Recently the world-renowned Time magazine ranked Franschhoek one of the World’s Greatest Places in 2022.
The ranking includes 50 global destinations the publication’s correspondents and contributors nominated for exploring, because they offer new and exciting experiences. Franschhoek ranked highly for its multitude of wine farms, unique scenery, high-class food options and a range of activities on offer.
This beautiful town is not only a favourite among visitors from overseas, but locals too enjoy the unique experiences the town has to over.
Besides the various well-known wine estates where you can enjoy the good wine the region has to offer you can also toast with some of the finest MCCs. Visitors can either opt for a fine dining experience, French cuisine, a traditional South African food and taste some Belgium chocolates with a chocolate experience, at Huguenot Fine Chocolates.
For art lovers the town also has much to offer. The town is also the home to the well known pig, called Pigcasso. When you visit the Farm Sanctuary SA in Franschhoek which takes care of neglected animals, you might just meet Pigcasso, who is famous for her art pieces. The proceeds of her paintings benefit the Farm Sanctuary SA.
The Huguenot Memorial Museum and neighbouring monument honour the area’s French settlers, who arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The town also has something to offer for motor vehicle lovers with a display of vintage cars at the Franschhoek Motor Museum at Anthonij Rupert Wyne.
And those who would like to explore the town a bit differently can do so on the back of a horse.
Paradise stables in Franschhoek offers leisurely horse-riding trips through the wine farms and mountains. Ranging from an hour, to four and a half hour trips, you can decide whether you want half, or full day excursion. The longer outrides also include wine tastings at Rickety Bridge Winery and Mont Rochelle
Another attraction for the adventurous spirits, include guided mountain biking. Tours are four to five hours long which includes a bicycle rental, helmet, water, guide, two wine tastings, and one wine pairing. Children’s bicycles, and baby carriers are also available to rent.
An e-bike tour of three and a half hours in Franschhoek with a guide, will take you to three wine farms, namely Grande Provence, Mullineux and Leeu, as well as Glenwood Wine Estate. You can enjoy a 15 km track, which is an easy cycle with an electric bicycle.
Paragliding can be another item on your to-do list when visiting Franschhoek should you want to be more adventurous. Most commonly the paragliding sessions take place from Mount Rochelle Nature Reserve, or Du Toits Kloof Pass. The starting price is R1 500, which will keep you busy for one to two hours with the assistance of a qualified flight instructor. (winelandsparagliding.co.za/adventures/winelands-tandem-paragliding/)
Another family favourite and adventurous way to explore the magnificent mountains and wine farms is a tour with Scootours® Franschhoek. During the tour you will free wheel down the gentle slopes of Chamonix Wine Farm and enjoy breath taking views over the Franschhoek Valley. The route is easy to navigate and the only requirement is that you are able to ride a bicycle.
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve also offers beautiful hiking trails, spectacular views and diverse plant life. La Motte offers a sustainable hike and offers the ideal opportunity to explore some of La Motte’s greatest assets – the abundant birdlife, a protea garden, sustainably farmed vineyards, a wealth of flora, resident mammals and reptiles and the breathtaking vistas of the Franschhoek Valley.
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is also a popular option for all Cape Winelands visitors. You can hop on, and hop off at up to eight wineries of your choice when booking a place on the tram. Clients can choose between eight lines which all visits different wineries. (winetram.co.za)
Not a wine lover? Not a problem, because Franschhoek has three craft beer destinations to choose from: Hey Jo Brewing Company, The Franschhoek Beer Co, and Tuk-Tuk Microbrewery. The Hey Jo Brewing Company and The Franschhoek Beer Co are both child friendly with children’s play areas. Scrumptious meals can also be enjoyed along with beer tastings. (franschhoekvineyardhopper.co.za/craft-breweries/)
