Location: Franschhoek
Top Things to do in Franschhoek
What to do and see in Franschhoek, Western Cape: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
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. Eikehof
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 242 reviews
The boutique winery of the Malherbes of Eikehof can be found amongst the decades of old oak trees from which it get its name. Fourth generation Francois Malherbe makes his wine in the same cellar that his great grandfather used. Eikehof has one of the oldest still producing vineyard blocks in South Africa.
Reviewed By Funinstore - Franschhoek, South Africa
Great wine, warm hospitality and great atmosphere are all ingredients that make a visit to this unique family run wine farm so special.
2. First South African Perfume Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 251 reviews
We invite you to visit us in Franschhoek in the heart of Cape Town- one of the most beautiful. diverse, and exciting city in the world,. At the first South African Perfume Museum you can explore an extensive and comprehensive permanent collection that includes antique masterpieces., You'll also experience engaging, cutting-edge exhibition and workshops that reflect a fresh view of the amazing world of perfume. The mission of the our Museum is to act as a bridge between the rich heritage of world of perfume, as embodied in its collection, and the unique experience of each visitor. Dedicated to the primacy of the visitor experience, committed to excellence in every aspect of its collection and workshops, and drawing on both new and traditional tools of communication, interpretation, and presentation, the Museum aims to serve its diverse public as a dynamic, innovative, and welcoming place for learning through the amazing art of perfume.
Reviewed By virginiaswart - Western Cape, South Africa
Who would think there would be a museum for perfumes?! definitely an experience for anyone who loves scents and would like to create your own one.
3. Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By 137shirleys - London, United Kingdom
We visited in December 2019 and we passed just two other people all day. We bought passes in the tourist office in Franschhoek (the hut was closed when we arrived) and bought a map of the different trails. It's very well signposted throughout though. We walked the Perdekop Trail which was a great walk with fantastic views. The only issue we had is that we didn't think following the map route (clockwise) was a sensible idea. The hardest part of the walk is the descent. W'd have preferred a hard ascent at the start of a walk rather than a hard descent at the end of it (and, as it was later in the day, it was much hotter). It would have been a much easier descent back to the car park going the other way. Also, heed the advice - take lots of water, bring a hat and lots of sunscreen - there's no shelter. We took a litre each which wasn't enough. We topped up in a mountain stream - but I wouldn't rely on it if doing one of the longer walks.
4. Franschhoek Motor Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,606 reviews
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. LIMITED TIME SLOTS. The Franschhoek Motor Museum offers visitors a special opportunity to look back at more than 100 years of motoring history with its unique and exciting collection of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and memorabilia in the magnificent setting of L'Ormarins. Across the length and breadth of Southern Africa, only one place can adequately portray the evolution of the automobile, The Franschhoek Motor Museum.
Reviewed By 459niccih - Johannesburg, South Africa
We are a family of five - three teens who have very different interests and we all really enjoyed the motor museum with the cherry on top - the president-booked drive around in two of the vintage cars.
5. Glenwood Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
GlenWood is a very special place. Located in the little-known valley of Robertsvlei, a few kilometers from Franschhoek, close to Cape Town, the farm is surrounded by aspects of outstanding natural beauty. Using only the best materials and sustainable viticulturist practices, we have developed the farm over the past thirty years, winning numerous awards for our vineyards and our hand-crafted wines. Our credo, "simple, natural, quality", pervades our thinking across all parts of the business; simple, be it architecture, label design or the way we approach decisions; natural, be it the farming practices we use, the wine making process itself, or the replanting of indigenous fynbos throughout the farm; quality, be it of the grapes we produce, the wines we vinify, or the human relationships we foster on and off the farm.
Reviewed By AndreaS712 - Fleet, United Kingdom
A little off the beaten track, although still acessible on the wine tram, this vineyard has an unpretentious and friendly vibe and a very beautiful setting. We indulged in the wine and fine dining tasting experience. We were guided through it by Lydia who was knowledgable and very attentive. Because everything is cooked fresh it is not a quick meal but why would you want to rush when everything is such a treat for the senses? While we were waiting for an Uber to take us back to town we bumped into the owner and his wife who were so friendly and welcoming it was the perfect end to a perfect wine tasting.
6. La Bourgogne Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
La Bourgogne Farm offers a relaxed garden environment where you can enjoy our boutique style wines and fresh produce from our deli. We produce our own extra virgin olive oil and offer unique tastings. We are child and pet friendly so come and enjoy a family day out with us on the farm.
Reviewed By idand80 - Tel Aviv, Israel
Uh it such a great place! Great wine (the Malbec), great burger and very nice people. Also the dogs are so cute :)
7. Moreson
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By MRLC73 - Hong Kong, China
Visited on a quiet day for a late lunch and tasting in the estate gardens. We had a couple of charcuterie/cheese boards, which were very good and ploughed our way through most of the wines. We also had an impromptu tour of the winery. Moreson make some excellent wines, particularly their pinotage, which is some of the best in South Africa. They also do a decent gin. We bought quite a bit of wine to take away so they waived the tasting fee.
8. 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.
