In the late 17th century, French Huguenots came to settle in the mountains and green valleys of South Africa’s Cape Winelands. When they arrived, they brought with them many centuries of know-how with respect to food and wine. Their picturesque settlement has come to be known as Franschhoek, or the ‘French Corner’, and it remains much beloved by gourmands from South Africa and abroad.
Stroll down the leafy streets of Franschhoek and browse the antique shops, museums, and art galleries that line your path. Stop in at the Huguenot Memorial Museum for an insight into the area’s original settlers, and check out work by contemporary African artists at the Holden Manz Collection.
With more award-winning restaurants than anywhere else in the world, Franschhoek is a serious culinary destination. Sign up for a tour of the Franschhoek Valley Food and Wine Route to see cooking demonstrations, attend cheese and olive oil tastings, and experience food and wine pairings. Visit Huguenot Fine Chocolates to sample Belgian chocolate and to watch it being made.
Take a trip to one of the Franschhoek Valley’s various wine estates. There you can join wine tastings and cellar tours while enjoying the area’s natural beauty with a picnic or a leisurely walk. The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a hop-on, hop-off service that passes through picturesque vineyards and stops at some of the oldest bodegas in South Africa, including the Haute Cabrière winery (established 1694). You can also rent a bike and tour the bodegas on your own.
Keep an eye out for the cultural events that take place throughout the year, with food and wine usually taking pride of place. Highlights of the Franschhoek cultural calendar include the Bastille Festival in July and the Cap Classique and Champagne Festival.
The mountains and valleys around Franschhoek are home to a number of remarkable hiking trails. Head to the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve for some fetching panoramic views of the Cape Winelands, which extend in clear weather all the way to Table Mountain. A short drive will bring you to the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, which is inhabited by more than 100 different bird species.
Franschhoek is best reached by renting a car in Cape Town and making the one-hour drive from there. Upon arrival, you can leave the vehicle and get around on foot or with a tour. Golf aficionados will want to make the trip to the course at nearby Pearl Valley, which was designed by the famous golfer Jack Nicklaus.
