice. The French Connection was a favourite. The info centre personnel are very informative and friendly. The setting in those mountains is just perfect.

02 April 2013
hector cronje
South Africa

DIT IS SEKERLIK DIE MOOISTE PLEK IN SUID AFRIKA. EK WAS BY BAIE PLEKKE TYDENS MY VAKANSIE EN FRANSCHOEK WAS DIE SKOONSTE PLEK VAN ALMAL. EK IS JAMMER DAT EK NIE NOG SO DAG OF TWEE DAAR KON BLY NIE

27 February 2013
Victoria Weller
United Kingdom

A great place, to stay, lots of great restaurants and wine tasting. Would have liked to stay longer to take advantage of the walking nearby.

08 February 2013
Nyria Wheeler
South Africa

Franschhoek is a little paradise of the Boland So refreshing such stimulating view and beautiful wine farms restaurants and accommodation.

23 January 2013
Terri Nash
South Africa

One of the most beautiful towns in the world, no question! So much choice as far as accommodation and restaurants are concerned. Don't miss it.

18 January 2013
Charmaine Diener
South Africa

PRAGTIGE RUSTIGE SKOON DORPIE - DIE REGTE PLEK OM WERKLIK TE RELAX

07 January 2013
richard whitehead
United Kingdom

A lovely town in a beautiful setting with fabulous restaurants and vineyards.

10 December 2012
Rosalind Heyland
South Africa

I was so happy to be back in Franschhoek again in November. I had a wonderful time even as a single, female traveller. Franschhoek is so beautiful, with it's stunning backdrop of mountains and vineyards, every view seems to be a photo opportunity. It won't be long before I'm back again!

04 December 2012
Tumi Seatle
South Africa

I was simply blown away by the awesome natural beauty of Franschoek. The fact that it is such a small town yet with all kinds of interesting activities you can engage in, wine estates, a wide variety of restaurants to suit any type of budget, art galleries, museums, you name it, Franschoek has it. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, for a while I felt like I was in another country, somewhere in Europe! ...I had to constantly remind myself that I hadn't left the shores of my beautiful South Africa... Nomsa Machika

25 September 2012
Robert Scott
South Africa

Franschhoek has easily the best restaurants in South Africa. The choice is always exceptional and it is made even better by the natural beauty of the mountains and the scenery. There are lot of vineyards to explore and the area is surrounded by natural beauty. Highly recommended for overseas visitors and for romantic getaways.

27 August 2012
CRYSTELLE SEPTEMBER
South Africa

I went to Franschhoek for a weekend... It was wonderful, peaceful and quite and very romantic. We were staying at Chenin Blanch, it is the most beautiful self catering that I have been to. We went to town had coffee at a wonderful coffee shop. Went shopping its very peaceful and quite and the buildings old and historical and beautiful. We did not have much time there as it started to rain. But I would realy love to go back there some day soon.

22 August 2012
Erna Grimbeek
South Africa

My wife Erna and I spent our 40th anniversary in Franschoek. We had supper at Ruben's. It was a dream come true to experience this peaceful corner of South Africa- the purple lavender field, the walks of discovery, the shops and the beautiful surroundings! A true "basket of delights"- chocolates, cheeses, wine, complimented with the beautiful orchids and roses! This was our lasting memory of Franschoek in a nutshell which we hope to soon repeat.

21 August 2012
Tanya Olsen
South Africa

My husband and I have been sneaking off to Franschoek for about 10 years now. There are a couple of places that we always choose to stay at. For being thoroughly spoilt and being made to feel like royalty, we absolutely adore Mont Rochelle Hotel. Then, for the times where we just want to spend a long weekend and curl up at the fireplace there is a delightful Penthouse, Los Oivos at the Yard that we have almost made our home. There is nothing nicer than a winter weekend tucked away in the Penthouse. All shops are within walking distance, great places where we can grab fresh breads, cheeses and stock up. Then of course, our favourite pub, the Elephant and Barrel, where live music, rugby and just the general atmosphere round it all off nicely. Of course, one can never get bored as there is always something happening in Franschoek, and if not, there are so many awesome wine estates to visit for wine tastings, picnics or lunches.

20 August 2012
Mari Hall
South Africa

Just a short drive from Cape Town International Airport, lies Franschhoek, the quaint town nestled within a valley of sloping green hills, rows of vineyards and olive groves. The white washed walls of the Cape Dutch architecture are elegantly draped in the bright hues of bougainvillea entwined with winding roads through klapmuts and unspoiled countryside, with a wine makers farm beckoning at every turn. There is always something to celebrate in Franschhoek, ranging from the towns great heritage to festivals giving praise to local wine and food from the excellent restaurants and chocolatiers. I can’t endorse the hospitality enough, the escapism, cultural heritage and amazing scenery. This is a beautiful location to relax, take a drive to anywhere and to indulge in the finest local food and wine Cape town has to offer.

