This picture postcard valley is home to some fine wines, and to a growing number of South Africa’s best chefs. A visit to Franschhoek is an absolute must
- Franschhoek is home to some of the finest restaurants and most highly awarded chefs in South Africa
- Franschhoek is a scenically spectacular valley with an number of vineyards to visit
- Accommodation in Franschhoek is abundant – stay at any number of boutique hotels and guesthouses
- Franschhoek’s French heritage of more than 300 years is evident in the wine and food tradition. The magnificent Hugenot Museum being well worth a visit !
- Taste the wines of the valley with over twenty seven extraordinary wine cellars.
In 1685 after the protestant religion was outlawed in France, nearly 300 hugenots arrived at the Cape of Good Hope. They chose the Franschhoek Valley as their new home which was then filled with roaming elephants and called Oliphantshoek’. Once the French came to settle it became known as Franschhoek ( French Corner ) Franschhoek Wine Valley lies deep in the Cape winelands and is South Africa’s very own French corner. Here amidst luscious vineyards and gracious Cape Dutch farmsteads, a picturesque village emits proud, ever present memories of 17th Century Huguenot culture. Travel to Franschhoek and discover spectacular vineyards cover the Franschhoek Valley settled 300 years ago by the Hugenots, who brought with them their age old French wine and culture. Today many of the vineyards still bear original French names such as L’Omarins, La Motte, La Province, and Haute Cabriere. Today in Franschhoek you will find a beautiful village filled with wonderful arts, crafts, antique shops and galleries. The main street is lined with coffee shops and restaurants. Franschhoek makes a fantastic base from where to explore the Cape Wine Routes.
In our opinion Franschhoek is one of the prettiest villages in South Africa. Only 45 minutes drive from Cape Town and a stones throw from Stellenbosch and Paarl.
Historical and Culture Background
In 1685 the Protestant Religion was outlawed in France. Many Hugenots as they were known fled France and 277 of them arrived by ship into the Cape Of Good Hope. The Dutch government game them a piece of land in a valley called Oliphantshoek ( Elephant Corner ) so named because of the large amount of elephants that roamed in the area. Soon after the arrival of the French Hugenots the area became know as Franschhoek ( French Corner ) The French Pioneers planted the vineyards many of which are still around today.
Wines
The French Pioneers planted the vineyards many of which are still around today. From the moment you travel into Franschhoek you will find that many of the Vineyards still bear their traditional French names. Its on these vineyards that you will find original Cape Dutch Homes and age old Cellars all steeped in history. The vineyards not only produce some of the finest wines in South Africa but are also amongst some of the prettiest.
Restaurants
Franschhoek is home to some of the best restaurants and top award winning chefs in the country. It is common place for at least several of the Franschhoek Chefs and their restaurants to be in the countries Top 10 Restaurants. These chefs do have the added benefit of working in one of the prettiest surroundings and to have an ample supply of fresh produce and ingredients.
Hotels, Guest Houses and Accommodation
Franschhoek is home to various types of accommodation. From luxury five star hotels to smaller more modest guesthouses and bed & breakfasts, Franschhoek prides itself on offering accommodation options to suit every person that chooses to travel to Franschhoek. Regardless of what type of accommodation you choose, they all have one thing in common and that is a complete commitment to gracious hospitality and warm and welcoming service.
Shopping
The main street of Franschhoek plays host to a wide variety of shops and galleries. From art galleries, jewellery shops and antique shops, Franschhoek has a wide variety of shops to keep even the most avid shopper enthralled ! There are specialty shops including a fromagerie, a chocolate factory and a carpet marker.
Out and About
Franschhoek is not all about eating, drinking and shopping ! For the more energetic there are plenty of things to keep you entertained. Enjoy hiking trails, bike rides, horse riding and fishing !
