| FRANSCHHOEK
TRAVEL GUIDE - CAPE WINELANDS, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA |
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Map of Franschhoek
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Franschhoek:
This
sybaritic little town is situated smack in the middle of some gorgeous
scenery in the heart of the Winelands. It’s one of those places that became
fashionable some time around the 1980s and things just snowballed. Fabulous
restaurants line the main street, there are some lovely little guest houses
and – of course – great wineries.
In fact, Franschhoek has
a special place in the history of South African wine making. |
| The name, which means French
Corner, came about in the 17th Century when a whole bunch of French Huguenots,
who were fleeing persecution by the Catholic Church in France, settled
here. They weren’t the first to grow and produce wine in the Cape but they
certainly contributed a certain flair that the Dutch didn’t really possess.
Notwithstanding their Gallic
skill with an oaken vat, these immigrants became totally integrated into
the colonial scene and soon started speaking Dutch – and then Afrikaans.
So much so, in fact, that many South Africans consider surnames such as
du Toit, Labuschagne and Marais to be Afrikaans. But, even though no French
is spoken here, there are strong links to France. A pretty monument to
the Huguenots dominates the town and – in July – Franschhoek celebrates
Bastille Day with a flourish unmatched except, perhaps, in Paris.
There is an excellent paragliding
launch site in the mountains on the outskirts of the town, and the nearby
pine plantations offer some great mountain biking. |
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| Also read: History
and Heritage of the people of Franschhoek |
FRANSCHHOEK
BED & BREAKFASTS / GUEST HOUSES / BOUTIQUE HOTELS, CAPE WINELANDS
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Akademie
Street Guest Houses, FRANSCHHOEK
Akademie Street Guest Houses
offers 5 Star accommodation in five unique buildings, all situated on the
same beautiful property in a quiet area of the Franschhoek village in the
heart of the Cape Winelands. There are four sun-kissed swimming pools and
shady, gardens where one can lie in privacy and listen to the splashing
of the fountains, the song of the cicadas, the cooing of the Cape Doves
- sounds so evocative of the Cape Winelands. This is coupled with the personal
service that only a very small, family owned and managed, guest house can
give. From this retreat one can stroll to the village centre and its famous
restaurants. Historic wine farms, great golf courses, hiking, fly-fishing,
and riding are all close by. |
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Auberge
Clermont, Bed and Breakfast, FRANSCHHOEK
This magnificent auberge
has been created in an old wine cellar set amid vineyards. Every
room has been individually and stylishly decorated. Underfloor heating
and ceiling fans ensure year round comfort. Superb bathrooms feature double
basins, separate showers and heated towel rails. Delicious breakfasts
are served on the terrace under 140-year old oak trees overlooking the
plum orchards or in the charming courtyard dining room. In addition,
Clermont has an historic self-catering two bedroomed villa, with private
swimming pool, large covered terrace, and stunning views of the Franschhoek
mountains. The villa also has a large loft room with ensuite shower - ideal
for children. |
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Cathbert
Country Inn, Bed and Breakfast, FRANSCHHOEK
Our Inn is set in the foothills
of the Simonsberg Mountains, with magnificent views. With only 8
suites it offers a quiet retreat with a swimming pool for guests, mountain
walks, bird watching and easy access to tour the nearby historical towns
of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. We are only 45 minutes (60km)
from Cape Town and the Waterfront. All our rooms have en suite bathrooms,
their own private patio and garden with views across a winelands
valley and mountain range. All have television, mini-bar, hairdryer,
and many other comforts. Restaurant: We are a member of the
Good Cooks and Their Country Houses group and offer our guests the option
of having dinner in our restaurant every evening except Saturday &
Sunday. The Inn is an ideal base for daily sightseeing trips - you
can follow the wine routes, exploring the quaint, historical towns of Stellenbosch... |
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Gable
Manor, Guest House / Self catering, FRANSCHHOEK
Join us for great hospitality
in a stylish and modern guesthouse with luxurious fittings, furnishings
and spacious air-conditioned rooms with beds that sleep so well. Enjoy
the air of relaxation and understated elegance in this classic Cape Dutch
architecturally styled house set in the village of Franschhoek. The
two suites and four bedrooms have air conditioning, top class king size/twin
beds, crisp white percale linen, soft gowns, individual satellite TV, tea
& coffee trays, carpets, safes, UK wall plugs and hairdryers. The décor
follows the theme of understated elegance with each room having its own
distinctive character. The Balinese furniture perfectly matches the gentle
colours in each room. |
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La
Fontaine Guest House, Bed and Breakfast, FRANSCHHOEK
La Fontaine welcomes you
into Franschhoek in the heart of the winelands. Situated in peaceful surroundings
with spectacular mountain views, this gracious home offers you 8 spacious
double rooms with ensuite bathrooms, three garden rooms and one family
suite which open out into the secluded garden. Generous buffet breakfasts
indoors or under the vine covered pergola. Within safe walking distance
to award-winning restaurants, shops and galleries. Golf, fly-fishing, horse
riding, wine tasting, hiking nearby. Off-street parking. Limited
smoking. Children +12 welcome. TGCSA 4-star |
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Le
Quartier Francais, Guest House, FRANSCHHOEK
A little French, a little
foreign, a little style they like to call Cape Provencal. Of course, some
call it an Auberge, others an exclusive country inn. In any language, Le
Quartier Français is a splash of style in the heart of the historic
village of Franschhoek, a quaint corner of the Cape wine lands that is
forever a little French. Set behind a delightful Provençal
façade lined with a charming rose and lavender border, Le Quartier
Français welcomes visitors from all over the globe who come here
to dine in fine style and spend the night in a room with a spectacular
view. A mélange of French, Malay and traditional South African
dishes, Margot Janses’ menu tempts with a modern twist of the old Cape
and the new. |
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Maison
Chablis, Guest House, FRANSCHHOEK
White
washed walls, beautiful garden and a sparkling swimming pool surround this
elegant Georgian Guest House. Each of the beautifully decorated, spacious
en-suite bedrooms has its own unique décor and character.
