Panorama of a vineyard in the south of Franschhoek close to Cape Town. South Africa

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Franschhoek

French Huguenots settled in this spectacular valley over 300 years ago, bringing their vines with them. Ever since, this Winelands town has clung to its French roots, and July visitors will find that Bastille Day is celebrated here. Franschhoek bills itself as the country’s gastronomic capital, and you’ll certainly have a tough time deciding where to eat. Plus, with a clutch of art galleries, wine farms and stylish guesthouses thrown in, it really is one of the loveliest towns in the Cape.


Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "destination": "Franschhoek",
      "city": "Franschhoek",
      "continent": "Africa",
      "region": "Southern-Africa",
      "country": "South-Africa"
    }

Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Franschhoek

A fantastically bright mural covers one of two remaining stone walls of a ruined home in Kylemore. A large tree climbs into the sky behind it, with the mountains looming in the distance © Simon Richmond / Lonely Planet

Art

Cycling the mission villages of the Cape Winelands

Aug 29, 2018 • 5 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Franschhoek

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "destination": "Franschhoek",
      "city": "Franschhoek",
      "continent": "Africa",
      "region": "Southern-Africa",
      "country": "South-Africa"
    }