Franschhoek flair: Five fabulous things to do when you visit

Looking for things to do in Franschhoek? Photo: canva

Lying in the fertile Huguenot valley, Franschhoek, or ‘French corner’ is a delightful little part of the Winelands with much to offer. If you find yourself in the area, here are five things you MUST do.

Looking for things to do in Franschhoek? Photo: canva

The Franschhoek Motor Museum

Why you should visit: If you want to do something a little out of the ordinary in Franschhoek, check out the Motor Museum at the L’Ormarins wine estate. The museum has over 200 cars in its collection, ranging from vintage right up to a supercar.

How much does it cost: Tickets to the museum are R80 per person

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Check out a large collection of vintage cars. Photo: Pascal Parent / South African Tourism Flickr

Dine at La Petite Colombe

Why you should visit: La Petite Colombe is one of the most coveted and famous fine dining experiences in the Winelands. Nestled in an exquisitely beautiful venue, in the midst of vineyards and manicured landscapes, La Petite Colombe offers food to delight your taste buds and views of the Franschhoek Valley and the Franschhoek Pass to leave you breathless.

How to get there: Find it at the Leeu Estates on Dassenberg Road.

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Tantalize your taste buds at La Petite Colombe. Photo: anilegna / flickr

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Ride the Wine Tram

Why you should experience it: There’s no need for a designated driver when staying in Franschhoek thanks to The Franschhoek Wine Tram. The hop-on-hop-off wine tram and vintage bus combo whisk visitors from the main street of the town to various estates and there are eight different routes to choose from.

How much does it cost: A wine tram ticket per adult is R280 per line. Wine tasting is not included in the price and guests are advised to book for lunch as the estates can get very busy. Buy your wine tram ticket in advance here.

How to get there: Find the Wine Tram office at Franschhoek Square, 32 Huguenot Road in the centre of town.

Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

Why you should visit: If you’re up for a bit of exercise and some fantastic views, the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is the place to visit. The reserve is situated in the UNESCO Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve with more than 30km of safe, well-marked hiking trails and stunning vistas over the Franschhoek Valley.

Choose from several two-hour routes or full-day hikes that range in difficulty. The reserve also gets a bit of snow during the winter months, so it’s definitely worth a visit then too!

How much does it cost: Day permits cost R70 per person. Buy on webtickets or at the entrance to the reserve.

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Check out the views along the Franschhoek Pass

Why you should experience it: The scenic Franschhoek Pass to the Theewaterskloof Dam in Villiersdorp has jaw-dropping views of the Franschhoek Valley while driving over an old stone bridge. If you’re lucky enough to catch it, the Theewaterskloof Dam wall in flood is a magnificent sight.

How to get there: The Franschhoek Pass is one of the only two routes into Franschhoek. Find it southeast of Franschhoek.

Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views along the Franchhoek Pass. Photo: Marlene alias Couchabenteurer / flickr

Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.