Franschhoek in South Africa

The charming town of Franschhoek in South Africa is nestled amidst breathtaking scenery and protected by the Drakenstein Mountain Range. The charming town is known for its first-class wineries and picturesque landscapes.

But Franschhoek boasts not only delicious wines and enchanting natural surroundings, but also historic buildings, great galleries and museums, as well as boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. In the following article, we present the most beautiful sights in Franschhoek and reveal which wineries we can recommend.

Franschhoek in South Africa
Sights in Franschhoek in South Africa
Restaurants and Cafés
Great Hotels in Franschhoek
Wineries in Franschhoek
Wine Tram in Franschhoek
Popular Tours in Franschhoek
Excursions around Franschhoek
Franschhoek in South Africa – Our Conclusion

The history of Franschhoek dates back to the late 1600s, when the region was settled by Dutch settlers. In 1688, a group of approximately 200 Huguenots, French-speaking Protestants, fled religious persecution in France. They were brought to South Africa and settled in the Franschhoek region. They brought their knowledge with them and contributed significantly to the development of the South African wine industry.

The name “Franschhoek” is derived from the Huguenots, who were French-speaking. It literally means “French Angle” or “French Corner.” This small town in the South African Winelands became a center of wine production, as not only the climate but also the fertile soil proved ideal for growing grapes.

Today, Franschhoek is a very popular destination for wine lovers, foodies, and culture vultures. You’ll find a variety of renowned wineries, restaurants, art galleries, and luxurious accommodations here. Although Franschhoek is very touristy, a visit is still worthwhile.

Sights in Franschhoek in South Africa

Franschhoek is not only known for its award-winning wineries and delicious food, but also for some lovely sights. From historical monuments to picturesque landscapes and great museums, Franschhoek has a variety of highlights for you to discover and explore. In the following section, we will introduce you to some sights in Franschhoek.

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1. Franschhoek Pass

The Franschhoek Pass (R45) is a very special mountain road that connects Franschhoek with Stellenbosch and Paarl. It leads through the spectacular landscape of the Cape Wine Region and offers great views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and vineyards. Look forward to 15 kilometers with many switchbacks and hairpin bends that promise an exciting drive.

Franschhoek Pass South Africa

During the drive, you will pass several viewpoints where you can let your gaze wander over the surrounding valleys and mountains. The drive over the 1825-meter-high Franschhoek Pass is not only a super convenient way to travel between the wine regions, but also a cool experience in itself. The view of the wide valley from the Franschhoek Pass Lookout Point is particularly recommended.

2. Huguenot Monument

The Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek is an important monument commemorating the arrival of the French Huguenots in the 17th century. The Huguenots were Protestants who fled France due to religious persecution and found refuge in South Africa. They contributed significantly to the cultural and economic development of the region. In addition to the monument, the Huguenot Memorial Museum contains information about the history of the Huguenots and their role in the settlement of the town. This provides an interesting insight into the lives of the Huguenots.

Information: The monument can be visited daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is located next to it. It is open Monday to Saturday (October – April) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the months of May to September, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays during these months. Adults pay R100 and children R50.

3. Dutch Reformed Church

The Dutch Reformed Church in Franschhoek, built in 1847, is one of the most important religious buildings in Franschhoek. It stands as a symbol of the faith and beliefs of the Huguenots and commemorates their role in Franschhoek’s history.

4. Charming Village Street

The main street in Franschhoek stretches for about one kilometer and is lined with a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. Here you’ll find cool souvenirs, handmade jewelry, clothing, and much more.

The main street is known for its art scene. Numerous art galleries showcase local artists and their works, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and much more. We browsed several galleries and would have loved to take some of the works home with us. But our wallets weren’t quite as full. Instead, we simply went with the flow and enjoyed the special flair of the small town to the fullest.