Owners Bradley Tyler and Peter Hager have ensured your stay will be a memorable
one by welcoming you to their gracious guest house with a very special
brand or warm and caring Cape hospitality, the attention to detail, sumptuous
breakfast and friendly service, will make your stay with us a truly memorable
one! Situated a mere two-minute stroll from the historic village
centre, with its charming street cafes, award winning restaurants, museums
and galleries and within easy reach of walking and horse trails, or an
easy drive to many of the Capes celebrated wine estates, golf courses and
beaches.  |
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Plumwood
Inn, Guesthouse/Self-Catering, FRANSCHHOEK
Lying in what was once a
plum orchard, on the edge of the old part of the village, Plumwood Inn
is a mere two-minute amble from the village centre. Peering over plum trees
and majestic mountains this is a place of timeless romance and peace.
Soaking up the African sun at one of the sparkling salt water pools in
the peaceful, cosy garden will make you feel rejuvenated. Plumwood Inn
has been stylishly and creatively designed and decorated to create a warm
and most relaxed ambience. Roel & Lucienne from the Netherlands
pride themselves in effortless sophistication & personalized service.
Plumwood Inn has seven rooms, in both classic and contemporary style, in
two adjacent properties |
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Residence
Klein Oliphants Hoek, Boutique Hotel, FRANSCHHOEK
Klein
Oliphants Hoek is an elegant, sophisticated and comfortable Boutique Hotel
with eight elegantly decorated but 'cozy' en suite rooms - set in
the heart of the Franschhoek village, pearl of the Cape Winelands. Built
as a mission station in 1888, this stunning Boutique Hotel offers old-time
chic, a touch of colonial splendour with warm, personalized and outstanding
service. For guests looking for something extra special, we have suites
with private pools or Jacuzzi set in secluded courtyards. Where Traditions
& Trends Meet - The Restaurant is a charming take on a traditional
South African country kitchen with just a hint of European sentiment. |
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Val
D'Or Guest House, FRANSCHHOEK
Only
minutes from the centre of the Cape's culinary capital, lies Val d'Or where
the welcome is warm, the tranquillity tangible and the ambience geared
to your comfort. Sink into plump couches in the lounge with its intimate
bar, sip a sundowner on the terrace overlooking vineyards and mountains,
or enjoy a pre-prandial sherry on a winter evening. Luxuriate in
one of the spacious, individually decorated en-suites, or opt for a quaint
garden unit. Wake to birdsong and linger over a bountiful breakfast. |
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Franschhoek Accommodation
FRANSCHHOEK
HOTELS & BOUTIQUE HOTELS, CAPE WINELANDS, SOUTH AFRICA
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L'ermitage
Franschhoek Hotel & Villas, FRANSCHHOEK
On
the slopes of the Franschhoek Pass, amidst sweeping tracts of fynbos, lies
the exclusive village of L'ermitage set within the secure grounds of the
prestigious Fransche Hoek Estate, nestled between Chamonix and Haute Cabriere.
