Location: Franschhoek
Top Things to do in Franschhoek
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Top 10 Things to do for Honeymoon in Franschhoek, Western Cape
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. Lynx Wine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 322 reviews
Lynx Wine Estate - because life is to short for later Our Estate- is a Boutique Winefarm in Franschhoek, producing expressive wines that reflect the passion of the owners, 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. We at Lynx are sure to make your stay with our delicious and award-winning wines to a memorable stay. Do not wait for later, you might miss a perfect way to start the day.
Reviewed By LudgerDUS
We had 16 wonderful days and nights at the Lynx Estate. It is a perfect location to relax: we with a personally prepared breakfast by the chef and then went for a round of golf on of the best golf courses in the area..eg. Pearl Valley is just around the corner (but so many others). Otherwise, we hiked in the mountains with great views of the cape region and finally yet importantly enjoyed the excellent food. In the afternoon, the seawater pool is great and was very refreshing, freshly baked cupcakes and other treats are available. We stayed in the “Grand Suite 2”: furnished with taste and with a breath-taking view from sunrise to sunset over the wine yard…the excellent Lynx Chardonnay was must at night. The AC worked perfectly. The staff is just so caring and makes sure that you have a wonderful stay (Apartment was cleaned every day)…can’t wait to go back!
2. La Rochelle Wine Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 211 reviews
La Rochelle Tours (Est 2000) with the main focus being on conducting personalised wine tours in small groups (2-13) visiting less commercial wineries when possible. Our 2 specialized wine tourism guides are educated by the Cape Wine Academy. All guided tours and transfers by La Rochelle Tours are done in a professional way & we try to exceed expectations on a daily basis. We like to share information about wine in a fun & relaxing manner. Wine should be enjoyed & learning more about it can be fun. We are based in Franschhoek & we would love to share our passion for wine with you! We now also offer restaurant (lunch) or inter town transfer daily. Transfers to and from Franschhoek and Cape Town International Airport now also available. Collections for wine tours from Franschhoek, Stellenbosch & Paarl. Contact us directly when booking to ensure we plan the best possible day for you! The Team: Tour Guides: Danelle & Aylmer Drivers For our Non-Guide Services: Johan, Francois & Andrew
3. First South African Perfume Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 251 reviews
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. 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!
5. Dieu Donne Vineyards & Views
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
Dieu Donné is situated high on the steep south-west facing slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, encouraging a cool climate and combined with the rocky soils of weathered granite, a unique terroir has been created. Rarely disputed as the "BEST View over the Franschhoek Valley & Delicious boutique wines"
Reviewed By Z5657CFnickg
If you don’t like good food/ good wine/ stunning views/ lovely people - all at a very reasonable £25 pp -then don’t come here; it would be a wasted journey! However, if the above does resonate, then make the trip (to Franschhoek) and squeeze in a lunch here...... We have been coming here for the past 15+ years and have never been disappointed.
6. Paradise Stables
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
In Franschhoek, enjoy horse riding through vineyards, forests and over mountains.
Reviewed By shaomildred - Hong Kong, China
Best R400 spent for a sunset horseback riding experience through a mountain and vineyards! Even though we have already seen the scenery on a mountain bike the day before, it was such a different experience and perspective on the horse! The sunset was beautiful and the horses were very well behaved. It was my partner's first time on a horse and we didn't find any issues. I was under the impression that there was also wine involved, but there was none, which wasn't really a problem for our party. Other than that, everything else exceeded my expectations!
7. 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!
8. 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!
9. Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
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.
10. 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.
