Le Franschhoek is ideally located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, within the vicinity of over 50 different Franschhoek activities. Choose from a wide variety of things to do in Franschhoek, ranging from outdoors and adventure sports, to leisurely wine tasting and shopping, or enjoy some of the exquisite onsite activities Le Franschhoek has on offer. The surrounding countryside plays host to pristine wine estates, where you can sample internationally-acclaimed wines and an exceptional range of excellent fine dining restaurants. Franschhoek’s historic mountains are ideal for healthy outdoor activities such as horseback wine-tasting or hiking.
And what’s more, the bustling city of Cape Town is a mere hour’s drive away should you feel like a change of pace. This outstanding variety makes Franschhoek a first-class option for both local and international travellers. With Le Franschhoek as your base, you can explore the area with ease. However, if you’d prefer a more relaxing experience of South Africa’s ‘French Corner’ opt to stay within the striking grounds and treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment or indulgent massage at our in-house spa.
20 Local wine estates
Numerous wine tours and food and wine pairings to experience at estates in and around the Franschhoek area.
Restaurants
Being the unofficial culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek offers many award winning fine dining options.
Golf at Pearl Valley
A 212-hectare estate incorporates both a tranquil and secure country residential estate and an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
There’s no better way to get around the area’s most popular and distinguished wine farms than hopping on the fabulous Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour. This hop-on, hop-off wine tram tour weaves its way through rolling vineyards with the promise of wine tastings and cellar tours around every turn. Enjoy delicious pairings, subline surrounds and a variety of award-winning vintages along several pre-arranged routes conducted by the tram operator.
Huguenot Fine Chocolates
Indulge in a chocolate extravaganza at Franschhoek’s Huguenot Fine Chocolates, a boutique chocolaterie that offers a range of delectable fine hand-crafted Belgian chocolate. Run by two qualified Belgian chocolatiers, this is a definite must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Sample the delicious chocolate infused with local flavours of Amarula, Pinotage or Rooibos and honey, or participate in The Chocolate Experience, a half-hour programme of chocolate tastings, demonstrations and chocolate history guaranteed to tempt you to buy every chocolate in store.
Huguenot Monument
Located at the end of Franschhoek’s main street is the Huguenot Monument, which dates from the 1940s and commemorates the Huguenot immigrants who fled France in the 1600s, essentially making Franschhoek their new home. Adjacent to the monument is a museum which explores the settlers’ fascinating history with exhibits featuring tools they used to make wine, the clothes they wore and the story of how they came to seek a better life in the southern hemisphere.
ART & CULTURE
Franschhoek – South Africa’s ‘French Corner’ – boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, which dates as far back as the late 1600’s, and is commemorated in a multitude of ways throughout the small town. With impressive memorials, an assortment of history museums and charming Cape Dutch architecture, a trip to Franschhoek offers more than just a scenic vista. Meander through the vineyards, or along the broad avenues, and feel the history of the place around every corner.
In 1685, Protestantism was outlawed in France, thus forcing hundreds of people to flee from their homes. Almost 300 of these so-called Huguenots arrived at the Cape of Good Hope by ship, and were soon given land by the then Dutch government in a valley called Oliphantshoek (Elephant’s Corner), where they would come to settle. With the influx of French occupants, this valley, which once derived its name from the vast herds of elephants that made their way into the area to calve, soon became known as le Coin Français (French Corner, in French), and later Franschhoek (French Corner, in Dutch).
This interesting and resilient Franschhoek history is still honoured in the modern-day town, and several attractions both celebrate and elaborate on the town’s origins. In much the same way, various aspects of the town are dedicated to the arts, and are worth a visit on your trip to Franschhoek. Choose from an exciting selection of Arts & Culture activities in Franschhoek:
- Visit the Huguenot Museum
- Admire the Huguenot Memorial
- Take a trip to the Franschhoek Motor Museum
- Board the Franschhoek Wine Tram
- Appreciate the unspoilt Cape Dutch architecture
- Pay a visit to the Museum van de Caab
- Celebrate with the Bastille Festival
