Location: Franschhoek
Top Things to do in Franschhoek
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10 Things to Do in Franschhoek That You Shouldn't Miss
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 based on 151 reviews
The name and boutique winery of the Malherbes of Eikehof can be found amongst the decades 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 Alba999 - Lyndhurst, United Kingdom
My husband and I visited this place as part of the winetram tour. It's a lovely little wine farm, so relaxing to sit under the trees at the back of the property and talk with the owners about what they are trying to achieve, while sipping a welcome drink of chilled rose wine. Their 16 year old daughter has also produced her own version of a Cape Ruby (like port) which was yummy. We had a delicious cheese and meat platter with home grown peaches while we tasted 5 wines - we bought a couple of bottles of the excellent Merlot. Believe the reviews and go!
2. Lynx Wines
Overall Ratings
5 based on 299 reviews
Lynx Wines - one of the smallest wine estates in Franschhoek, producing expressive wines that reflect the passion of the 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. Wine tastings in German and Spanish by appointment.
Reviewed By RoubaixTravellers - Franschhoek, South Africa
Foremost, Lynx wines are excellent. Lovely blends and a number of varietals. The tasting experience in itself is engaging and informative. We were hosted by Jason who, besides being really pleasant with a good sense of humour, has a depth of knowledge about Lynx wines. The Lynx tasting venue is beautifully located, I would go as far as rating it in the top 5 wineries in terms of scenery.
PS: Although the location is listed as "Wemmershoek" it's quite close to Franschhoek.
3. The Franschhoek Motor Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 Mike340 - Cape Town is home
The exhibits are in showroom condition and many are in working order. Each of the 4 buildings houses 20 vehicles and the items on display are rotated. Admission is by appointment only and the entry charge is nominal.
Each exhibit is behind a rope barrier to prevent sticky fingers, and the history and details of each vehicle are shown on a display board.
The setting is beautiful with views of the Mountains all round. I have taken people here who do not have the least interest in cars but even they loved it.
As part of day out, driving over the lovely passes, with a visit to one of the many nearby wineries and restaurants, there are few places in the world that can come close to this.
4. Franschhoek Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 851 reviews
Reviewed By SimplyFred - Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
Luckily there are plenty of pull ins so you can stop and look back over Franschhoek. You will ultimately see the Reservoir which is sadly very low this year.
5. Franschhoek Wine Tram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Discover the Vineyards of Franschhoek. The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley - picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300-year history. Tour Experience: Passengers aboard the hop-on hop-off tour will experience a unique and leisurely introduction to the Franschhoek Valley as they journey through rolling vineyards in an open-side tram and open-air tram-bus stopping at some of South Africa's oldest and most distinguished wine estates. A combination of tram and tram-bus follows a loop of stops allowing guests to hop off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, such as wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply a stroll through the vineyards. When ready guests simply hop on to continue the tour. The tour takes guests into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with a guided commentary and unparalleled views of the valley and vineyards. Ticket prices: R170 - R220
Reviewed By Peter_ChristineH - Oxford, United Kingdom
For a modest cost, you can visit some wine farms and do the tastings and take lunch, without personal transport.
6. Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By RonaCCB - Western Cape, South Africa
My Husband found this place after extensive searches. It was part of my birthday surprise, plus part of my post op rehabilitation routine.
Loved the views.
I was limited on which routes to use.
The first one, no 4, which is marked on the map, is not completed? Was told its been like this since last year. We only found that out at the halfway mark when the route ended, at the end of a "cliff". We specially came for that route.
The second -easy- route no 2, we were advised not to do. Was told its too difficult for me, for there was climbing involved.
Here is an idea. There are many aged people who would love to hike. Plus couples with younger ones. Planning out a simple flat-ish 1 km route would really be great!!! Just an idea guys.
PS, I'm a semi young/old person with a dodgy knee :)
or complete no 4 route for us
For the fit folks, take a drive and go hike/enjoy this place.
7. Glenwood Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 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 twenty seven 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 Peter41sax - Oxted, United Kingdom
We visited this vineyard as we had been lucky enough to taste the Glenwood wines at a wedding and wanted to trace them back to their origin. We tried 8 wines in total and had the tasting platter with wines matched to savoury dishes. Then with great difficulty chose 1 dish for lunch, you can have any wine you like with your lunch, even if its not the one officially paired with your chosen dish.
The vineyard is just outside Franschhoek and that keeps it off the busy wine tram route. You will get a relaxed opportunity to enjoy the farm and the wines without the hoards. If you want quality and a personal service this is the Vineyard for you.
8. Stony Brook Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5 based on 125 reviews
We are a small, family-run winery in the Franschhoek Winelands. We focus on producing small volumes of premium quality wines mainly for export to Europe.
Reviewed By Victoriatraveller_9 - Victoria, Canada
We enjoyed beautiful wines in a gorgeous setting while talking to a very knowledgeable and passionate hostess. We weren’t rushed. The lady helping us had time to explain the wines, grapes and process. The views of the valley and Mountains is lovely. We are sad that we cannot buy the Sauvignon Blanc in our home country
9. Vrede en Lust Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
Vrede en Lust offers award-winning wines, historic Cape Dutch architecture, undulating vineyards, breathtaking scenery and world-class leisure facilities. Our cellar door is open daily, with free wine tasting or special wine enthusiast food and wine pairings. Luxurious accommodation for up to 42 people plus one of the most sought-after wedding and event venues in the country. The very popular LUST Bistro & Bakery is family friendly and open for early breakfasts, late lunches and everything in between.
Reviewed By heleeng2014 - Eemnes, The Netherlands
We started with a very nice lunch at Vrede en Lust, our compliments. Great service, lovely staff!!
Later on we wanted a winetasting. Nicole was the girl in red dress to assist us. It looked like she was an automatic pilot, she rattled the grapecombinations, but without any passion). What a pity she didn’t remember the wines she poored for the tasting (because my husband asked specifically for red wines).
Between every 2 new tastings was quite some time, actually too long.
It’s a machine. And if you look into the price here and at home (Europe) it’s cheaper to buy them at home.
Won’t recommend it.
10. La Motte Wine Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 477 reviews
Reviewed By Elton_Bear - Hertfordshire, England
We chose to visit La Motte based on many very positive reviews. Perhaps turning up around 1400 on a Sunday wasn't the brightest idea, but when we said we were only there for a tasting and an accompanying snack such as a cheeseboard, we were waved airily into the garden area. Perhaps the main activity was in the lunch menu in the quite busy restaurant. To be fair, after eventually finding a vacant garden table we were served reasonably quickly and in friendly fashion, plus there was an appropriate snack/ sharing menu. Nice family friendly place and pretty Gardens - maybe it would make sense to avoid the "rush hours" of Sunday lunchtime? There are winery tours but you need to check when these are available. Not on Sundays. it seems!
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