Our tips:

Franschhoek Square
Everard Read Gallery Franschhoek
Gerart Exclusive Art gallery
Vineyard Gallery Franschhoek
Huguenot Fine Chocolates
Cotonnier (women’s clothing)

5. Farm Sanctuary SA

Farm Sanctuary SA in Franschhoek is a unique animal welfare project dedicated to the welfare of rescued farm animals. It was established to provide a safe haven for animals rescued from abusive situations or otherwise in distress. The farm is home to cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and ducks, among others.

These animals were adopted here and now have a loving and safe home on this farm. Many of them have not only experienced abuse and neglect, but were also saved from the slaughterhouse, among other things.

Farm Sanctuary SA in Franschhoek is also home to a special and talented animal – a painting pig. The pig, named “Pigcasso”, has developed a unique ability to handle paint and canvas, creating truly abstract works of art.

This pig was also rescued and now lives on the farm. To raise funds for the farm, Pigcasso’s works are sold on site. A trip to this farm is a real highlight, especially with children, as you can even feed the animals on site.

Update 04/2024: PigCasse, the piglet, passed away from rheumatoid arthritis at the age of almost eight.

Address: Farm Sanctuary SA, 63 Dirkie Uys St, Franschhoek
Opening hours: Open daily, year-round, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free (donations are of course welcome)
On-site: Coffee, wine, snacks, feeding the animals, purchasing artwork, etc.

6. The Franschhoek Market

Are you in town on a Saturday? Then we have a great tip for you. Delicious food and drinks, great handicrafts, live music, and a relaxing time under the giant oak trees await you at the Franschhoek Village Market. The market takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (weather permitting) at 29 Huguenot Road.

7. First South African Perfume Museum

The First South African Perfume Museum, also known as “The Franschhoek Perfume House,” is a fantastic museum dedicated to the history and art of perfume. Here you can immerse yourself in the world of perfume and learn more about the production, development, and significance of scents.

The large collection of historic perfume bottles, perfumes, and perfume accessories from different eras and cultures is also really cool. In addition to the exhibition, the museum also houses a perfumery. And if you want something a little more, you can take part in a perfume workshop on site and create your own fragrance (from R620 per person).

Address: 13 Lambrechts Rd, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museum entrance fee: guided tour R120 per person

Restaurants and Cafés

A special highlight of the main street are the many first-class restaurants and cafés, which offer a wide range of culinary experiences. From upscale gourmet restaurants to cozy bistros and cafés, there’s something for every taste. The following restaurants and cafés are highly recommended:

Franschhoek Creamery – ice cream, frozen yogurt, and waffles
inVINcible wine shoppe/wine bar – wine shop and café Bar
Le Petit Manoir Franschhoek – fine dining (the eggs Benedict are to die for)
La Petite Colombe at Le Quartier Français – Cape dishes with a southern French influence
Terbodore Café – good coffee and small meals
Get Lost Coffee – cute café with a small shop

Great Hotels in Franschhoek

In the wine region, countless great hotels and guesthouses await you. The decision isn’t that easy. We’ve selected some beautiful accommodations that might be of interest to you on your trip. As always, we paid close attention to amenities, location, reviews, and the overall package during our research.

During our last trip, we stayed outside of town near Paarl on the beautiful Temple Wines* estate. This small, family-run winery boasts a stunning infinity pool with mountain views, great cottages, idyllic vineyards, and a fantastic breakfast. The owners (+ 5 dogs) are also extremely friendly and open-minded.

Wineries in Franschhoek

Franschhoek is known worldwide for its first-class wineries and the outstanding wines produced there. Of course, you should also visit some of the wineries and experience this very special atmosphere. For us, there is hardly a more beautiful area around Cape Town that catapults us into “vacation mode” as quickly as the Winelands in South Africa.

1. Boschendal

The Boschendal Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Franschhoek. It is known for its high-quality wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery also offers restaurants, a cute farm shop, guided wine tastings, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

You can even stay overnight in one of the beautiful cottages and villas. Picnics are also popular here (fully packed picnic baskets are available for R680 for two people).

