Exquisite. Extravagant. Exclusive. Franschhoek is an extraordinary village founded in the late seventeenth century by the French Huguenots who brought with them the most splendid vines all the way from Europe. Today this much-loved valley produces some of South Africa’s most superb wines. As the name suggests, it is the French Corner of the Cape Winelands in the Western Cape province. The village has retained its French legacy and it will keep you entertained with some of South Africa’s top-ranked fine-dining restaurants and street cafés, making it the culinary capital of the Cape, as well as a main road lined with specialist shops, boutiques, art galleries and various museums. The Huguenot Memorial and the annual Bastille Day celebration attract people from all over the world. Highlights on its Events Calendar include the Franschhoek Literary Festival and the Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival. The village market is very popular among locals and visitors.
There are about thirty wine cellars, including many historic farms and well-known brands, such as La Motte, Backsberg, Babylonstoren, Bellingham, Boschendal and Haute Cabrière.
Franschhoek is a vibrant, cosmopolitan village that attracts artists, tourists, retirees and affluent people from all over. It is ideally situated between Paarl and Stellenbosch, and a mere 45-minute drive from Cape Town. It has excellent amenities, a private school, convenient shopping and medical facilities. The village also offers a wide variety of sporting and recreational activities, including horse-riding, fishing, sailing on the nearby Theewaterskloof Dam, and mountain biking and hiking in the surrounding mountains. The scenic beauty of the area and country lifestyle makes it a very desirable location, especially for those who want to retire in the safe environment of a secure retirement complex.
