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.
Akademie
Street Guesthouses, FRANSCHHOEK 2006 and 2007 - Voted 'Best
Small Guesthouse in South Africa' in the prestigious Automobile Association
Awards with a 98.38 % score for customer satisfaction. These three
luxurious, private and peaceful houses each have their own enchanting garden
and pool. From this holiday retreat one can stroll to the village center
and its famous restaurants. Historic wine farms, great golf courses, hiking,
fly fishing and riding close by. Breakfasts are served under a vine-covered
patio or in the Cape Dutch home called Twyfeling.
Auberge
Bligny, Bed and Breakfast, FRANSCHHOEK Auberge Bligny is an 1860
homestead in the historic center of Franschhoek. It has 8 en-suite bedrooms
with private entrances. There is a romantic honeymoon suite, family suites
with interleading doors and a room equipped for disabled guests. A country
breakfast is served - in summer on the terrace overlooking the pool and
the mountains for which the village is famous. With six restaurants
in the top 100 of the country, there is a lot of truth in the saying that
Franschhoek is the gourmet capital of the RSA. Some of these and numerous
other excellent restaurants are within seven minutes’ walk from the guest
house. Alternatively one could stroll to a wine farm for some wine,
and on the way back stop at the formagerie for cheese and bread to enjoy
at Auberge Bligny ...
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.
Belle
Fleur, Bed and Breakfast, Self-catering, FRANSCHHOEK On a Lemon Farm between
two Wine Farms, you will find 'Belle Fleur'. Situated on a citrus
farm it is the ideal venue for your holiday or simply a relaxing weekend
away from the city. With a swimming pool, braai facilities, lovely garden,
panoramic views. All the rooms are large - fan – Bar fridge - TV
- tea/coffee making facilities and spacious and have private bath and shower
(not en suite). The famous wine routes of Franschhoek, Paarl and
Stellenbosch are on our doorstep. This area renowned for its fauna
and flora, offers the quiet surroundings and scenic nature trails for the
nature lover.
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...
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.
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
Le
Quartier Francais, Guesthouse, 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.
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.
Plumwood
Inn, Guesthouse, 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
Residence
Klein Oliphants Hoek, Bed and Breakfast, FRANSCHHOEK Located in a quiet position
in the heart of the historic winelands village of Franschhoek, Résidence
Klein Oliphants Hoek is the perfect place to relax after a day of wine
tasting, haute cuisine, mountain hiking or browsing in antique shops and
art galleries in the village. Get cosy in one of our eight rooms,
enjoy sunset on the wide verandah with its spectacular mountain views,
make yourself at home in front of a large open fire in the comfortable,
historic Mission Hall, or head for Bouillabaisse - Camil & Ingrid's
trendy Champagne&Oyster bar and seafood deli on Franschhoek's main
road - five minutes' walk from the guesthouse.
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.
Gingerbed
Cottage, Self-Catering, 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..
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.
Haus-Giverny,
Self-Catering, 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.
La
Petite Ferme, Self-Catering, 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.
La
Providence, Self-Catering Accommodation 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.
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.
