A weekend in Franschhoek

Franschhoek

Friends got married at Moreson Wine Estate last weekend so we used this as a good excuse to spend the weekend in Franschhoek.  It was a lunch time wedding and we live in Cape Town, so strictly speaking two nights in Franschhoek was not really necessary but then again, it’s Franschhoek and it’s always a treat to spend time in this beautiful town!

We arrived on Friday evening and there is something quite special about driving through the valley as the sun is setting.  We really do live in a country with the most breathtaking scenery … Continued

Franschhoek Sunset Drive

Winelands Drive

The famous gourmet capital of the Western Cape is the wine valley of Franschhoek. As a valley it is cradled between mountain ranges that display a spectacular view over the luscious vineyard region. Pack a picnic with your favourite bottle of wine and take a drive to watch the sun set over this beautiful valley. Its so romantic and beautiful, it makes a perfect spot for popping significant questions!

As you drive into Franschhoek on the R45, the Main Road namely Huguenot Rd (named after the village’s French settlers) leads you to a T-Junction at the the landmark Hugenot Monument. At the T-Junction turn left onto Lambrecht Road (which is still classified on a map as the R45) and scoop your way along the mountain road winding up mountain curves singing ‘We’ll be coming round the mountain, when we come …’. Continued

Franschhoek Photographs

Todays “photo of the day” is in fact 3 photographs taken in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands. The French corner of the Cape, Franshoek lies in one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world, just 45 minutes’ from Cape Town … Continued

Heads we take the N1, Tails the N2

Franschhoek

One sunny morning, two national highways that lead you to Franschhoek and three reasons to visit; in order of appearance scenery, wine and food. Be warned though what starts as a happy breakfast in a little town whose name translates to “French Corner” will evolve into an even happier lunch and a borderline ecstatic dinner. All accompanied by the continuous reappearance of the very same three reasons you decided to visit; the view of the Gods, the juice of the Gods and the food… oh my God!

Franschhoek is known as the gourmet capital of the Cape and even has its own three sources of natural spring water that is bottled in the valley. It is not unusual when dining at any of Franschhoek’s world class restaurants to see framed accolades and reviews taking residence on the walls as a mark of international recognition of cuisine excellence. Four courses in and phrases like ‘I couldn’t possibly fit another bite in’ morph themselves alongside a bottle of delicious local vintage into ‘well you only live once’. Savour local game dishes glazed with a French signature from eight of South Africa’s Top 100 restaurants (some located on wine farms and some on the Main Street). Continued

The French Charm of Franschhoek

Franschhoek

Meaning French Corner, Franschhoek, was first colonized by the French Huguenots in 1692. One of the most famous attractions in the town remains the Huguenot Memorial, with its distinctive three arches, representing the Holy Trinity and the woman, holding a bible and broken chain, symbolizing these early settlers escape from religious oppression, which is located at the end of the main road. When entering Franschhoek, one is immediately aware of an air of relaxation and elegance, and on any given day, the streets are lined with holiday makers and leisure seekers.

A cultured and refined little town, the French influence on the culture and architecture is visible almost anywhere, and many of the Franschhoek attractions reflect this history. The town hosts a large array of annual festivals, ranging from the Bastille Festival, commemorating the towns history, to the Franschhoek literary festival, wine, champagne and cheese festivals to name a few, all displaying the same air of refinement that the town itself is renowned for. Continued