Address: Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek
Opening hours for wine tasting: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Wine tasting: from R50 per person

2. La Motte

La Motte is a renowned winery known for its excellent wines and modern architecture. It produces a variety of varieties, including Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. On-site, you’ll find an art gallery with an impressive collection of South African art. We loved the winery’s very quiet and relaxed setting, the small farm shop, the bakery, and the beautifully landscaped garden with great sculptures and a pond.

Address: R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley
Opening hours for wine tasting: Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wine tasting: from R60 per person

3. Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, located at the foot of the Simonsberg in the Franschhoek Valley. The 200-hectare site awaits you with a huge garden divided into 15 sections. There you will find countless plant species, including herbs, vines, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, fruit, and vegetables. This area also includes a 5-star hotel, two restaurants, a bakery, and numerous small shops.

Various tours are offered on site, such as tours of the wine cellar or the gardens. Be sure to take enough time to explore the vast estate, which is more like an adventure world, and be prepared for a large number of visitors. At the entrance, you will receive a nice map of the area with all the important information.

Address: Klapmuts Simondium Road, Simondium, 7670
Opening hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wine tasting: from R90 per person
Entrance fees: R80 for adults, children under 18 free

4. Paserene Wine Farm

The Paserene Wine Farm is a small, family-run winery that produces luxurious, premium wines. On-site, you can sample the wines in a state-of-the-art tasting room and fully enjoy the panoramic views of the gardens and mountains. If you get hungry, you can order small regional dishes and varied gourmet platters.

Address: Farm 1665, PO Box 360, R45, Franschhoek
Opening times: daily from 10am to 5pm
Wine tasting: from R95 per person (4 wines)

Other recommended wineries near Franschhoek

Leopard’s Leap
Haute Cabrière
Vrede en Lust
Rickety Bridge
La Bri Wine Estate
Plaisir de Merle

Wine Tram in Franschhoek

One of the most popular activities in Franschhoek is a ride on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. With a historic tram (and buses) You can leisurely commute between the region’s various wineries, enjoy wine tastings, and admire the picturesque landscape. The various routes cover a selection of wineries, from the most famous and largest to small boutique wineries that produce exquisite wines.

The Wine Tram Franschhoek travels from winery to winery and takes you to up to 8 wineries a day, almost like a hop-on hop-off bus. “Bus” is a good keyword, because only 5 wineries are actually accessible by tram. All the others are reached by bus, although it looks very similar to a tram.

At the individual stops along the route, you will have the opportunity to explore the different wineries and learn more about winemaking and the history of the region.

Popular Tours in Franschhoek

Franschhoek offers many different tours and excursions, giving you the chance to experience the region’s beauty, world-class wines, and excellent food. Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a foodie, a nature lover, or a history buff, there is something for everyone here.

Guided Winery Tour by E-Bike*
Down Hill Scooter Tour in Franschhoek*
Cape Town: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch Wine Tour*
Day hikes in the Franschhoek, Paarl, and Stellenbosch mountains*
Full-day wine tour from Franschhoek*

Excursions around Franschhoek

There’s also plenty to see around Franschhoek. If you enjoy nature, the following nature reserves might be of interest to you. For example, the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve with lush forests, rolling hills, and imposing mountain peaks, or the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, which covers an area of approximately 9,800 hectares and encompasses a diverse landscape with spectacular mountains, deep valleys, clear rivers, and lush vegetation. You can enjoy hikes and bike tours in both nature reserves.

Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

The Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is open from sunrise to sunset. A day ticket costs R70 per person and can be purchased at the main entrance from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (also online). Please note: Cash is not accepted here; only credit cards, Zappers, or Masterpass cards are accepted. The most popular hikes include the following trails: Breakfast Rock Trail, Uitkyk Trail, Perdekop Trail, and Vista Trail. You can find more information here: Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

The reserve is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in summer and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter. Entrance fee is R50 for adults and R30 for children. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the MTO website or at the main entrance. The most popular hikes include the following trails: Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof Trail, Swartboskloof Trail, and Panorama Trail. You can find all the information here: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve brochure.