Franschhoek walking tour & city guide
South Africa's food and wine capital.
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Franschhoek, in a valley of mountains and vineyards near Cape Town, was settled by French Huguenots in the 17th century. It is known as South Africa's culinary capital.
The village
The main road is lined with restaurants, galleries and Cape Dutch buildings. The Huguenot Monument honors the French settlers.
Wine
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a hop-on hop-off tram and bus tour of the valley's wine estates.
A day in Franschhoek
Start at the Huguenot Monument, whose three arches symbolize the Holy Trinity, and the Huguenot Memorial Museum, which tells the story of the French Protestant refugees who settled the valley in 1688. Many wine estates still carry French names like La Motte, La Provence and Champagne.
Then hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, a hop-on, hop-off line using a vintage-style tram and buses, which stops at several wine estates across the valley. Each estate offers tastings, and many have gardens, art collections and restaurants with views of the mountains.
Good to know
Franschhoek is about an hour's drive from Cape Town. The village is small and walkable, with galleries, chocolate shops and boutiques along its main road. In July, the Bastille Festival celebrates the town's French heritage with food, wine and costumes.
The Franschhoek Pass, a winding mountain road with views back over the valley, is beautiful at sunset. The winelands are especially lovely in autumn, from March to May, when the vines turn red and gold.
Top sights in Franschhoek
- 1
Franschhoek Wine Tram
A vineyard tour by tram.
- 2
Huguenot Monument
A memorial to French settlers.
- 3
Main Road
Galleries and restaurants.
- 4
Franschhoek Pass
A scenic mountain road.
- 5
Wine estates
Tastings in the valley.
Food markets & where to eat in Franschhoek
Main Road
Celebrated restaurants.
Wine estates
Vineyard dining.
Saturday market
Local produce.
Food to try in Franschhoek
Cap Classique
South African sparkling wine.
Trout
From the valley.
Malva pudding
A sweet dessert.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Franschhoek
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in FranschhoekCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Franschhoek.
- eSIM for South AfricaStay online from the moment you land.
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