Sophisticated wineries and restaurants are a given in French-inspired Franschhoek, but if you’re feeling outdoorsy, the area also offers the beautiful Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. Be sure to check out the many museums for your hit of history too.
Hop on a Wine Tram
Why you should visit: 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.
Don’t miss:
Boschendal – Famous for its classic and fruity wines which you can taste in their manor house, built in 1812. Boschendal picnics are also legendary. Bring your picnic blanket and settle down for a Werf Farm Picnic under the trees.
La Motte Wine Estate (not on the wine tram route) – The normal tasting is great but choose the Vinoteque Tasting to delve deeper into the flavours of the farm. The exclusive tasting gives you the chance to sip some of the most famous vintage wines produced on the estate.
How to get there: Find the Wine Tram office at Franschhoek Square, 32 Huguenot Road in the centre of town.
How much does it cost: A wine tram ticket per adult is R240. Wine tasting is not included in the price and guests are strongly advised to book for lunch as the estates can get very busy. Buy your wine tram ticket in advance via www.winetram.co.za.
Museum van de Caab
David Fourie / South African Tourism Flickr
Why you should visit: Not a town to shy away from its history, the Museum van de Caab at the Solms-Delta Wine Estate details what slavery entailed on a typical wine farm. One of the museum walls is covered with 200 stones famous to honour the slaves who lived, worked and died on the estate.
How much does it cost: Entrance is free.
The Franschhoek Pass
fireside / South African Tourism Flickr
Why you should experience it: The scenic Franschhoek Pass to the Theewaterskloof Dam in Villiersdorp has brilliant 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.
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.
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, Franschhoek
Why you should visit: Mont Rochelle Nature 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.
How to get there: It’s just over an hours’ drive from Cape Town.
How much does it cost: Day permits cost R50 per person. Buy on webtickets or at the entrance to the reserve.