Here you will find the stately 5 Star Chateau Du Pré and 36 charming
private villas, all of which promise guests a warm welcome and a wonderful
stay. Within the village is also the fine-dining Sixteen-88 restaurant,
and for picnics or home entertaining you’ll be spoilt for choice at L’ermitage’s
own sumptuous delicatessen. For guests seeking a unique wellness experience
there is the very special Skin and Body Sanctuary. It’s just the place
to make sure that the peace of L’ermitage penetrates deep into the body,
refreshing and cleansing in holistic treatments. And of course for weddings
and social celebrations or conferencing and corporate affairs, you need
look no further than L’ermitage for an unforgettable experience. |
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Residence
Klein Oliphants Hoek, Boutique Hotel, FRANSCHHOEK
Klein
Oliphants Hoek is an elegant, sophisticated and comfortable Boutique Hotel
with eight elegantly decorated but 'cozy' en suite rooms - set in
the heart of the Franschhoek village, pearl of the Cape Winelands. Built
as a mission station in 1888, this stunning Boutique Hotel offers old-time
chic, a touch of colonial splendour with warm, personalized and outstanding
service. For guests looking for something extra special, we have suites
with private pools or Jacuzzi set in secluded courtyards. Where Traditions
& Trends Meet - The Restaurant is a charming take on a traditional
South African country kitchen with just a hint of European sentiment.
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The
Last Word Franschhoek, Luxury Hotel, FRANSCHHOEK
The
Last Word Franschhoek is an exclusive 5 Star historic residence located
in the heart of Franschhoek village, the gourmet capital of South Africa.
It’s only a minute’s walk from the many excellent award-winning restaurants
and numerous character-filled boutique style shops and art galleries. The
magnificent Franschhoek valley offers world-class wine estates, tastings
and cellar tours nestled between towering mountains and beautiful vineyards
and the picturesque traditional French village hosts some of the best cuisine
from internationally recognised gourmet chefs. Of South Africa’s top ten
restaurants, three are located in Franschhoek, and there is a choice of
more than 30 different places to wine and dine. |
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Franschhoek Accommodation
FRANSCHHOEK
SELF-CATERING / VACATION & HOLIDAY RENTAL ACCOMMODATION, CAPE WINELANDS
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Gingerbed
Cottage, Self-Catering Cottage, FRANSCHHOEK
Gingerbeds is a charming
and stylish cottage situated on a large property with a beautiful, tranquil
garden, in the historical “onderdorp” of Franschhoek. It has its
own private entrance, and private courtyard overlooking the garden.
Our rooms are tastefully decorated with whitewashed floors and white percale
linen – it is simple, stylish and comfortable. It is an open plan
unit with an ensuite bathroom with bath, basin and toilet, and small self-catering
kitchen. There is a tv and couch in the bedroom, and guests have
access to the garden pool. |
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Gable
Manor, Guest House / Self catering, FRANSCHHOEK
Join us for great hospitality
in a stylish and modern guesthouse with luxurious fittings, furnishings
and spacious air-conditioned rooms with beds that sleep so well. Enjoy
the air of relaxation and understated elegance in this classic Cape Dutch
architecturally styled house set in the village of Franschhoek. The
two suites and four bedrooms have air conditioning, top class king size/twin
beds, crisp white percale linen, soft gowns, individual satellite TV, tea
& coffee trays, carpets, safes, UK wall plugs and hairdryers. The décor
follows the theme of understated elegance with each room having its own
distinctive character. The Balinese furniture perfectly matches the gentle
colours in each room. |
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Haus-Giverny,
Self-Catering House, FRANSCHHOEK
HOUSE GIVERNY is an unique
and private house with swimming pool within easy walking distance of Franschhoek's
Main Street with its delightful arts and craft shops and many fine restaurants.
The house is equipped with a full kitchen and laundry room and perfectly
positioned for exploring the various wine farms of the Cape Winelands,
as well as golf courses, fly fishing and horse riding. Unwind beside
the swimming pool. Bring your walking shoes, bathing costume, binoculars
and comfortable clothing and you don't want to leave. Off-street
parking in a very safe area. |
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La
Petite Ferme, Self-Catering House & Cottages, FRANSCHHOEK
La Petite Ferme is set high
on the northern slopes of the magnificent Franschhoek Mountains in a beautiful
garden that extends upwards into the Cape's unique Fynbos. Overlooking
a trout-filled lake and Franschhoek's charming village below, it is the
ideal setting for a relaxing weekend of leisure. For those who wish to
escape city life and experience the sheer joy of silence, beauty and unassuming
simplicity in a charming country retreat, MontMartre is the ideal destination.
Inside the Lodges you will find everything you will require to make your
stay comfortable and unforgettable. |
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La
Providence, Self-Catering on a Boutique Wine Farm, FRANSCHHOEK
Noted
for its wine production and luxurious guest accommodation, La Providence
offers visitors the opportunity to experience Franschhoek in regal style.
The estate is located behind the famous Huguenot monument and is only five
minutes’ walk to Franschhoek’s main road, which is home to several of the
widely-acclaimed restaurants. The valley also boasts over forty wine estates,
resulting in its title “Gourmet Capital of South Africa”. In addition
to some superb golf courses, the Franschhoek Winelands also provides a
wonderful location for other outdoor pursuits such as horse riding and
trout fishing.
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Franschhoek Accommodation
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