Things to do in Franschhoek

Often referred to as the ‘Culinary Gem of South Africa’ and the ‘The Valley of Dreams’, Franschhoek forms part of the Cape Winelands region in the Western Cape. The village itself is full of treasures for those seeking art, cafes, delightful boutique stores and some of the best restaurants in the country.

Surrounding this picturesque village are world renowned wine farms that will impress the socks off their visitors with their award-winning wines, exceptional restaurants, organic farm produce, and vistas that stretch across the Franschhoek Valley. Franschhoek’s Wine Tram is a popular and unique way to experience wine tasting in the valley, offering a variety of routes to various farms and a fun ‘hop-on and hop-off’ service.

Rickety Bridge Views

How Franschhoek came to be

In 1685 hundreds of French Huguenots fled their homeland, arriving by ship at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Many of these people were allocated land by the Dutch government in an area called ‘Oliphantshoek’, meaning Elephant’s Corner, and named after the large herds of elephants that used to roam this region. This was later renamed ‘Franschhoek’, meaning French corner, because of the French Huguenots who settled there. Today, you will find the Huguenot Monument that pays tribute to these pioneers and many of the farms still carry their French origins.

Wine Farms worth visiting in Franschhoek

• Babylonstoren

• Boschendal

• Chamonix Wine Farm

• Dieu Donne Vineyards & Tasting Room

• Haute Cabriere Wine Farm

• La Bri

• La Motte Wine Farm

• Leopards Leap Restaurant and Wine Farm

• Lynx Wines

• Rickety Bridge

Restaurants worth visiting in Franschhoek

• Allora

• Babel Restaurant

• Café du Vin

• Franschhoek Station Pub and Grill

• French Connection Bistro

• La Petite Colombe

• La Petite Ferme

• Lust Bistro and Bakery

• Orangerie at Le Lude

• Reubens Restaurant Franschhoek

Annual Events in Franschhoek

• Bastille Festival

• Boschendal Friday Night Market

• Cap Classique and Champagne Festival

• Franschhoek Saturday Market

• Literary Festival

• Open Gardens

Babylonstoren Gardens

References:

Visit Franschhoek; Accessed 17 April 2024; visit-franschhoek.co.za;

Franschhoek; Accessed 17 April 2024; franschhoek.org.za