20 August 2012
Elsa Naude
South Africa

Franschhoek is certainly the most beautiful village in the Winelands. We have so many events that is coming up in the near future. We have a very special Boutique Charlotte Isabella's which is the only importer in South Africa of Louisa Spagnoli clothing and they also have shoes from Brazil and the real Hunters Boots. Cook Franschhoek is all about to learn to cook with Franschhoek's chefs and taste with Franschhoek's Winemakers 15 - 17 June 2012 Tickets can be pre-book at webtickets.co.za. Our Bastille Festival is taking place on the 13th and 14th July 2012. It is going to be a fantastic event where we are going to have Winemakers from France to do Special tastings with our guests and telling them more about Winemaking in France. Our Main Road will host all the Stalls and the Barrel Race and also lots of other fun entertainment. On the Sunday we will have the Tour de Franschhoek (like Tour de France) for the Mountain Bike enthusiasts. Franschhoek is just the place to come and relax for a weekend and enjoy the beauty of this village and its friendly people.

20 July 2012
Geri Cook
United States of America

For Americans, it is wineries set in Yosemite valley, so beautiful, and the food was amazing! Really enjoyed Ruebens!

09 July 2012
Kathie von Hoesslin
South Africa

Celebrate life in one of the most beautiful valleys in the world with its breath-taking mountain views, warm Cape hospitality, world class restaurants, and award winning wines. Come and enjoy the spirit of its French Heritage and participate in the various Festivals on offer, such as the Franschhoek Literary Festival, Bastille Festival, Franschhoek Uncorked, and the Classical Music Festival - there is something for everyone. Franschhoek is only 45 mins drive from Cape Town which makes it a perfect base to explore the entire Cape Winelands region. Enjoy wine tasting on horse back or walk many of the trails where you will find peace and tranquillity in this piece of heaven. You need Franschhoek to help rejuvenate your soul.

05 June 2012
Arthur Mc William Smith
South Africa

Set in what is probably the most beautiful wine valley in the world, encircled by its majestic blue mountains, this small village bursts with fine restaurants and side walk cafes. It's boutique hotels and guesthouses are amongst the best in the Cape and its 40 odd wineries vary from very small, personal ones to the grand manor houses and estates whose buildings date back to the early 1800's. Best of all it is so close to everywhere else in the Western Cape that everything is within easy reach. Cape Town is only a 50 minute drive away. Stay here and visit the Cape.

04 June 2012
Elizabeth Rundle
South Africa

Franschhoek is relaxed but happening, it is peaceful but vibrant. There are shops to explore and quiet lanes to wander along. There are restaurants for fine-dining and others for relaxed family feasting. Chill out with a picnic under trees in summer or find a cosy table next to a fire in winter. The surrounding farms offer food, wine and beautiful gardens. From beautiful roses to green vines, autumn colours or snow-capped mountains, Franschhoek is a treat whatever the season.

03 June 2012
Shirley Kilian
---Not Specified---

Franschhoek is a very special place. A village with a cosmopolitan mix of people - some who live here year round, others are swallows. The shops are sophisticated, and yet have a charm that attracts tourists in their droves, offering something for everyone. Wonderful wine tastings and exceptional restaurants, a variety of excellent accomodation and even an eclectic cinema. Travellers also have the opportunity to walk and hike, but best of all to relax and to drink in the magnificent vistas. It is a place to breathe.

01 June 2012
mareaz stead
South Africa

Wow where do I start? Soo much for the visitor. May was the literary festival. Franschhoek Valley is one of the most beautiful areas, and the wine estates are intimate and some offer commercial wedding venues, conferences, as well as the best restaurants in South Africa with a variety cuisine. The Monument. Wine tasting on horseback!!! Learn how to make wine. Hikes, cycling, 4x4 routes, Trout fishing, Art galleries, pottery, olive farms and olive picking. From April to the end of July, learn to preserve your own olives. Cooking lessons; just too much to mention. Franschhoek is the place to mark on your calender for your next weekend getaway or holiday. It is within easy reach of Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Robertson and Hermanus; so so central. How can you not want to be here in the Valley, Winter month specials galore...

01 June 2012
Marisa Sliep
South Africa

We had a great weekend away in Franschhoek, excellent restaurants, romantic atmosphere ... great wine and the most beautiful scenery!

07 May 2012
Cynthia Viljoen
South Africa

Beautiful, friendly and the museum very informative.

