Franschhoek — The Culinary Capital
Franschhoek (French Corner) was founded in 1688 by Huguenot refugees and has preserved its French charm over the centuries. Today, the small town is the culinary capital of South Africa — on a few hundred meters of the main street, restaurants, patisseries, and delicatessen shops line up, reaching Michelin-star quality.
Culinary Highlights
- La Petite Colombe — Regularly among the top 20 restaurants in Africa. Innovative South African-French fusion cuisine with views of the vineyards. Tasting menu: from 1,200 ZAR (60€).
- Maison — A restaurant serving haute cuisine on a wine estate: foie gras with fynbos honey, springbok with truffle — surprising, refined, and housed in a historic manor.
- Huguenot Fine Chocolates — Handmade chocolates with South African flavors: Rooibos, Amarula, Buchu. The perfect souvenir.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is the most ingenious means of transport in the Winelands: A historic tram (and a tram-bus) connects eight wineries in a hop-on-hop-off system. You hop on, travel to the next winery, taste, hop back on, and continue — all without a car. The ride through vineyards with views of the mountains is an experience in itself. Tickets: from 280 ZAR (14€) for the tram, tastings extra. Be sure to book in advance!
Huguenot Memorial Museum
The museum tells the story of the French Huguenots who fled religious persecution to South Africa and founded the wine culture at the Cape. In front of the museum stands the impressive Huguenot Monument — a woman with a Bible and broken chain, symbolizing religious freedom. Admission: 25 ZAR (1.25€).
