If you looking for a great all round hotel in Franschhoek then this is the one to book. It has it all: great setting, awesome spa and the food is amazing.
Tune. 2020
Activities
The perfect base from which to explore the illustrious Franschhoek valley and surrounding Cape Winelands.
Le Franschhoek is ideally located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, within the vicinity of over 50 different Franschhoek activities. Choose from a wide variety of things to do in Franschhoek, ranging from outdoors and adventure sports, to leisurely wine tasting and shopping, or enjoy some of the exquisite onsite activities Le Franschhoek has on offer. The surrounding countryside plays host to pristine wine estates, where you can sample internationally-acclaimed wines and an exceptional range of excellent fine dining restaurants. Franschhoek’s historic mountains are ideal for healthy outdoor activities such as horseback wine-tasting or hiking.
And what’s more, the bustling city of Cape Town is a mere hour’s drive away should you feel like a change of pace. This outstanding variety makes Franschhoek a first-class option for both local and international travellers. With Le Franschhoek as your base, you can explore the area with ease. However, if you’d prefer a more relaxing experience of South Africa’s ‘French Corner’ opt to stay within the striking grounds and treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment or indulgent massage at our in-house spa.
Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa’s friendly in-house Travel Desk can assist in finding the best things to do in Franschhoek and its interesting neighbouring areas. Some of the most prominent Franschhoek activities include:
- Horse riding – including wine tasting on horseback
- Hiking in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
- Numerous wine tours and food and wine pairings at over 20 local wine estates
- Tours on the wine tram
- Fine dining options at award-winning restaurants
- Cheese tastings
- Chocolate tastings
- Fly fishing in exquisite surroundings
- Tours to the Diamond Works
- Museums
- The Nelson Mandela statue at Drakenstein Correctional Centre, the site of his release
- Art galleries
- Golf at Pearl Valley
A town steeped in history
Explore South Africa's 'French Corner' from your base at Le Franschhoek.
Contact UsArt & Culture
Franschhoek – South Africa’s ‘French Corner’ – boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, which dates as far back as the late 1600’s, and is commemorated in a multitude of ways throughout the small town. With impressive memorials, an assortment of history museums and charming Cape Dutch architecture, a trip to Franschhoek offers more than just a scenic vista. Meander through the vineyards, or along the broad avenues, and feel the history of the place around every corner.
In 1685, Protestantism was outlawed in France, thus forcing hundreds of people to flee from their homes. Almost 300 of these so-called Huguenots arrived at the Cape of Good Hope by ship, and were soon given land by the then Dutch government in a valley called Oliphantshoek (Elephant’s Corner), where they would come to settle. With the influx of French occupants, this valley, which once derived its name from the vast herds of elephants that made their way into the area to calve, soon became known as le Coin Français (French Corner, in French), and later Franschhoek (French Corner, in Dutch).
This interesting and resilient Franschhoek history is still honoured in the modern-day town, and several attractions both celebrate and elaborate on the town’s origins. In much the same way, various aspects of the town are dedicated to the arts, and are worth a visit on your trip to Franschhoek. Choose from an exciting selection of Arts & Culture activities in Franschhoek:
- Visit the Huguenot Museum
- Admire the Huguenot Memorial
- Take a trip to the Franschhoek Motor Museum
- Board the Franschhoek Wine Tram
- Appreciate the unspoilt Cape Dutch architecture
- Pay a visit to the Museum van de Caab
- Celebrate with the Bastille Festival