What to do and see in Franschhoek, Western Cape: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

June 24, 2021 Cedrick Jardin

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. Lynx Wine

Wemmershoek Rd, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 21 867 0406 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/LynxWines/
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 322 reviews

Lynx Wine

Lynx Wine Estate - because life is to short for later Our Estate- is a Boutique Winefarm in Franschhoek, producing expressive wines that reflect the passion of the owners, winemaker and his small, dedicated team. We pride ourselves in our friendly, personal and informative cellar tours – not to mention our numerous award winning wines. We at Lynx are sure to make your stay with our delicious and award-winning wines to a memorable stay. Do not wait for later, you might miss a perfect way to start the day.

Reviewed By LudgerDUS

We had 16 wonderful days and nights at the Lynx Estate. It is a perfect location to relax: we with a personally prepared breakfast by the chef and then went for a round of golf on of the best golf courses in the area..eg. Pearl Valley is just around the corner (but so many others). Otherwise, we hiked in the mountains with great views of the cape region and finally yet importantly enjoyed the excellent food. In the afternoon, the seawater pool is great and was very refreshing, freshly baked cupcakes and other treats are available. We stayed in the “Grand Suite 2”: furnished with taste and with a breath-taking view from sunrise to sunset over the wine yard…the excellent Lynx Chardonnay was must at night. The AC worked perfectly. The staff is just so caring and makes sure that you have a wonderful stay (Apartment was cleaned every day)…can’t wait to go back!

2. Haut Espoir Winery

3 Excelsior Road, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 21 876 4000 [email protected] http://www.hautespoir.com/
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

Haut Espoir Winery

Haut Espoir is a boutique wine estate and cellar in Franschhoek, South Africa. Developed and run by the Armstrong Family since 1999, we produce distinctive, handcrafted wines in harmony with nature. The literal translation of Haut Espoir is 'High Hope'. We are the custodians of a 23 hectare farm, of which 8 hectares are planted with shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot and cabernet franc. The remainder of the land is dedicated to fynbos restoration, a riverine ecosystem, olive groves and vegetable and herb garden. At Haut Espoir, winemaking goes hand in hand with conservation. We have been transitioning to biodynamic agriculture since 2011. We focus on minimal impact to the environment with our viticultural practices. We have actively restored the environment around us andno fungicides, insecticides or commercially bought fertilisers are used. Water conservation is practised daily and our winery effluent is managed through a bio-reactor and wetland system.

Reviewed By MRLC73 - Hong Kong, China

We visited for a tasting and chat with Rob the proprietor; his hospitality - as on previous visits - left a warm feeling in the heart and some unsteadiness in the legs. Tasting was by appointment only so give him a call in advance. We tasted the range and bought a few bottles. The wine is biodynamic and Haut Espoir holds its wine back a little longer than most South Africa wineries, so you get a little more maturity. When we visited, he was stoking up the braai for a party of cyclists due in for lunch. I suspect it would be well worth looking into for a larger party.

3. La Rochelle Wine Tours

Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 211 reviews

La Rochelle Wine Tours

La Rochelle Tours (Est 2000) with the main focus being on conducting personalised wine tours in small groups (2-13) visiting less commercial wineries when possible. Our 2 specialized wine tourism guides are educated by the Cape Wine Academy. All guided tours and transfers by La Rochelle Tours are done in a professional way & we try to exceed expectations on a daily basis. We like to share information about wine in a fun & relaxing manner. Wine should be enjoyed & learning more about it can be fun. We are based in Franschhoek & we would love to share our passion for wine with you! We now also offer restaurant (lunch) or inter town transfer daily. Transfers to and from Franschhoek and Cape Town International Airport now also available. Collections for wine tours from Franschhoek, Stellenbosch & Paarl. Contact us directly when booking to ensure we plan the best possible day for you! The Team: Tour Guides: Danelle & Aylmer Drivers For our Non-Guide Services: Johan, Francois & Andrew

4. Eikehof

Eikehof La-Motte, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 21 876 2469 [email protected] http://www.eikehof.com
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 242 reviews

Eikehof

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.

5. First South African Perfume Museum

Lambrechts Street, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 74 121 0012 [email protected] http://www.firstsouthafricanperfumemuseum.com/
Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 251 reviews

First South African Perfume Museum

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.

6. Paserene

R45 Farm 1665, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 21 876 2714 [email protected] http://Paserene.com
Excellent
85%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 74 reviews

Paserene

Reviewed By Thamietraveler

Had an amazing wine tasting, the service from the stuff was great, such a nice views from every angle, the Franschhoek mountains and my favourite wine is Chardonnay. Am definitely going back for another tasting ❤

7. Boschendal

Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek 7680 South Africa +27 21 870 4273 [email protected] http://www.boschendal.com/
Excellent
58%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,494 reviews

Boschendal

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!

8. Hey Joe Brewery

Excellent
75%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

Hey Joe Brewery

Located 2km outside of Franschhoek, our 11 ha La Brasserie farm is more than just the host of our Belgian- Abbey styled brewery. We offer a wide array of activities for you, your entire family and even your pets to enjoy. A unique day experience unmatched by any brewery in South Africa. Come and be apart of the celebration of a more simpler lifestyle.

9. Dieu Donne Vineyards & Views

45 Off R, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 21 876 2493 [email protected] http://www.dieudonnevineyards.com
Excellent
53%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 309 reviews

Dieu Donne Vineyards & Views

Dieu Donné is situated high on the steep south-west facing slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, encouraging a cool climate and combined with the rocky soils of weathered granite, a unique terroir has been created. Rarely disputed as the "BEST View over the Franschhoek Valley & Delicious boutique wines"

Reviewed By Z5657CFnickg

If you don’t like good food/ good wine/ stunning views/ lovely people - all at a very reasonable £25 pp -then don’t come here; it would be a wasted journey! However, if the above does resonate, then make the trip (to Franschhoek) and squeeze in a lunch here...... We have been coming here for the past 15+ years and have never been disappointed.

10. La Motte Wine Estate

R45 Main Street, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 21 876 8000 [email protected] http://www.la-motte.com/
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 606 reviews

La Motte Wine Estate

Reviewed By CarolynG2003 - Harare, Zimbabwe

Visited the art gallery, principally to see the Pierneef works there, it is beautifully curated and cared for in perfect conditions, with many interesting links to the family of the La Motte estate. Followed by a light lunch, delicious array of local food as starters and a small choice of mains, all served with humour and smiles. And of course, good wine! Thank you!

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