Franschhoek Travel Guide

Franschhoek Travel Guide - Find all the information you need to know about Franschhoek, South Africa from the best things to do, where to stay, how to get there, and more.


Introduction to Franschhoek

Franschhoek is a picturesque town located in the heart of the Cape Winelands region of Western Cape, South Africa. Nestled in a valley between the Franschhoek Mountains, it is known for its natural beauty, stunning vineyards, and award-winning wine estates. Home to just over 15,000 residents, Franschhoek is a town with a rich history, elegant architecture, superb food and wine, and breathtaking landscapes.

This Franschhoek travel guide explores the best things to see and do in Franschhoek, from the culturally important museums to the natural outdoor adventures and scenic views. We will also look into the must-try dishes and local beverages. Moreover, we will explore the best accommodations, from hotels to hostels, and guesthouses, and where to buy souvenirs and local products to bring home. Here, we offer our itinerary suggestions, tips, and tricks for a safe and healthy visit.

List of Places to Visit in Franschhoek

Franschhoek has numerous attractions, from its cultural heritage sites to scenic nature reserves. Here are some of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Huguenot Memorial Museum - Provides insights into the Huguenot settlers who established the town in the 17th century.
  • Franschhoek Motor Museum - A fascinating collection of vintage, classic, and racing cars from different eras.
  • Cape Dutch-style Architecture - Take a leisurely walk through the town’s streets to marvel at the preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve - Here, you can enjoy hiking trails, nature walks, and scenic views of the Franschhoek Mountains.

Natural Attractions of Franschhoek: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Franschhoek Wine Tram - This hop-on-hop-off tour provides a scenic way to explore the wine estates of the valley.
  • Franschhoek Pass - This is a drive with stunning scenery, cliffs, waterfalls, and rugged landscapes.
  • Boschendal Wine Estate - Outdoors, you can find a vast picnic area, sellfish pond, and hiking trails. or can check out their museum and vineyards.
  • Stony Brook Vineyards - Here, you can go horseback riding and explore the farm.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Franschhoek

Franschhoek is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. It has various hiking and cycling trails that crisscross through its valleys and mountains. Here are some of the best outdoor activities in Franschhoek:

  • Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve - This reserve has many well-laid-out trails ranging from easy to challenging.
  • Franschhoek Pass Trail - This hiking trail takes you through the mountain pass, with stunning views of the valley.
  • Wemmershoek Trail - For cyclists, the Wemmershoek Trail offers a varied and scenic mountain biking experience.

Best Things to Do in Franschhoek: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Franschhoek:

  • Wine Tasting Tours - This is the number one activity in Franschhoek. You can explore the numerous vineyards, sample various wines, and discover the intricacies of the wine-making process.
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides - For those seeking a more unique and memorable experience, hot air balloon rides provide an unforgettable way to see the valley from above.
  • Franschhoek Chocolate Factory - This brand new attraction is a must-visit for chocolate lovers of all ages.

Week-Long Itinerary for Franschhoek

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay in Franschhoek:

Day Activity
1 Vineyard tours and wine-tasting
2 Visit Huguenot Museum and explore the town
3 Hot air balloon ride and Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve hike
4 Visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum and bike the Wemmershoek Trail
5 Explore the Franschhoek Pass trail and Stony Brook Vineyards
6 Hike the La Motte Trail and picnic at Boschendal Estate
7 Franschhoek Chocolate Factory visit and souvenir shopping

Food and Drink Scene of Franschhoek

As the culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek has an outstanding food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bunny Chow - A South African street food dish that consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a fragrant, spicy curry.
  • Bobotie - A traditional South African dish consisting of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping and served with yellow rice and raisins.
  • Cape Malay Curry - A flavorful curry with traditional spices and influences from Malaysia, Indonesia, and India.

Local Beverages

  • Wine - The valley’s wineries produce some of the best wines in the world.
  • Beer - The Cape brewing company produces a locally-brewed beer, which can be sampled in various bars and restaurants throughout Franschhoek.
  • Buchu - A local indigenous herb is used to make a tea-like drink with antioxidant properties.

Where to Stay in Franschhoek: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Franschhoek has some fantastic accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to quaint guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa - This luxury hotel features modern amenities set in the midst of the valley’s scenic vineyards.
  • The Ivy Apartments - This centrally located guesthouse has well-appointed self-catering apartments that offer a real home away from home experience.
  • Val d’Or Estate Guesthouse - This upscale guesthouse boasts panoramic views and provides a tranquil haven of rest.

What to Buy in Franschhoek: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenir and local products you can buy in Franschhoek:

  • Wine - This is, of course, the most popular souvenir. The wineries produce some of the world’s finest wines, so be sure to explore the vineyards.
  • Biltong and Droewors - These are traditional South African meat products that vary in spiciness and flavor profiles.
  • Olive Oil - The valley has some excellent olive farms, and they produce high-quality olive oil that you can take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Franschhoek

Franschhoek is a town with a rich history and cultural heritage. The people of Franschhoek are proud of their French Huguenot, Dutch and African heritage. The Franschhoek area is well-known for its wine, food, and art. Visitors are welcomed warmly and encouraged to explore the local customs and cultures.

Best Time to Visit Franschhoek

Franschhoek enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild to warm summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is between September and May, as the weather is pleasant, and the vineyards offer fantastic views. However, the busiest time to visit is from December to January during the peak summer season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Franschhoek

Do:

  • Sample the wine and local cuisine.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Take a leisurely walk through the town’s streets to marvel at the preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Don’t:

  • Drink and drive.
  • Litter on any of the hiking or cycling trails.
  • Ignore the natural beauty of the landscape.

Safety and Health

Safety in Franschhoek

Franschhoek is a relatively safe town, but visitors should take usual precautions such as locking doors and windows, especially at night. Be aware of vehicle break-ins at wineries in certain areas. It is advisable to keep your valuables locked up in the boot.

Health in Franschhoek

Franschhoek has an excellent standard of medical facilities. However, visitors are advised to take out comprehensive health insurance before traveling to South Africa.

Getting to Franschhoek: Transportation Options and Logistics

Franschhoek is easily accessible by various means of transport. Here are some of the transportation options:

Airports Near Franschhoek

  • Cape Town International Airport - This is about a 50-minute drive from Franschhoek.

Bus Stations Near Franschhoek

  • Cape Town Bus Station - This bus station operates daily services to Franschhoek.

Other Options

  • Private Transfer - You can hire a private transfer or taxi from Cape Town or Johannesburg.
  • Self-Drive - You can hire a car either from Cape Town or Johannesburg.

How to Get Around in Franschhoek

Franschhoek offers several options for getting around the town:

  • Walking - The town is compact, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
  • Biking - The Wemmershoek Trail provides good mountain biking opportunities, some hotels and bike shops offer bike rentals.
  • Taxi services - Local taxi services offer transport options.

Where to Go Next from Franschhoek: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some other destinations that are accessible from Franschhoek.

  • Cape Town - This is only an hour’s drive from Franschhoek.
  • Stellenbosch - This is another wine-growing region about a 40-minute drive from Franschhoek.

Conclusion

Franschhoek is a charming town that offers visitors breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural history, fantastic dining and wine experiences, and fun outdoor activities. With this guide, we hope you have all the information you need to plan your perfect visit to Franschhoek.

The Franschhoek valley with the town of Franschhoek nestled between the mountains. The Franschhoek valley with the town of Franschhoek nestled between the mountains. Huguenot Monument. Huguenot Monument. Church in Franschhoek. Church in Franschhoek.