Franschhoek Tourism (2023) - South Africa > Top Places, Travel Guide

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Franschhoek Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: September - November Read More

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"Gourmet Capital and Winery Delights"

Franschhoek Tourism

Franschhoek is located in the Western Cape of South Africa and is renowned as one of the world's most beautiful wine villages. Franschhoek's tram lines offer a unique way to explore the scenic beauty and renowned wineries of the region. Its picturesque landscapes, architectural charm, and culinary reputation have earned it the nickname "food and wine capital" of South Africa.

Franschhoek stands out as the premier wine and food region in the country, boasting top-tier restaurants and a strong wine culture. Visitors can explore the surrounding mountains and Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve through walking trails. The village is also an ideal wedding destination, with its world-class cuisine and the title of The Gourmet Capital of South Africa. Franschhoek hosts a variety of vibrant festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich wine heritage, culinary excellence, and artistic culture. The entrance to Franschhoek via the striking Franschhoek Pass adds to the overall experience. The village also offers exceptional accommodations, enhancing its appeal to travellers.

Commuting within the Town: It is possible to explore Franschhoek on foot. Local transport options include the Franschhoek Wine Tram, mountain biking, horseback riding, Tuk Tuk tours, and guided-driven tours to explore the vineyards. Uber is also readily available.
Franschhoek or Stellenbosch: Between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, Franschhoek is recommended for couples, while Stellenbosch is ideal for solo travellers and those with children.
Advance Booking: Restaurants, Franschhoek Wine Trams, and accommodations tend to get fully booked and it is best to book in advance.
Franschhoek Wine Tram Price: The tram ride costs $15 for adults and $5 for children (3-17). Tastings, food, drinks, and tours are additional expenses and are not included in the tour price.
Tram Routes: The Franschhoek Wine Tram has 10 different lines. Do your research and plan which would you prefer.
Kid-Friendly Routes: Blue & Green lines are kid-friendly wine tram routes.
Dutoitskop Hike: Permit is needed for this hike and it is available through the Tourism Office and Huguenot Museum.
Must-Try: It is recommended to taste Pinotage - South Africa’s signature red wine.

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Shopping in Franschhoek

Franschhoek boasts a diverse shopping scene with boutiques and galleries featuring local art, jewellery, and crafts. Notable options include Huguenot Fine Chocolate, renowned for its confectionery, and the French Quarter, housing antiques and upscale boutiques. The Franschhoek Village Market offers fresh produce and local products, while the Wine Tram route and Main Road present shops with wines, crafts, and souvenirs. Sénéchal-Senekal Art Gallery showcases local artistry, Kumanov Perfumery offers a unique scent experience, and Allee Bleue Wine Estate provides shopping opportunities along the Wine Tram route. Additionally, the V&A Waterfront is a prominent shopping destination.

Nightlife in Franschhoek

Franschhoek's nightlife offers a unique and relaxed experience, distinct from larger cities. While not as bustling, the town features charming pubs like Franschhoek Station Pub & Craft Bar, along with venues like Tuk Tuk Microbrewery and Hey Joe Brewing Company, providing cosy atmospheres to enjoy drinks. Café des Arts offers an artsy ambience. Franschhoek's nightlife is more subdued compared to its daytime activities like wine tours, offering a pleasant way to unwind after a day of exploration.

History of Franschhoek

Franschhoek, situated in South Africa's Cape Winelands, has a fascinating history dating back to the late 1600s. It was founded by French Huguenots who escaped religious persecution, giving the town its name, which means "French Corner." These settlers brought their winemaking knowledge, laying the groundwork for the area's renowned wine industry. The region's fertile land and favourable climate led to the cultivation of vineyards, with iconic wineries like Boschendal and La Motte originating from this time. The Huguenot Monument stands as a testament to their legacy. Throughout the years, Franschhoek has grown into a cultural centre, with its Cape Dutch architecture and stunning landscapes attracting artists, artisans, and visitors. Today, the town's history is intricately linked with its vibrant wine culture, making it a sought-after destination for both its heritage and exceptional wines.

Festivals in Franschhoek

Franschhoek Literary Festival: Usually held in May, this annual event brings together authors, thinkers, and book enthusiasts for discussions and debates on literature and ideas.
Bastille Festival: Typically takes place in July, this celebrates Franschhoek's French heritage with a lively event featuring wine, food, and entertainment.
Franschhoek Uncorked Festival: Celebrated in September, this festival showcases local wines and provides the opportunity to explore various vineyards in the region.
Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival: Typically held in December, this festival offers a chance to sample and enjoy a variety of sparkling wines.
Franschhoek Craft Festival: Celebrated in February, it celebrates local craftsmanship with a diverse array of handmade goods and artisanal products.
Franschhoek Open Gardens Festival: Celebrated in October, this festival allows visitors to explore beautiful gardens and supports local charitable causes.

