Franschhoek Area Profile

Franschhoek at a glance

Franschhoek 

Franschhoek offers a combination of enviable lifestyle opportunities and exceptional natural beauty within an internationally-recognised tourist destination.

Franschhoek is renowned for being the wining-and-dining capital of the Cape Winelands.  This Francophile town was established after Stellenbosch by about 300 French Huguenots who were given the area in which to settle upon their arrival from France, prior to this, it was known as Elephant Corner. The area embraces its Gallic roots from the celebration of epicurean delights to its annual Bastille festival. Its  name literally translates into "French corner" from the Dutch. Many unspoilt examples of Cape Dutch architecture contribute to its boundless charm and the large volume of visiting tourists.  The addition of the Franschhoek Wine Tram https://winetram.co.za has made it even easier for all to visit the numerous magnificent wine farms around the village.

Given its Gallic leanings, it is unsurprising that a number of highly regarded, by both locals and internationals alike, restaurants call Franschhoek home.  Foliage https://www.foliage.co.za, La Petite Colombe https://lapetitecolombe.restaurant/food, Orangerie at La Lude https://lelude.co.za/the-orangerie-restaurant/ being some of the varied offerings.

The establishment of the IEB school Bridge House https://www.bridgehouse.org.za in the mid-90s encouraged families to relocate to this idyllic spot. 

Franschhoek falls within the Stellenbosch Municipality and is less than 40kms away from that town. The town offers a clinic, medical centre and numerous doctors, dentist and allied services, more specialised medical facilities in Cape Town or Stellenbosch are also fairly easily accessible.