Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

More than three centuries ago about 200 French Huguenots, having escaped religious persecution, settled in the Berg River Valley and founded the community of Franschhoek. With its fine balmy summers and the majority of its rainfall in winter, the French Huguenots recognised the potential of the region for wine production and fruit growing.

Franschhoek Wine

The French established vast wine estates throughout the valley. Today you will not only find many of these estates but also numerous small family vineyards. Sixteen of these vineyards form part of the Vignerons de Franschhoek which was formed to promote the valley and its wines.

The wine route is open for tastings and cellar tours and is within half an hours drive from Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Somerset West wine routes. Franschhoek also forms part of the scenic Four Passes Fruit Route.

Restaurants in Franschhoek

Franschhoek is often referred to as ``the gourmet capital of the Cape" and this title is justly deserved as it has some of the finest restaurants in the country. With meals ranging from French cuisine, to typical Cape cooking, to simple country fare, there is a menu for every taste and for every pocket.

Originally known as Le Quartier Francais –‘The French Quarter’ – this beautiful valley of the Berg River became home to the Huguenots who fled France to escape religious persecution in 1688.

Apart from the excellent wine estates in the district of Franschoek, the town has become known as the ‘food and wine capital’ of the Cape, with tourists flocking here from all over the world to enjoy it’s hospitality. The picturesque main street of Franschoek is lined with several old cottages housing quaint shops and art galleries.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Cape Town 85 km, Stellenbosch 32 km, Paarl 32 km.

Average Daily Temperatures

Winter 7°c – 17°c; summer 16°c – 29°c

Average Rainfall

July 140 mm, January 27 mm.

Rivers:

(near vicinity) Berg River, Dwars River, Franschhoek River

Dams

Wemmershoek Dam

Banks

Absa, Standard, Boland PKS, First National

ARM’s - 3

HISTORICAL VIEW

Huguenot Monument & Museum

Commemorates South African Huguenot Heritage

NATURE

Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

This 1759 ha reserve, adjoining the Hawequas and Nuweberg state forests, consists of rugged, mountainous terrain. A variety of mammal and bird species occur within the reserve, including klipspringer and grey rhebok. It is also home to 28 reptile species. There are no facilities in the reserve.permits are required to entre the area, and can be obtained from the Franschhoek municipality, the museum or the Tourism Bureau. The reserve is open throughout the year, but may be closed due to adverse weather conditions.

Accommodation in and around Drakensberg