Go
wine tasting on horseback Play
golf at Pearl Valley Picnic
at Boschendal Dine
at a top restaurant Buy
a painting by a local artist Wine
tasting at 27 estates Sip
Cabernet by the fireside Visit
the Huguenot Museum Buy
cigars at La Cotte Inn Sample
a local cheese
The scenic village of Franschhoek in the Western Cape is without
doubt the food and wine capital of South Africa. Set in an
idyllic valley surrounded by spectacular mountains on all sides,
this little piece of Provence has become world-famous for its
noble
cultivars,
warm hospitality and superb cuisine.
In the late 1600s a group of French Huguenots fled
their homeland and were granted land in 'Olifantshoek' by the
Dutch government
at the Cape of Good Hope. These pioneers established the first
farms in the valley and it soon became known as Franschhoek
(French Corner). Many of these farms still exist today and
a celebration of the villages' French Heritage is held
on Bastille Day each year with
a festival of fine food
and wine.
Wine culture is at the heart of this historic region and
the centuries old tradition is kept alive by the members of
the Vignerons de Franschhoek. All the classic
styles come to life here - the luxuriant
Cabernet, Shiraz and Pinot Noir reds are well complimented
by world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon and Chenin
Blanc wines.
Franschhoek's gourmet chefs conjure a world of culinary delights
at 28 restaurants across the valley. Eight of these are included
in South Africa's 'Top 100' restaurants. You
can taste an exciting selection of Cape country fare, fusion
and traditional French
cooking at venues like Reuben's,
Bread and
Wine, La Quartier Francais, Haute Cabrière Restaurant,
and Grande Provence.
In the village you will find an eclectic collection of
art, craft and antiques shops and galleries. The main street
is lined
with
coffee
shops and eateries and there are surprises around every corner,
including speciality shops like a fromagerie, a chocolate
factory
and a carpet maker.
If you take a drive up to the Franschhoek Pass, visit the Huguenot
monument and museum on the way to learn more about the
area's fascinating history. The top of the pass commands breathtaking
views of
the entire valley and the Groot Drakenstein mountains in the
south. This is one of the Cape's top paragliding spots and
you may well see a few soaring on the warm thermals.
Like most towns in the Western Cape, Franschhoek has a good
selection of outdoor and adventure activities on
offer including
walking trails, hiking, cycling, horse riding, fly
fishing and golf. If you decide to stay for a few
days you'll find
accommodation options to suit every taste
and pocket, from chic country auberge's in the vineyards to
quaint bed & breakfasts
in the village.
Go
wine tasting on horseback 
Freestate 
