Franschhoek
Cape Winelands Travel Guide

This Cape Winelands Guide to Franschhoek in the Western Cape, South Africa offers an array of activities, highlights and Franschhoek accommodation options.

See Franschhoek accommodation options

Situated in a most beautiful and enchanting Cape Winelands valley, this vibrant town is small but exquisite. Brimming with French flair and Huguenot heritage, Franschhoek has award winning restaurants, wine and a variety of Franschhoek accommodations.Franschhoek is a town for all seasons. Throughout the year, visitors on a Cape Winelands holiday can enjoy numerous events and festivals in the valley. The town's irrepressible joie de vivre is celebrated at every opportunity. Bastille Day fun and games are held on a weekend in July when visitors can enjoy all things French and eat, drink and be merry.French Huguenots fleeing their homeland were settled here and the town was established in 1688. Some of the oldest estates in the Cape Winelands are found in this fertile valley which boasts 43 wine farms and a variety of cellars both large and small. Tucked away in picturesque mountains, Franschhoek is a 1 hour drive from Cape Town and makes an ideal getaway or day trip.Visitors on a Cape wine route holiday can choose from a variety of luxurious Cape Winelands country hotels and lodges and delightful cottages in Franschhoek village or amongst the vineyards. Splendid gourmet food as well as family fare can be enjoyed at every meal with sumptuous teas in between, booking in high season and on weekends is highly recommended.This Cape Winelands village has quaint tree lined streets, beautiful gardens and interesting shops just waiting to be discovered. The art and craft industry is very active and there are a number of outlets and galleries to explore. For advice on a wine route holiday in the "French Corner" of South Africa contact your friendly Siyabona Africa Consultant.

What to do in Franschhoek

  • Enjoy the food and wine capital of South Africa
  • Stroll around the village and Huguenot Monument
  • Shop, browse and meander
  • Visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum
  • Enjoy cheese, wine and a movie at Le Quartier Francais

Events Include

  • Farmers Market, Saturday mornings in summer (until July)
  • Craft Market every second Saturday
  • Monthly music concerts from February to May
  • Franschhoek Affair - interesting courses held in June
  • Friday evening Jazz in summer

Festivals Include

  • February - Cape Country Picnic Festival
  • March - Chefs and Champagne (mingle with the top chefs)
  • April - Harvest Festival and Cheese Festival
  • May - Literary Festival
  • July - Bastille Festival (barrel rolling and other fun events)
  • October - Franschhoek Uncorked (free wine tasting and shuttles), Open Gardens and Music Festival
  • December - Cap Classique and Champagne Festival

Activities

  • Local tours - there are many innovative options
  • Walking and hiking - Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
  • Biking
  • Horse riding (with or without wine tasting)
  • Trout fishing
  • Golf
  • Paragliding

Day Trips

  • Surrounding wine routes (Stellenbosch, Paarl and many more)
  • Cape Town attractions
  • False Bay and Hermanus (beaches and whales)
  • Whale watching season (August to October)

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