Under 2 hours from
Cape Town awaits a corner of France – literally Franschhoek. This is one of those places that completely lives up to its name: A picturesque village in the prettiest vine-clad valley in the
Cape Winelands surrounded by mountains and producing not only some of South Africa’s best wines, but also offering a gourmet experience foodies won’t be able to beat even if they end up in the real French countryside.
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Under 2 hours from Cape Town awaits a corner of France – literally Franschhoek. This is one of those places that completely lives up to its name: A picturesque village in the prettiest vine-clad valley in the Cape Winelands surrounded by mountains and producing not only some of South Africa’s best wines, but also offering a gourmet experience foodies won’t be able to beat even if they end up in the real French countryside. Whether you’re taking a leisurely day along the Franschhoek Wine Route, dining at some of the top eateries in the country, sipping cappuccino at a pavement café in the village or cuddling your beloved before a log fire in your Franschhoek guest house, you’ll find this the perfect location for a honeymoon, romantic getaway or friends’ weekend break.
Franschhoek Highlights
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Wine Route: Franschhoek is home to some of the world’s best known wine farms including Dieu Donne, Boschendal, Graham Beck Wines, Val de Vie and Solms-Delta to name but a few. We always recommend you select just a handful for a full day’s tasting so as not to rush such a pleasurable pass time. Don’t forget to stock up on vino for your own cellar back home – most estates will pack wine for travel.
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Fine dining: Franschhoek is one of SA’s foodie meccas, with top restaurants vying for your attention with delectable menus. Akademie Street Boutique Hotelrecommends The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais, Reuben’s, Ryan’s Kitchen, Pierneef at La Motte and Babel at Babylonstoren as the best places to dine out in Franschhoek, while their ‘local’s tip’ is Kalfi’s, a family friendly restaurant.
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Festivals and Events: There are plenty of festivals and events in Franschhoek throughout the year. Look out for the Franschhoek Literary Festival, the Cap Classique & Champagne Festival, Franschhoek Uncorked, the Bastille Day Celebrations and the Cook Franschhoek event.
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Shopping: Buy anything from antiques and jewellery to fine art and deli fresh foods (handmade chocolates, artisan cheeses, locally grown olives and olive products) in the charming Village centre of Franschhoek. There are enough galleries to keep art lovers happy, while street vendors sell crafts and other goodies.
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Outdoor activities: Golf, horse riding, hiking, fishing, cycling – there is more than enough to keep the outdoor lovers happy year round in Franschhoek.
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Entertainment: Visit the Theatre @ Bridge House for musicals, jazz, choirs and ballet during the year. Or book an evening at the Screening Room, a decadently appointed, private movie house complete with plush velvet drapes and leather armchair-style seating showing art house and classic films.
Our Portfolio of Franschhoek Accommodation
Stay on a wine farm, on an olive farm, in a boutique hotel or guest house or B&B – Portfolio has a delightful range of Franschhoek accommodation establishments to suit all tastes, as long as you have excellent taste! You can choose to stay in the heart of the village or out in the farmlands in the shadow of the mountains with vineyards for views. When planning your holiday remember to check if there are any festivals or events happening as this could affect accommodation availability.
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