04 May 2012
Gwen Hackney
South Africa

Enjoyed walking around the village - everyone very friendly and helpful. Restaurants we went to were value for money and the food, presentation and staff great!

10 April 2012
mervyn jacobs
South Africa

Loved the peace and quiet, as well as the beautiful scenery.

03 April 2012
Heribert Prior
Germany

Sehr schöne, saubere, gepflegte und gastfreundliche Stadt. Besonders die Touristen-Information war sehr kompetent und hilfsbereit. Empfehlenswert die La Provence-Lodge. Falls wir wieder einaml nach SA kommen, werden wir auch wieder nach Franschhoekkommen.

18 March 2012
Heribert Prior
Germany

Sehr schöne, saubere, gepflegte und gastfreundliche Stadt. Besonders die Touristen-Information war sehr kompetent und hilfsbereit. Falls wir wieder einaml nach SA kommen, werden wir auch wieder nach Franschhoek kommen. Very beautiful, clean, neat and hospitable city. The Tourist Information Centre was in particular very knowledgeable and helpful. If we come back to SA, we will visit Franschhoek again.

18 March 2012
stefan ruedel
Germany

If we would have to choose between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, we would pick the second due to its charming small size.

13 March 2012
Michelle Groenewald
South Africa

Had a good stay in Franschhoek!

12 March 2012
Nandi Zama
South Africa

It was a first-time stay in this pretty town and I enjoyed it very much - so did my 12-or-so family members. We also appreciated the wide variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and the proximity to various points of interest during our stay.

31 January 2012
Hilary Main
United Kingdom

Franschhoek is a wonderful place to spend a few days. This was our third visit. We were there for only one night but will stay longer next time. The visit to the sanctuary for birds of prey was fascinating. The eating out is good, although we were disappointed with the meal we had as the service was extremely slow and inefficient.

03 January 2012
Jenny Smith
South Africa

Franschhoek is a great destination for a weekend. Wine tours and tastings are a lot of fun, and the restaurants are amazing! We had a very difficult time choosing where to eat.

12 December 2011
Sunette van Rensburg
South Africa

Franschhoek is vibey and fun yet also laid back and relaxed. There's a lot to do and see. We love going to Franshhoek!

10 December 2011
Dianne Parkin
United Kingdom

A beautiful area with a wealth of architecture, fantastic restaurants, bars and unusual coffee houses. There are lovely gardens and scenic drives. We are all in love with Franschhoek, especially the divine chocolate shops. All of the shops dress their windows and display items for sale with great flair. We will be back.

01 December 2011
Welda Heyns
South Africa

Nature and its bounty go hand-in-hand in Franschhoek. The best in food, wine and general entertainment! Fantastic destination for a weekend away.

28 November 2011
DONE VILJOEN
South Africa

Amazing! The landscapes are beautiful. Nice restaurants and friendly people. I just wish the shops could have been open a bit longer.

31 October 2011
Michelle-Lee Els
South Africa

One of the most beautiful places the Lord ever created. A great place for a wedding or honeymoon! We loved it.

10 October 2011
Carolynne Higgins
South Africa

Lavender fields, art galleries, wine and gourmet food all packed into one little town. Franschhoek is home to all my favourite things! It's pretty difficult to find a restaurant that serves substandard food, so put on your fat pants. Franschhoek has its roots in French culture, so the town itself has quite a graceful, elegant feel to it. Eat at Reubens, satisfy your sweet tooth at Huguenot Chocolates and sip on champagne at Colmant.

18 August 2011
Anneke Kotze
South Africa

We will defnitely be going back to this beautiful place! Absolutely breathtaking little town. It is just a pity that the car guards are such a nuisance - made us feel a bit unsafe, especially the one that was a little 'under the weather'. But that is such a small complaint compared to the overall picture - highly recommended!

15 August 2011
Heinrich Husselmann
South Africa

Beautiful as always! Would recommend Le Coq Restaurant!

08 August 2011
Kyle Hepple
South Africa

Franschhoek is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country I've ever been to - surrounded by mountains and vineyards. Stunning food and delicious wine!

03 August 2011
celeste grobler
South Africa

Delicious food from Kalfi's - plus the owner is really great and the complimentary vetkoek was delicious! Dutch East has the perfect English Breakfast, and the rest of the town is friendly, with the best view of the mountains ever!

20 June 2011
Alison Smith
South Africa

Beautiful town; but I hope it doesn't get modernised and improved beyond its present state. Enough already! Pity everyting is so very very expensive - R35 for 75g ice cream and one filter coffee is way too much! Not all of us are executives or foreign tourists; what about ordinary citizens who love the scenery and the ambience?

16 May 2011

Travel Guide
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Well hidden treasure…”  Read more

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