This beautiful valley encircled by the Franschhoek and Groot Drakenstein mountains was settled by several French Huguenot families in 1694. Its main attraction, besides an exquisite setting, is its gourmet cuisine, accompanied by the area’s excellent wines. Around 30 restaurants offer superb Malay, country and Provençale dishes.
t The scenic surrounds of Franschhoek, home to numerous vineyards
EXPERIENCE The Cape Winelands and West Coast
n Double-tap image to read the labels
Visible at the top end of the main street is the Huguenot Monument, unveiled in 1948 to commemorate the arrival of the French settlers. Here, a wide, semicircular colonnade frames three tall arches representing the Holy Trinity. Before them is the figure of a woman standing on a globe, with her feet on France. On a tall spire that surmounts the central arch is the “Sun of Righteousness”.
Did You Know?
Franschhoek’s French heritage is reflected in the town’s name, which means “French Corner” in Dutch.
t A barrel-lined cellar at the Haute Cabrière wine estate
Franschhoek’s wine route was established in 1980 with five founder cellars, and today features 20 estates. One of the most memorable to visit is Haute Cabrière. Here, after an interesting cellar tour, a sommelier cleanly shears the neck off a bottle of Pierre Jourdan sparkling wine with a sabre – an old technique known as sabrage – before serving the wine. The estate’s supremely elegant cellar restaurant is regularly named one of the top ten places to eat in South Africa.
This museum celebrates the Cape’s Huguenot heritage. Some 270 Huguenots fled here from France in 1685, when King Louis XIV revoked the 1598 Edict of Nantes permitting freedom of worship to Protestants.
Displays in this excellent museum document the daily life of the settlers, who brought with them skills as farmers and viticulturists. Of special note is a collection of old Bibles, including one dated 1636.
Located in the prestigious L’Ormarins Estate, this museum is a magnet for car enthusiasts. It charts the evolution of the automobile with memorabilia and a collection of some 220 vehicles (including bicycles and motorcycles), more than 80 of which will be on show at any one time. Rare vehicles in the collection include an 1898 Beeston motor tricycle and a 2003 Ferrari Enzo.
EXPERIENCE The Cape Winelands and West Coast
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EAT Le Quartier Français This plush boutique hotel has stylish rooms and suites, but it is best known for its dazzling and multiple award-winning restaurant. ⌂ Cnr Berg and Wilhelmina sts ∑ leeucollection.com/SA/le-quartier-francais Otter’s Bend Lodge A unique lodge located on a farm on the Franschhoek River, an easy walk from the town centre. ⌂ Dassenberg Rd ∑ ottersbendlodge.co.za Café des Arts Simple food using fresh local ingredients served in a relaxed courtyard setting, with a good local wine selection. ⌂ 7 Reservoir St West ∑ cafedesarts.co.za Bread & Wine Restaurant The speciality at this characterful vineyard restaurant is homemade charcuterie. ⌂ Môreson Farm, Happy Valley Rd ∑ breadandwine.co.za |