Franschhoek, usually hailed because the “Valley of Goals”, is a Cape Winelands gem that’s recognized for its one-of-a-kind wine farms, thrilling meals experiences, and luxurious lodging.
The city is host to many occasions all year long, together with the Franschhoek Literary Pageant and Bastille Day. Right here is every little thing it is advisable to find out about planning a visit to Franschhoek.
The place to Eat
The primary street of the village is lined with a cosmopolitan combine of stylish road cafés and bistros, together with world-class eating places and bars to take pleasure in. Listed below are some to go to:
La Petite Colombe
La Petite Colombe is La Colombe’s sister restaurant in Franschhoek that takes you on a culinary journey, highlighting the seasonal produce and the best wines. There’s a diminished menu for individuals who are on a time crunch.
Web site: www.lapetitecolombe.com
La Petite Ferme Restaurant
La Petite Ferme restaurant serves a fusion of countryside delicacies with a recent modern twist. The meals are paired with their number of
hand-crafted La Petite Ferme wines and the menus evolve with the seasons so there may be a wide range of choices.
Web site: lapetiteferme.co.za/
Smitten
Born out of a shared ardour for meals, Smitten is the love baby of veteran TV anchor and broadcaster, Imraan Vagar, and chef and host of “Geure Uit Die Vallei” on SABC2, Chris Smit.
Situated at The Yard, Smitten boasts a restaurant, deli store, bakery and bar. Right here, you possibly can count on a number of dishes for breakfast and lunch, afternoon tea and cocktails, aperitifs, and bite-sized nibbles.
Web site: www.smittencafe.co.za/
Ōku
The title Ōku, translating to “oak tree” in Japanese, serves dishes rooted within the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. The eatery sources most of its substances regionally, with a refined, flavourful menu. Ōku is open for lunch and dinner every day.
Web site: eat-oku.co.za/
Mon Amour
Step inside Mon Amour, an eatery that pays homage to Parisian Café tradition. Serving every little thing from cake to lunch and low to bubbles, this vibrant and Instagrammable restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Web site: bit.ly/3UvD2lF
The place to Wine
The Franschhoek Wine Route boasts a number of the best wine estates within the nation, providing the chance to spend afternoons savouring high-quality wines and paired tastings.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
Among the finest methods to find the Franschhoek Valley is on the wine tram. The most well-liked choice, the Hop-on Hop-off Expertise, lets you expertise an array of actions, from wine tasting, cellar excursions, lunch with very good winery views, to a stroll via the vineyards. You can even e-book Curated Wine Experiences. The wine tram departs from Franschhoek or Groot Drakenstein Terminal (depending on which tour/ line you select). Make a cease at their French-inspired café, Café Beignet, for a couple of freshly made beignets.
Web site: winetram.co.za/
Grande Provence Heritage Wine Property
Grande Provence Heritage Wine Property’s historical past spans over 300 years and is residence to a number of the area’s award-winning wines. Attempt their wine-tasting choices, which embody their flagship tasting, or pair the wines with choices like oyster, nougat, or a Cape Heritage pairing. Artwork lovers can take a stroll and benefit from the views from the sculpture backyard.
Web site: www.grandeprovence.co.za
Dieu Donne Vineyard
That means “A Present from God” or “God Given,” Dieu Donne Vineyard boasts unbelievable views of the Franschhoek valley. Pattern their award-winning wines and finish the go to with a stroll of their picturesque backyard.
Web site: www.dieudonnevineyards.com
Rickety Bridge Vineyard
Situated between the Dassenberg Mountain and the Franschhoek River, Rickety Bridge is likely one of the designated stops for the favored Franschhoek Wine Tram. With a historical past relationship again to 1797, you possibly can take pleasure in certainly one of their tastings, dine at Paulina’s Restaurant, named in honour of the unique proprietor of the property, Paulina de Villiers, or e-book a keep in certainly one of their well-appointed lodging.
Web site: www.ricketybridgewinery.com
Colmant Cap Classique and Champagne
Bubbly lovers will recognize Colmant Cap Classique and Champagne, open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 1 pm. They provide tastings and a Sabrage expertise. Reserving is important.
Web site: colmant.co.za/
The place to Go to
Franschhoek is extra than simply wine and foodie experiences, the attraction is thought for its enjoyable and family-friendly actions. These embody:
Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary goals to awaken connection between livestock and guests and encourage a optimistic change in the best way society views and treats farmed animals. This distinctive attraction additionally permits you the chance to sleep in a bar with rescued farmed animals, wine tasting in a barn, and a plant-based café.
Web site: www.farmsanctuarysa.org/
Gerart Unique Artwork gallery
South African artist Gerart Snyman, recognized for his trendy summary wildlife and portrait work, displays his creations in a gallery in Franschhoek. Flick thru the thought-provoking items freed from cost, and in the event you really feel slightly indulgent, you possibly can purchase a couple of items of his artwork.
Web site: www.gerart.co.za/
Babylonstoren
Often called one of many oldest Cape Dutch farms, Babylonstoren is an all-in-one vacation spot recognized for its grand gardens, wine tasting, and luxurious lodging and spa. There are 3 eating places on the property: Babel, Greenhouse and Outdated Bakery, which all serve meals that’s seasonal in picturesque settings.
Web site: babylonstoren.com/
Huguenot Effective Sweets
In case you are on the lookout for one thing candy, head to Huguenot Effective Sweets, positioned on the primary road of Franschhoek. You’ll be able to take pleasure in a variety of goodies, comprised of the best imported Belgian chocolate. Attempt their Chocolate Expertise, a half-hour programme of tasting, demonstrations, and the historical past of chocolate making.
Web site: www.huguenotchocolates.com/
Franschhoek Motor Museum
Showcasing 100 years of automotive historical past, Franschhoek Motor Museum at L’Ormarins is a deal with for automotive lovers. You’ll find a group of over 220 autos – such because the 1898 Beeston motor tricycle – and 80 displays displayed in 4 de-humidified halls.
Some automobiles to understand while you go to embody Oldsmobile (1904), Austin 7 Chummy Tourer (1926), and a Porsche 930 Turbo (1979). The attraction is open every day and obtainable through reserving.
Web site: https://bit.ly/3Ww7pLx
The place to Keep
Franschhoek incorporates a vary of lodging choices. These embody:
La Petite Ferme
Expertise splendid views at certainly one of La Petite Ferme’s many lodging choices. Located on the serene slopes of the Oliphants Cross and Middagkrans Mountain Vary, the property options the Manor Home, Winery Suites, and Vineyard Suites, every providing spectacular vistas and uncompromising consolation. An in-spa menu can also be obtainable for visitors.
Web site: bit.ly/4briAcC
Ludus Magnus
For individuals who search one thing luxurious, but hidden and serene, go to Ludus Magnus. It’s possible you’ll bear in mind this 5-star lodging as the placement for the Love Island Sequence after they filmed in early 2024. Framed by majestic mountains and fully off-the-grid, the property affords hectares of wide-open house, fruit bushes, and a Shiraz winery. Visitors even have the choice of having fun with spa therapies, a personal chef, and a butler on name.
Web site: www.ludusmagnus.co.za/
Auberge La Dauphine
Get pleasure from self-catering cottages, loft suites, and superior rooms at Auberge La Dauphine. The family-friendly visitor farm facilities embody a swimming pool, tennis court docket, sunbathing space, backyard, and winery.
Web site: www.ladauphine.co.za
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