Franschhoek is on route 45 to the west of Cape Town. Settled more than three hundred years ago by the French Huguenots, the Franschhoek Valley produces some good wines and has some very well known restaurants.
Franschhoek lies on the banks of the Berg River against a backdrop of the towering Franschhoek and Drakenstein Mountains. Wine tastings are available at one of the wineries on the Vignerons de Franschhoek.
Franschhoek’s main street is lined with shops and galleries providing a choice of antiques, art, crafts, bric-a-brac, fromageries, Chocolaterie and coffee shops. Visit the Forestry Station for hiking, cycling, horse riding or fly-fishing. The French heritage is explained at the Huguenot Memorial Museum.
Franschhoek offers everything from internationally acclaimed country lodges to intimate B&B’s, charming country guest houses to comfortable self-catering cottages. The tourist information office is at
29a Huguentot Street (021 876 3603).
