20. Franschhoek & surroundings

South Africa’s very own “French Quarter”, one of the country’s top 5 tourist destinations, is beautifully situated on the banks of the Berg River against the backdrop of the Drakenstein Mountains. The charming town is packed with specialist shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants, and is best explored on foot. The French Huguenot Monument rises into the sky in remembrance of the French that found the town in 1688.

A trip to Franschhoek is simply spectacular: the day is filled with great scenery, impressive mountain passes, a laid back countryside atmosphere and good food. Our suggested circle route (just over 200 km) takes you through some of the most dramatic Cape Town mountain scenery and will provide you with many happy holiday memories.

Start your day early and drive to Stellenbosch. As you arrive into Stellenbosch turn left into Merriman Road and continue eastward until you reach a big traffic circle. At the circle turn left into Cluver Road and then right into Helshoogte Road (R310).

Helshoogte Pass circles through panoramic landscapes and winelands and is an attraction in itself. The striking mountain on your left is called Simonsberg or “Simon’s Mountain” and is named after Simon van der Stel, former Dutch commander and governor of the Cape colony 1639-1712. The story goes that the shape of the mountain is Simon lying on his back - his head and nose on the right, and stomach and legs to the left.

You will soon pass the beautiful Boschendal Wine Estate – one of Cape Town’s largest estates. Boschendal should by no doubt be on your top 5 wine estates to visit list – the wine is first class, the atmosphere peaceful and the mountain scenery stunning. The estate holds a restaurant, café and impressive garden - the perfect spot for a romantic picnic or breakfast. The old farm building is a great example of typical Cape Dutch farm architecture. Do not miss a guided tour through the cellars.

Continue along the R310 until you reach the R45 road and turn right towards Franschhoek. The little town is scattered with cafes, art galleries, restaurants and delightful shops. A good start is to visit the tourist information bureau on Huguenot street. Allow yourself enough time to discover the town, which is best explored on foot.

Franschhoek has become known as South Africa’s food and wine capital and many of South Africa’s top chefs live here. Not surprisingly, the town is home to 8 of South Africa’s top 100 restaurants. And it is not only wine and dine – a visit to the Huguenot Fine Chocolates on 62 Huguenot Road is a sweet experience. This shop produces over 6000 chocolates a day, and you will find their chocolates in many Franschhoek guest houses and wine estates. Try their delicious Amarula chocolates for a true African Belgium taste.

Also visit the Dutch Reformed Church – the oldest building in Franschhoek, located in Huguenot Street. Visitors are welcome to go inside this declared Provincial Heritage Site.

As you walk down Huguenot road, you will see the impressive French Huguenot Monument in front. It was build in 1938 to mark the arrival of the first French settlers to the valley in 1688. The centre of the monument is a women standing on a globe with her feet on France. She holds a Bible in her one hand and a broken chain in the other, representing freedom from religious oppression.

At the Monument turn left into Lambrecht Street towards the spectacular Franschhoek Mountain Pass. The road climbs higher and higher up one of the most beautiful mountains in the Cape, and provides great views over the Franschhoek valley. It then circles down to the man-made lake of Theewaterskloof, where you should turn right into the R321 towards Grabouw.

This road takes you through another scenic mountain pass called Viljoenspass. It was named after Anthony Viljoen, who was one of the most successful apple farmers in the Elgin Valley. Today the Elgin Valley, with the town of Grabouw as its commercial centre point, produces 65 % of South Africa’s export apples. It’s a rich valley with great natural scenery, fine views and fresh farm food – don’t forget to stop at one of the well established farm stalls along the way.

Continue onto the N2 highway and turn right towards Somerset West / Cape Town. You will soon start climbing up the breathtaking Sir Lowrys Mountain pass, where you can stop at the lookout point on your left just before circling down. The lookout provides fantastic views across False Bay (left), Somerset West and Table Mountain (centre), and the Helderberg Mountains (right). You might just find that you share the view with a group of famous baboons always entertaining the crowd.

Drove along the N2 towards Cape Town, just in time for a great dinner in the Mother City.

Travel Checklist

Drove through Helshoogte Pass
Relaxed in the gardens of Boschendal wine farm and went on a cellar tour
Walked through the town of Franschhoek and explored the main road’s shops, restaurants and cafes
Tasted freshly made chocolates at the Huguenot Fine Chocolates
Saw the inside of the Dutch Reformed Church
Visited the French Huguenot Monument
Overlooked the Franschhoek Valley from the Franschhoek Mountain Pass
Drove over Viljoenspass and visited the town of Grabouw
Stopped at Sir Lowrys Mountain pass lookout for splendid views over the False Bay area

Useful numbers

Boshendal Wine Estate 021 870 4272
Huguenot Fine Chocolates 021 876 4096
French Huguenot Monument 021 876 2532

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