Franschhoek

Travel Guide

Franschhoek featuring flowers, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism

The “French Corner” of South Africa’s Cape Winelands is famous for its bodegas and restaurants, art galleries, nature walks and stunning scenery.

Surrounded by mountains and green valleys, Franschhoek (meaning “French Corner”) is the gourmet heartland of South Africa. French Huguenots settled here in the 1680s and brought with them centuries of food and wine traditions. Just a one-hour drive from Cape Town, Franschhoek is a place to enjoy award-winning cuisine in the shadows of picturesque scenery.

Franschhoek’s leafy streets are pleasant to explore on foot and are lined with art galleries, antique shops and museums. View works by contemporary African artists at the Holden Manz Collection. Learn about the history of the French Huguenot settlers at the Huguenot Memorial Museum. Watch chocolate-making demonstrations and sample Belgian chocolate at Huguenot Fine Chocolates.

Visit one of the wine estates of the Franschhoek Valley to enjoy wine tastings and cellar tours, picnics and leisurely walks. Step aboard the hop-on hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram, which passes rolling vineyards and stops off at some of the country’s oldest bodegas. Among these is the Haute Cabrière winery, which dates back to 1694. Rent a bike and take a self-guided tour of the bodegas.

Franschhoek takes its culinary scene seriously and has more award-winning restaurants than anywhere else in the country. Join a tour of the Franschhoek Valley Food and Wine Route for olive oil and cheese tastings, cooking demonstrations and food and wine pairings. Food and wine culture is also celebrated at numerous cultural events, such as July’s Bastille Festival and the Cap Classique and Champagne Festival.

For the energetic there are many hiking trails in the surrounding mountains and valley. Go to Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve for panoramic views of the Cape Winelands. On a clear day you can see as far as Table Mountain. Make the short drive to Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve for more walking trails and the chance to spot over 100 bird species.

Play a round of golf at nearby Pearl Valley, a course designed by world-famous golfer Jack Nicklaus.

Rent a car and drive to Franschhoek from Cape Town. Once there you can go without your car and get around on foot or as part of a tour.

Where to stay in Franschhoek

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Pniel

While Pniel might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Boschendal and Zorgvliet Estate.

Pniel
Boschendal Farm Estate

Boschendal Farm Estate

4.5 out of 5
Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek, Western Cape
$166 nightly
The price is $191 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$191 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Franschhoek. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (141 reviews)
"Gorgeous setting and property. The cottage was charming with lovely sitting areas and beautiful decor"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Boschendal Farm Estate
@Franschhoek Hotel

@Franschhoek Hotel

3.5 out of 5
R 45, La Brasserie Farm, Franschhoek, Western Cape
$117 nightly
The price is $135 total per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
$135 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Franschhoek. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Leopard's Leap Winery and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (44 reviews)
New Franschhoek
"Nice new hotel in franschhoek lovely funny and caring staff, just needs to settle in as it’s lacking a bit of atmosphere"

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2025

@Franschhoek Hotel
Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard

Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard

5 out of 5
Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek, Western Cape
$353 nightly
The price is $407 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$407 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Franschhoek. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Mont Rochelle Wine Estate and Huguenot ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (98 reviews)
"Amazing hotel and staff!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Ivy Apartments

The Ivy Apartments

4 out of 5
1 Kruger Street, Franschhoek, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star luxury apartment in Franschhoek. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a health club. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (165 reviews)
"Absolutely gorgeous apartment. Very central, safe parking and had everything you need."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

The Ivy Apartments
Le Petit Bijou Boutique Apartments

Le Petit Bijou Boutique Apartments

5 out of 5
58 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek, Western Cape
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Franschhoek. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Dutch Reformed Church and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Wonderful stay
"Wonderful stay in the exquisite two bedroom apartment. Spotlessly clean and luxurious. Beautiful views from the apartment and excellent location too. The owner and her colleague were also very helpful and went above and beyond. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2025

Le Petit Bijou Boutique Apartments
Petit & Grande Plaisir

Petit & Grande Plaisir

4 out of 5
9 Nerina St, Franschhoek, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly vacation home in Franschhoek. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Huguenot Memorial Museum ...
10/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Beautiful
"We spent five nights in the petite apartment, which is beautiful, spacious and very well equipped. Lovely gardens, swimming pool and a braai. The maintenance and cleaning is to a very high standard, WiFi worked well. It’s well located in a quiet / safe area, pleasant walk to an abundance of great ..."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025

Petit & Grande Plaisir
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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