The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Franschhoek, Western Cape

August 31, 2021 Veronika Gaddis

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. Stony Brook Vineyards

Green Valley Road, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 21 876 2182 [email protected] http://www.stonybrook.co.za
Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 167 reviews

Stony Brook Vineyards

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 Bazzarutto

We visited Stony Brook as part of a multi vineyard visit to Franschoek, looking to experience the more boutique wineries that the area has to offer. We were not disappointed. Stony Brook is an enterprising vineyard that has some fabulous wines. They are exceptionally helpful and engaging, despite the fact that it was harvest whilst we were there! The McNaught family have done a great job of retaining a true Franschoek belonging to their wine, growing all their grapes themselves, within the confines of the area. Their Lyle sparkling is a lively Blanc de Blancs whilst their Ovidius is 100% Tempranillo, a truly exciting departure for the area. Go and buy their wines, you won't regret it.

2. Eikehof

Eikehof La-Motte, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 21 876 2469 [email protected] http://www.eikehof.com
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 242 reviews

Eikehof

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.

3. First South African Perfume Museum

Lambrechts Street, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 74 121 0012 [email protected] http://www.firstsouthafricanperfumemuseum.com/
Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 251 reviews

First South African Perfume Museum

We invite you to visit us in Franschhoek in the heart of Cape Town- one of the most beautiful. diverse, and exciting city in the world,. At the first South African Perfume Museum you can explore an extensive and comprehensive permanent collection that includes antique masterpieces., You'll also experience engaging, cutting-edge exhibition and workshops that reflect a fresh view of the amazing world of perfume. The mission of the our Museum is to act as a bridge between the rich heritage of world of perfume, as embodied in its collection, and the unique experience of each visitor. Dedicated to the primacy of the visitor experience, committed to excellence in every aspect of its collection and workshops, and drawing on both new and traditional tools of communication, interpretation, and presentation, the Museum aims to serve its diverse public as a dynamic, innovative, and welcoming place for learning through the amazing art of perfume.

Reviewed By virginiaswart - Western Cape, South Africa

Who would think there would be a museum for perfumes?! definitely an experience for anyone who loves scents and would like to create your own one.

4. Hey Joe Brewery

Excellent
75%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

Hey Joe Brewery

Located 2km outside of Franschhoek, our 11 ha La Brasserie farm is more than just the host of our Belgian- Abbey styled brewery. We offer a wide array of activities for you, your entire family and even your pets to enjoy. A unique day experience unmatched by any brewery in South Africa. Come and be apart of the celebration of a more simpler lifestyle.

5. Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 21 876 2861 [email protected] http://montrochelle.tumblr.com/
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 150 reviews

Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

Reviewed By 137shirleys - London, United Kingdom

We visited in December 2019 and we passed just two other people all day. We bought passes in the tourist office in Franschhoek (the hut was closed when we arrived) and bought a map of the different trails. It's very well signposted throughout though. We walked the Perdekop Trail which was a great walk with fantastic views. The only issue we had is that we didn't think following the map route (clockwise) was a sensible idea. The hardest part of the walk is the descent. W'd have preferred a hard ascent at the start of a walk rather than a hard descent at the end of it (and, as it was later in the day, it was much hotter). It would have been a much easier descent back to the car park going the other way. Also, heed the advice - take lots of water, bring a hat and lots of sunscreen - there's no shelter. We took a litre each which wasn't enough. We topped up in a mountain stream - but I wouldn't rely on it if doing one of the longer walks.

6. Franschhoek Motor Museum

R45 L'Ormarins, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 83 656 7688 [email protected] http://www.fmm.co.za/
Excellent
77%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,606 reviews

Franschhoek Motor Museum

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.

7. Franschhoek Pass

Regional road Tra (between) Franschhoek - Villiersdorp, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa http://www.franschhoekpass.co.za
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,064 reviews

Franschhoek Pass

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.

8. Franschhoek Wine Tram

Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,032 reviews

Franschhoek Wine Tram

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. Passengers will experience a unique and leisurely introduction to the Franschhoek Valley as they journey through rolling vineyards in either an open-sided single-decker tram or a double-decker tram as well as an open-air tram-bus stopping at some of South Africa's oldest and most distinguished wine estates. A combination of tram and tram-bus transport follows a loop of stops allowing guests to hop off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, such as wine tastings, cellar tours, lunch or simply a stroll through the vineyards. Guests are advised to pre-book their tickets. The tour takes guests into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley.

9. Leopard's Leap

R45 Main Street, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa +27 21 876 8002 [email protected] http://www.leopards-leap.com
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 167 reviews

Leopard's Leap

Reviewed By Silkbridge - Überlingen, Germany

In the last years we came frequently to enjoy the nice buffet. This year in December they serve the same tasty dishes at your table. No difference to the buffet. Prices are reasonable, wine good as always. Employees very friendly. Next week we will visit again.

10. Noble Hill Wine Estate

Klapmuts-Simondium Rd, Simondium, Franschhoek 7670 South Africa +27 21 874 3844 [email protected] http://www.noblehill.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 106 reviews

Noble Hill Wine Estate

Noble Hill is estate wine grown on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountains in South Africa. We make wine with pride in provenance, and humility in craftsmanship. Our wines are fruitful yet structured, elegant, and above all authentic to their origin. Noble Hill is located on the the granitic northern slopes of the Simonsberg mountains which have produced South Africa’s finest wines for more than 300 years. We are open for wine tasting every day from 10h00 to 17h00. Cosecha restaurant, located at Noble Hill, serves breakfast and lunch. A reservation is recommended. We also offer latin-inspired picnic baskets that can be enjoyed in the garden.

Reviewed By Voyager750567

What a treat to visit Noble Hill this weekend! We enjoyed delicious lunch in such a lovely setting. We enjoyed the guacamole so much that we ordered a second serving. Also enjoyed the enchiladas and carnitas tacos. I’ve been cooking for the family for much of lockdown and getting to go to a beautiful setting and have someone else’s cooking is a true delight. Thank you for having us!

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