Location: Franschhoek
Top Things to do in Franschhoek
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What to do and see in Franschhoek, Western Cape: The Best Free Things to do
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 167 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 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. Anpa Jewellers
3. 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.
4. African Hands Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
For Art And Crafts Such As Fine And Abstract Art Made Of Hard Stones And Wood, Bead Work And Paintings As Well As Batiks Are Also Available.
5. Paserene
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Thamietraveler
Had an amazing wine tasting, the service from the stuff was great, such a nice views from every angle, the Franschhoek mountains and my favourite wine is Chardonnay. Am definitely going back for another tasting ❤
6. Franschhoek Village Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
At Franschhoek Village Market we are all about good food and drink, quality craft, soulful music and good times under the Oak trees. We have a play area for the children and your furry friend is more than welcome on a leash. We trade every Saturday from 09am to 3pm, weather permitting.
Reviewed By VernonW143 - Cape Town, South Africa
…...After our scrumptious breakfast and wandering the streets of Franschhoek we can across the Franschhoek Village Market, what an interesting experience to see so many stalls selling anything from African print materials to different-lii priced jewellery. Don’t talk about the countless number of food stalls even a coffee-truck and a bus-bookshop. They have a smokers corner where you can sit and enjoy your cigarette or pipe. The vibe is live-lii with the live entertainment offered. If you are in the area and have lots of time on hand please make a point of popping in to browse or to buy……NB! They have their Covid-19 Safety Policy in place “No Mask” No entree and before you enter they Spray your hands with Hand Sanitiser and your Temperature is taken so it very safe…….
7. Senechal-Senekal Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Senechal-Senekal is an exclusive art gallery in the Western Cape of South Africa. Our renowned South African born and raised Artist Junaid Senechal-Senekal’s work may only be viewed and purchased from the Senechal-Senekal Art Gallery.
Reviewed By Jennitraut
What an absolute privilege and honour to have met with this incredibly talented man as well as visit the inspiring Sénéchal-Senekal Art Gallery in Franschhoek and to top it all off to actually see behind the scenes in his art studio where all the magic happens. His passion and drive to impact this world and create a global awareness of the beauty of our planet transcends through every creation and artwork that he is inspired to paint. With a mission to create an awareness of creation and some of our very endangered species across the globe. I have been watching his journey for many years now and he is just such an inspiration to me and to so many. His transformation through the years has been phenomenal. Junaid always answers the clients brief with excellence and his business ethic is superb. His interaction with the animals he paints really brings them to life in his paintings. He actually physically interacts with many of them before painting them and so there is such an authenticity to his work. Not only is Junaid a gifted artist but he is the most generous loving and kind man and his truth is revealed through his art. He has generously donated many paintings to our Annual Auction for our NPO which has raised much needed funding that contributes towards enabling us to do the community outreach which we do in our Paarl valley. He also gives back to many wildlife organisations and the community around him. When next you visit the Franschhoek Valley be sure to pop into Junaid’s Sénéchal-Senekal Art Gallery, or go online to check out his work on jssartgallery.com it is an absolute must see. Kind regards Jenni Cubitt
8. 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!
9. Hey Joe Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
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.
10. 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.
