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Travel bucket list idea:

A day in Franschhoek

  • Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

Last updated: 17 July, 2024

Cradled in a valley of fynbos-clad mountains, the ‘French Corner’ of the Cape Winelands is famous for outstanding food and wine experiences. The lovely, character-filled town of Franschhoek, known as South Africa’s gourmet capital, is the hub for exploring the best of it. From boutique wineries offering cellar tours and tastings, to charming bistros and fine dining in the heart of the village, it is a bucket list destination for bacchanalian adventures.

Alongside the feast of food and wine, there’s culture to discover here too, from the town’s graceful Huguenot Monument to the many art galleries dotted along the main road and on surrounding estates.

If it’s joie de vivre in the Cape you’re after, head straight to Franschhoek. It’s barely an hour’s drive from Cape Town – very doable for a day trip – though foodies and oenophiles will undoubtedly want to stay longer.

Recommendations

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  • Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

Babylonstoren Gardens, located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is a historic farm and garden that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and contemporary farming practices. Established in 1692, Babylonstoren boasts one of the best-preserved Cape Dutch farmyards and a stunning 8-acre garden inspired by the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town.

The gardens feature a diverse array of plant species, including fruit orchards, vegetable patches, indigenous plants, and fragrant herb gardens, all arranged in a visually appealing and functional layout. Visitors can explore winding pathways, tranquil ponds, and scenic vistas, experiencing the farm’s rich biodiversity and seasonal changes. There’s also an excellent on-site restaurant, and an elegant farm shop that sells local foods and homewares.

They offer daily walking tours guided by the estate horticulturists. These showcase both the sustainable farming techniques and the historical significance of the estate.

A must for gardeners and food-to-table devotees.

Good for age: 18+

Franschhoek Motor Museum

  • Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

A yellow Jaguar D-Type vintage racing car on display at the Franschhoek motor museum.

Experience

Showcasing over 200 classic cars from the Rupert family’s private collection, petrolheads can delve into a century of motoring history, from South Africa’s first Model T Ford to the rare Ferrari Enzo. It’s open daily, but you must book an appointment via the website before you go. You can also book a ride in a classic car.

Adult price: £5

Good for age: 4+

  • Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

Rickety Bridge Winery a tourist tram ride between vineyards in the Franschhoek Valley Western Cape Southern Africa

Bucket List Experience

Franschhoek Wine Tram

The best way to explore this fantastic, world-class wine region is on the Wine Tram.

 

 

This charismatic hop on hop off experience allows you to visit multiple wineries in one day – as and when you please – without having to worry about getting home afterwards. Vineyards on the route offer wine tastings, cellar and vineyard tours, exceptional dining – and world-class wine. Along the way, your driver will tell you the history of wine production in the valley.

There are five equally excellent routes to choose from, each stopping at 7-8 vineyards, though usually 3 to 4 visits are enough in one day. Highlights to look out for include Sir Richard Branson’s Mont Rochelle (Blue line) and Babylonstoren (orange line).

The concept was inspired by the history of the Franschhoek branch line, which dates back to 1904 and was originally used to transport wine and produce from the valley to Cape Town. It’s all run by a private company dedicated to promoting the region’s rich wine heritage.

Franschhoek is an easy day trip from Cape Town  – see our recommended tours below. They’ll arrange everything for you, including dropping you off and picking you up from the start/end points of the Wine Tram, with return transfers from the city to Franschhoek.

Adult price: £15

Good for age: 8+

Duration: 1 day

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

This elegant memorial commemorates the story of the French Huguenots – Protestant refugees who fled religious persecution in France during the late 17th and early 18th centuries (the three arches symbolise the Holy Trinity). Seeking freedom to practice their faith, many Huguenots settled in the Cape, specifically in the area now known as Franschhoek, giving it its nickname of ‘French Corner’.

Unveiled in 1948, the memorial stands as a tribute to these settlers and their significant contributions to the region’s development, particularly in viticulture and agriculture. The Huguenots brought with them valuable skills and knowledge, which helped establish the Cape’s wine industry, laying the foundations for what is today one of South Africa’s most famous wine regions.

There’s also a small museum next door housing artefacts, documents, and exhibits detailing the Huguenots’ history, journey, and impact on the Cape.

A worthwhile visit for anyone interested in the region’s history and cultural development.

Good for age: 18+

Duration: -

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

This small museum, opened in 2012, showcases the history of perfume through an extensive collection of rare antique bottles, vintage advertisements, and classic fragrances, and offers visitors an immersive experience into the art of perfume-making.

Adult price: £5

Good for age: 13+

Duration: -

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Franschhoek is situated an hour’s drive from Cape Town. It’s easy to self-drive in and around town, but remember that drinking and driving is illegal. A guided tour – or ticket for the Franschhoek Wine Tram – is a better way to sip, savour and explore in the valley. The town itself is small enough to explore on foot.

While it’s accessible as a day trip, if time allows, it’s worth spending a few nights in the valley. You have two broad choices on where to stay: in the village, or on one of the surrounding wine estates. Accommodation in the town puts dozens of restaurants and boutiques within walking distance, so a good option if you’re not self-driving, or want to explore more than relax. Wine farm accommodation is ideal if you’re planning lazy days by the pool, with the occasional outing.

When to do it

Franschhoek is a wonderful destination year-round. In winter the mountains are snow-capped and fires crackle in cosy tasting rooms, while summer brings sultry sunny days perfect for the poolside.

Though the valley gets busy in the peak summer months (November – February) it rarely feels crowded. Be aware that some restaurants close over winter.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Cape Town

Spend an enriching day discovering the Cape's top wine regions of Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch with a knowledgeable local guide. This 3 regions Cape Winelands tour offers a comprehensive wine experience and includes: - explore Stellenbosch - indulge in a savoury wine pairing along with an informative cellar tour in Stellenbosch. - savour a diverse wine tasting in the stunning Franschhoek Valley, - enjoy a sweet wine pairing in Paarl, Whether you're a visitor or a local, this tour is a must-do for wine enthusiasts seeking to experience the best of South Africa's renowned wine regions.

Price ZAR 750

Min age 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [2775 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cape Town

For wine lovers who want to get insider knowledge of the South African wine industry or just enjoy the amazing Cape Winelands. This is a private day tour with a specialist wine guide that you can design by choosing four wine estates in the Stellenbosch/Franschhoek/Paarl area for wine tastings, or we provide a customised itinerary to you.

Price ZAR 3,599

Min age 18

Rating 4.96 / 5 [670 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cape Town

The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of this picturesque valley, its rolling vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300-year history. This tour includes a return transfer from Cape Town in a luxury air-conditioned motor coach and a full day riding the tram and tram buses around the wine estates.

Price ZAR 750

Min age 4

Rating 4.63 / 5 [509 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cape Town

Experience the unmistakable beauty of the Cape Winelands on an all-inclusive shared full-day wine-tasting tour with lunch and sample some of the best wines in South Africa. Stop at heritage monuments as you travel in a shared minibus with live commentary from your tour guide. Follow the ever-popular wine route to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. This tour includes wine-tasting fees and lunch.

Price ZAR 1,700

Min age 2

Rating 4.59 / 5 [270 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cape Town

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a lover of natural beauty you'll be swept away on this wine tour to the famous Stellenbosch, Paarl Valley and Franschhoek wineries. Combining historic villages, stunning scenery and fabulous wines, this day trip will have your senses working overtime!

Price ZAR 1,770

Min age 2

Rating 4.46 / 5 [114 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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