Franschhoek Wine Tram

The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a popular attraction in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, offering a unique way to explore renowned wine estates while enjoying breathtaking landscapes. It's a hop-on hop-off guided tram experience, providing insights into the area's history, culture, and winemaking. The ride showcases vineyards, mountains, and the charming town of Franschhoek for a memorable experience. Here's everything you need to know about the Franschhoek Wine Tram:

Tram Lines: The tram offers different routes, each featuring a selection of wine estates with varying styles and offerings – Blue, Orange, Pink, Red, and Navy Lines.
Timings: The Franschhoek Wine Tram departs at 08:45 AM and 01:00 PM and returns at 05:00 PM.
Start and End Point: The tour starts and ends at the Franschhoek Terminal, conveniently situated on the corner of Main Road and Cabriere Street.
Prices: The cost of the Franschhoek Wine Tram experience varies depending on the chosen package and route. Prices typically include tram rides, wine tastings, and guided tours.
Reservations: Tickets are available for purchase online at www.winetram.co.za or the Franschhoek Wine Tram Terminal. It is recommended to pre-book your tickets.
Duration: The duration of the tram experience depends on the chosen route and the time spent at each wine estate. It's advisable to allocate a full day to fully enjoy the experience.
Guided Commentary: Knowledgeable guides provide informative commentary throughout the journey, sharing insights into the history, culture, and winemaking techniques of the region.
Wine Tastings: One of the main highlights of the tour is the opportunity to indulge in wine tastings at various participating wine estates. Guests can sample a wide range of wines, from reds and whites to sparkling varieties like Methode Cap Classique (MCC). The price of wine tastings at the participating wine estates varies. Regular wine tastings may range from R60 to R260 per person, while Methode Cap Classique (MCC) tastings are often priced slightly higher.

Hop-on Hop-off Line Options for Franschhoek Tram

Franschhoek tram operates on multiple routes -

The Blue and Green lines include visits to Atlas Swift, Pigcasso, Mont Rochelle, La Bri, Holden Manz, Grande Provence, Rickety Bridge, and Franschhoek Cellar.
The Red and Yellow lines cover Le Lude, Maison, Eikehof, Lynx, Paserene, Grande Provence, Rickety Bridge, and Franschhoek Cellar.
The Purple and Orange lines encompass Plaisir, Vrede en Lust, Noble Hill, Babylonstoren, Anura, Bacco, Boschendal, and Solms Delta.
The Pink and Grey lines stop at Grande Provence, Rickety Bridge, Franschhoek Cellar, Haute Cabriere, Klein Goederust, Leopard’s Leap, Chamonix, and Dieu Donné.
The Navy and Burgundy lines take you to Allee Bleue, Camberley, Bartinney, Le Pommier, Zorgvliet, Paisir, Vrede en Lust, Boschendal, and Solms Delta.

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How to Reach Franschhoek

How to Reach Overview

Franschhoek is accessible from nearby cities in various ways. Cape Town International Airport (CPT), around 75 kilometres away, is the closest major airport. It can also be reached by driving via the N1 and N2 highways covering roughly 75 kilometres from Cape Town in about 1 to 1.5 hours. The Metro train to Stellenbosch followed by an Uber to Franschhoek is another choice.

How to reach Franschhoek by flight

The nearest major airport to Franschhoek is Cape Town International Airport (CPT), approximately 75 kilometres (47 miles) away. From the airport, visitors can rent a car, hire a shuttle, or taxi to reach Franschhoek. The drive usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Flights to Cape Town can be booked through Skyscanner.

How to reach Franschhoek by road

Franschhoek is accessible by road, primarily through the N1 and N2 highways. If travelling from Cape Town, the distance is roughly 75 kilometres (47 miles), with a driving time of about 1 to 1.5 hours.

How to reach Franschhoek by train

The option of using the Metro train to travel to Stellenbosch and then proceeding to Franschhoek via an Uber ride is available. The fare for the Metro train to Stellenbosch is approximately R19.50 for a one-way ticket.

How to reach Franschhoek by bus

The Greyhound Bus service connects Cape Town and Stellenbosch, with fares ranging from R270 to R290. To reach Franschhoek from Stellenbosch, you can use Uber at an approximate cost of R285.

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