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
5.0 based on 242 reviews
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.
2. Boschendal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,494 reviews
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!
3. La Motte Wine Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 606 reviews
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!
4. Vrede en Lust Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 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 rawr1013 - Bangkok, Thailand
We had an amazing time here! Originally we hit a snag due to power outages, so we couldn't pay by card. To circumvent this obstacle, Pam in the restaurant and Landi of the Wine Tasting gave us the opportunity to experience both tasteful food and great wine, sitting outdoors overseeing the vast fields of wine and the mountains. This could not have worked out better for us! A special shoutout to our very witty waitress Noxi is also of the utmost importance. Everyone working here really helped us make it and above and beyond experience!
5. Franschhoek Motor Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,606 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 459niccih - Johannesburg, South Africa
We are a family of five - three teens who have very different interests and we all really enjoyed the motor museum with the cherry on top - the president-booked drive around in two of the vintage cars.
6. Franschhoek Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,064 reviews
Reviewed By dewaldr - Cape Town Central, South Africa
Having not driven the Franschhoek Pass in a long time I immediately grabbed the opportunity when it came up. The pass is about 13 km (give or take) and is slow and winding. Although the driver needs to focus a lot on this route, there are some areas where you can pull over and take in the beautiful views which make it worthwhile. On the one side of the pass you have the town of Franschhoek with the pass looking over it in certain sections, and on the other side you have Theewaterskloof dam which is the largest dam providing water to the City of Cape Town and surrounds. The pass can get very busy and has been closed on numerous occasions in the past because of rock slides, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. Also, something to note is that during winter when it is really cold, the surrounding mountains can be covered in snow which is always special to see.
7. Glenwood Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 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 thirty 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 AndreaS712 - Fleet, United Kingdom
A little off the beaten track, although still acessible on the wine tram, this vineyard has an unpretentious and friendly vibe and a very beautiful setting. We indulged in the wine and fine dining tasting experience. We were guided through it by Lydia who was knowledgable and very attentive. Because everything is cooked fresh it is not a quick meal but why would you want to rush when everything is such a treat for the senses? While we were waiting for an Uber to take us back to town we bumped into the owner and his wife who were so friendly and welcoming it was the perfect end to a perfect wine tasting.
8. Anthonij Rupert Wyne Estate & Terra del Capo Tasting Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Anthonij Rupert Wyne is a Wine Estate located in the picturesque Franschhoek Wine valley of South Africa. Our Visitors facilities include the Franschhoek Motor Museum as well as two tasting rooms, each with its own unique offering. A complimentary tram service allows guests travel between these facilites and to make a day of their visit while not having to drive themselves. Restaurant, wine tasting, museum, High tea service, scenic drive, farm shop & private dining
Reviewed By katherinek579 - Warsaw, Poland
This wine is divine, the restaurant is fabulous (still dreaming of this crazy good birthday cake they gave us) and their little shop is just full of adorable things. 10 of 10, will definitely return.
9. La Bourgogne Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
La Bourgogne Farm offers a relaxed garden environment where you can enjoy our boutique style wines and fresh produce from our deli. We produce our own extra virgin olive oil and offer unique tastings. We are child and pet friendly so come and enjoy a family day out with us on the farm.
Reviewed By idand80 - Tel Aviv, Israel
Uh it such a great place! Great wine (the Malbec), great burger and very nice people. Also the dogs are so cute :)
10. Haute Cabriere
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 373 reviews
A family-owned winery, Haute Cabrière has roots that extend deep into Franschhoek’s wine valley, heritage and community. With a passion for creating moments for people to share in together through quality wines, Burgundian varietals are explored by the von Arnim family through pioneering blends and single-varietal wines, generation after generation.
Reviewed By 751mauryc - London, United Kingdom
This winery looks so impeccable. The views are stunning and the cellar tour is the most informative we’ve had so far in this area. Lovely tasting, we particularly enjoyed the MCC brut. We even ended up staying for lunch! Worth a visit.
