Location: Franschhoek
Top Things to do in Franschhoek
Top 5 Sights & Landmarks in Franschhoek, Western Cape
The village of Franschhoek (French Corner), tucked into the Cape Winelands of South Africa, is known as the country's food and wine capital. Galleries and antique shops fill the tree-lined streets, and vineyards established more than 300 years ago cascade over the hills just outside town. Local activities range from wine-tasting tours to trout fishing and hiking. The Huguenot Memorial Museum honors the town's early settlers, who fled religious persecution in France.
Restaurants in Franschhoek
1. Boschendal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,494 reviews
Agriculture and a simple farm lifestyle is at the heart of Boschendal. One of the oldest farms in South Africa, founded 1685, the farm has grown with the passing centuries into a cherished source of wholesome produce, great wines and happy memories. Set in the Drakenstein Valley surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, lush gardens and vines, the original farmstead complex is now a national monument with a rich and intriguing history of more than 300 years. Today, Boschendal is a Cape winelands icon and a cherished wine and food destination. Our vineyards and fruit trees have been joined by vegetable gardens and a growing herd of free range, 100% pasture fed Angus cattle reflecting our commitment to serving wholesome farm-to-table food. Guest accommodation is also a recent addition to the farm with luxurious cottage accommodation ranging from the exclusive and historic Rhodes Cottage built by Sir Herbert Baker to the elegantly restored Werf Cottages. Cottage guests enjoy access to the entire farm where they can walk and cycle on trails through mountain fynbos, dine under the stars, have picnics and sundowners in exclusive areas, fly-fish in the dams and swim in pristine mountain water.
Reviewed By brianmK8342CG - Los Angeles, United States
Stellenbosch is beautiful but the Franschhoek valley where Boschendal Winery Estate is located is simply other-worldly breathtaking. If heaven on earth exists, this may just be it! The farm is enormous straddling both sides of the main road from Stellenbosch. However, the public area (manor houses, restaurants, winery, gardens, stores, etc. and activities centers (bike rentals, horseback riding, spa, wine-tastings, etc.) and all the Werf cottages are all on the same side at the main entrance. The other cottages are across the street scattered in the vineyards, pastures, and work farms but only accessible via security gate and thus cannot be accessed unless a guest of one of the cottages or farm residents. This side of the farm is not really walkable to/from the main winery so you need a bike, a car, or must take advantage of their free shuttles. The estate is absolutely stunning (see photos). We were there for a wedding and the wedding guests took over most of the cottages, which made the entire stay very familiar. The main manor house and adjacent buildings (shops, restaurants, bakery, reception) is located in a tree-lined gorgeous courtyard. Vineyards and farm gardens (from which 90% of all restaurant ingredients are sourced) are located adjacent to the main manor house with superb views of the valley. Cellar tour, wine-tastings, horseback riding, and spa are all located in nearby manor houses complex in the opposite direction from the main entrance. We stayed in a 2-bedroom Orchard Cottage and it was enormous! The size of an apartment with separate kitchen/dinette, living room with satellite TV and pretty good wi-fi. Lots of room to relax, spread out, and get comfortable. Working wood stove inside (which we used on one chilly night to our delight) and a large outdoor porch with wood fireplace for keeping warm on chilly nights or grilling some BBQ (grocery essentials available at the main manor house store). Food at all of the restaurants was OUTSTANDING and scrumptious and a great value. Wine was exceptional (in-room complimentary, both restaurants, and tastings). We rented bikes for a half day (that's all you need unless you're a pro because most of the trails are quite difficult for the average person). We struggled on the steep parts but LOVED the trails in the flats, especially the yellow trail through the woods. We did horseback riding and it's what you'd expect if you've ever done it before. Horses are slow and safe (a bit boring for me, I like to run and gallop free) but the ride and scenery are breathtaking (see photos) and it's a relaxed chill thing to do with friends. Be warned, the farm is pretty much isolated to itself and be aware of closing times for the on-farm stores and restaurants because they close early (at least for us it seemed early) and if you miss their times, you either don't eat or you have Uber all the way to Stellenbosch (20 minutes) for options, which after 8pm are quite limited as well. If you plan correctly, this shouldn't be a problem. We were there for 4 days (Thursday - Sunday) and we definitely noticed a big increase in visitors over the weekend. If you can, plan your stay on week days - you'll enjoy it less crowded and better chance you can do what you want. Weekends things definitely fill up and sell out so make sure you have reservations. The wedding was awesome. Outdoors at sunset and the reception building was perfectly fit to the event. The food was INCREDIBLE! I ate myself into oblivion. All staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond. What an incredible experience - we did not want to leave. Day trip is fine but if you can, stay a couple days and really embrace the good life!
2. Franschhoek Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,064 reviews
Reviewed By dewaldr - Cape Town Central, South Africa
Having not driven the Franschhoek Pass in a long time I immediately grabbed the opportunity when it came up. The pass is about 13 km (give or take) and is slow and winding. Although the driver needs to focus a lot on this route, there are some areas where you can pull over and take in the beautiful views which make it worthwhile. On the one side of the pass you have the town of Franschhoek with the pass looking over it in certain sections, and on the other side you have Theewaterskloof dam which is the largest dam providing water to the City of Cape Town and surrounds. The pass can get very busy and has been closed on numerous occasions in the past because of rock slides, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. Also, something to note is that during winter when it is really cold, the surrounding mountains can be covered in snow which is always special to see.
3. Dutch Reformed Church
4. The Huguenot Memorial Monument
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By Mobile35942195053 - Bristol, United Kingdom
Very fitting memorial to the Huguenot family that fled France and then basically creating Franschhoek, and the wine region here for what we can appreciate today. Situated at one end of the village with the mountains as its backdrop, this is worth the short walk when staying in Franschhoek.
5. Le Bonheur Reptiles And Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 159 reviews
We aim to provide engaging experiences that nurtures respect for the african nile crocodile and other reptiles. The idea family destination, Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures also offers outdoor adventures ( catch and release fishing, cycle track for 5 - 11 year olds, picnics, waterside braai's, row boating, and wood fires pizzas )
Reviewed By hayleyd139
We stayed 3 nights at Le Bonheur and didn't want to leave. The accommodation was very comfortable and loved having the fresh coffee and rusks left for us each morning. The views were amazing and great food in the restaurant. We had the croc tour, the guide was really friendly and informative. As it was so quiet we also got to watch the baby crocs hatching which was amazing. We also did the croc cage diving which was one of the best experiences ever getting so close to the crocs. Hopefully we can visit again soon and would definitely book into the onsite accommodation again.
