Welcome to Franschhoek
French Huguenots settled in this spectacular valley over 300 years ago, bringing their vines with them. Ever since, this Winelands town has clung to its French roots, and July visitors will find that Bastille Day is celebrated here. Franschhoek bills itself as the country’s gastronomic capital, and you’ll certainly have a tough time deciding where to eat. Plus, with a clutch of art galleries, wine farms and stylish guesthouses thrown in, it really is one of the loveliest towns in the Cape.
Top experiences in Franschhoek
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Recent articles
Franschhoek activities
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl Valley Wine Day Trip
Leaving Cape Town you'll start the day with a visit to Paarl and the spectacular Paarl Valley. Here you can enjoy a wine tasting and cellar tour at one of the local estates. The tour continues to the beautiful village of Franschhoek, deep in the Cape Winelands, surrounded by vineyards, verdant valleys and rolling mountains. Fantastic Cape Dutch Architecture remains preserved in the town thanks to restrictions that help retain the spirit of the original Huguenot settlers. We will stop in Franschhoek for lunch (for guest's own expense) and another wine tasting at an excellent wine estate.Then it's on to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa and the historic heart of the country's wine region. The final wine tasting will take place here at one of the well-known estates. The red grape variety Pinotage is unique to the area, but all the classics are represented here: Shiraz, Chardonnay and Semillon. With the air scented with sweet grapes and the trees softly swaying in the wind, the Cape Winelands is a wine lover's paradise and a truly relaxing way to spend the day!Please note: this tour may run in reverse.
Cape Winelands Private Tour and Tastings from Cape Town
Pick up at your hotel or guest house or Cruise Liner at 9:30am in Cape Town, Paarl, Stellenbosch, or Franschhoek and drive to Stellenbosch, the biggest wine region in South Africa. A beautiful city tour follows along avenues of oak trees. The dirve includes a University drive, the second oldest University in the country and the only place where you can obtain degrees in wine making. Your guide will give you a short historical overview of the area of the second oldest town in South Africa with beautiful buildings in Cape Dutch, Victorian abd Georgean styles of architecture.The first tasting follows where you sample five different wines.The picturesque drive takes you to the Campus of the University, but also to the oldest part of the town. We now do a stunning mountain drive on our way to Franschhoek, the town where the French Huguenots settled many years ago. We then taste the wines of this region. Lunch will be in Franschhoek on an estate offering you spectacular views over the valley.The road now takes us to Paarl via the Drakenstein Prison - "Victor Verster". The late Ex President Nelson Mandela was released from this prison in February1990. After a picture stop we do a Paarl Main Street drive on our way to the last vineyard for a master tasting which may be biltong and wine pairing or wine and cheese pairing or even a beer tasting.. Paarl Main Street boasts with the best examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian and Geor gian architecture in the country. Return to our original departure point at approximately 5pm.
Cape Winelands with Stellenbosch: Private Tour from Cape Town
Start your tour at 9h30 or 13h30 and drive to Stellenbosch,the largest wine region in South Africa, Tasting follows on one of the many beautiful estates.Thereafter visit and sample wines in Franschhoek, another excellent wine region. Note you will be guided by a very knowledgeable guide all along the way. Your first stop In Stellenbosch stop will be at one of the many beautiful estates to taste the first five wines. Stellenbosch city tour follows.Continue along avenues with well-preserved buildings in Cape Dutch and Victorian styles of architecture. Visit the oldest part of this town before a drive to explore the campus of the university, the second oldest in South Africa. Enjoy another wine tasting follows on an estate also known for award-winning wines according to our wine-guide "John Platter". You then visit the Franschhoek region. Time permitting, you do a city tour.The French Huguenotes settled here many years ago and brought their wine-makinf skills to the area. Stop for the last tasting before being dropped off around 13h30 or 17h30.
Western Cape Wine Tasting and Culinary Tour from Cape Town
Departing your accommodation, you're taken along the Stellenbosch Wine Route to the Zevenwacht Wine Estate, located about 20 minutes from Cape Town. Admire scenery that is completely different from the landscape of the Cape Peninsula. Numerous grapes are grown in the region, such as chenin blanc, shiraz, pinotage, and the méthode cap classique (sparkling wine). Upon reaching the small but vibrant town of Stellenbosch, enjoy your first tasting at a wine cellar.Next up is the Marianne Wine Estate, located in Franschhoek, an old Huguenot village translated as the 'French Corner.' You will be enchanted by the town's charm and tranquil atmosphere while you taste of the region's best wines and cheeses.En route to Paarl, your guide will point out Drakenstein Prison, a low-security prison where Nelson Mandela spent the last part of his sentence for campaigning against apartheid. On arrival in the town, which offers a fascinating window into Afrikaner cultural traditions, learn about the former haven for Huguenot pioneers who came from Europe at the beginning of the 17th century. Your day trip ends with the return to Cape Town and drop-off at your hotel.
Full-Day Franschhoek Wine Tram Experience from Cape Town
Your day tour starts with hotel pickup in Cape Town for the transfer to Franschhoek Valley, home to picturesque vineyards, fine wines and cuisine, and a centuries-old history. As you board the Franschhoek Wine Tram, look forward to stops at two distinguished wine estates, with the chance to explore the wine farms with their charming heritage and natural scenery and also enjoy two wine tastings and a delicious lunch (food and drinks, except for two included wine tastings, are at your own expense). Franschhoek is home to a variety of cellars, from boutique wineries to large operations. Enjoy award-winning varietals, from plump reds to elegant whites to sparkling wine, as well as fantastic Franschhoek cuisine that the area is acclaimed for. Your storytelling guide takes you on a tour through Franschhoek village, sharing with you the fascinating history of the French Huguenots as you visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum. You'll also learn about wine cultivation in the valley as you take in views of the vineyards. When the Huguenots first settled in Franschhoek Valley more than 300 years ago, they brought with them their knowledge and traditions of winemaking and viticulture from their home country of France, transforming their Franschhoek surroundings into one of the most beautiful valleys around. This proud heritage is still evident today in the village and farms. When your time in the valley is up, you'll return to Cape Town to end your tour.For 2019 season: the tour will include a visit to the well-known Cape Dutch Farm, Babylonstoren.
Full-Day Winelands Tour with Tastings from Cape Town
Begin your day with a pickup from your Cape Town accommodations. Travel along the National Road number two to your first winery, De Morgenzon. There, you will taste 3 different delectable wines with your group. Afterwards, take a historical tour of Stellenbosch as your guide gives you the background of this charming town. Next, head to the Marianne winery where you will enjoy a wine pairing of 6 wines with Biltong, a dried meat similar to beef jerky. Make a trip to the Fairview Winery and enjoy 6 wine tastings with cheese. Drive through the prison that held Nelson Mandela, formerly known as Victor Verster. The guide will stop so you may take photos in this legendary area. Next, head out to Franschhoek and do a brief exploration of the town, including shopping and eating in the local restaurants. Then, taste 6 wines at Mount Rochelle, a winery owned by Sir Richard Branson before tasting another 3 at the Delaire Graff Winery, owned by Laurence Graff. Return to Cape Town at the end of your tour.