The village of Franschhoek is about 80km from Cape Town and the International Airport, and 30km from both Paarl and Stellenbosch. Situated in magical surroundings, this valley has achieved fame for its winemaking, and is one of the world's premier wine destinations with a choice of around 30 estates to visit. Franschhoek is widely known as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, and the excellent wine can be partnered with magnificent food to be enjoyed in any of the local restaurants - 8 of which are ranked in South Africa's "Top 100" restaurants.
In addition to food and wine, there is a rich heritage of both art and architecture, and Huguenot Road is the mecca for antiques, collectables, and galleries displaying local artworks. The Huguenot Monument and Museum tell the history of Franschhoek from the time of the arrival of the first French Huguenots to settle here, when the valley was known as Olifants Hoek, and the story of its transformation into the tourist centre for which it is now famous.
There is an amazing array of things to do and see in the valley, not least of which are fishing, mountain biking, hiking in the local nature reserves, wine tasting, cookery classes, horseriding, wine tasting on horseback, and base jumping. For relaxation and rejuvenation, visitors can choose treatments in one of the 5 Wellness and Spa Centres surrounding the village.
Accommodation in Franschhoek
The village of Franschhoek is about 80km from Cape Town and the International Airport, and 30km from both Paarl and Stellenbosch. Situated in magical surroundings, this valley has achieved fame for its winemaking, and is one of the world's premier wine destinations with a choice of around 30 estates to visit. Franschhoek is widely known as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, and the excellent wine can be partnered with magnificent food to be enjoyed in any of the local restaurants - 8 of which are ranked in South Africa's "Top 100" restaurants.
In addition to food and wine, there is a rich heritage of both art and architecture, and Huguenot Road is the mecca for antiques, collectables, and galleries displaying local artworks. The Huguenot Monument and Museum tell the history of Franschhoek from the time of the arrival of the first French Huguenots to settle here, when the valley was known as Olifants Hoek, and the story of its transformation into the tourist centre for which it is now famous.
There is an amazing array of things to do and see in the valley, not least of which are fishing, mountain biking, hiking in the local nature reserves, wine tasting, cookery classes, horseriding, wine tasting on horseback, and base jumping. For relaxation and rejuvenation, visitors can choose treatments in one of the 5 Wellness and Spa Centres surrounding the village.