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General Informtion
More than three centuries ago about 200 French Huguenots, having escaped
religious persecution, settled in the Berg River Valley and founded the
community of Franschhoek.
With its fine balmy summers and the majority of its
rainfall in winter, the French Huguenots recognised the potential of the region
for wine production and fruit growing. |
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Wine and Other Routes
The French established vast wine estates throughout the valley. Today you will
not only find many of these estates but also numerous small family vineyards.
Sixteen of these vineyards form part of the Vignerons de Franschhoek which was
formed to promote the valley and its wines. The wine route is open for tastings
and cellar tours and is within half an hour's drive from Stellenbosch, Paarl,
Wellington and Somerset West wine routes. Franschhoek also forms part of te
scenic Four Passes Fruit Route.
Attractions and Other Places of Interest
At the foot of the pass you will find the Huguenot Memorial and Museum which
commemorate the arrival of the Huguenots in 1688. The museum serves as an
information and research centre on the Huguenots and their descendants. The Jan
Joubert's Gat bridge is one of the oldest bridges in South Africa still in use
and is in the Franschhoek pass. The Dutch Reformed Church is a National Monument
and is open to the public on request.
Arts and Crafts
Not only did the French bring their viticulture, they also left behind a rich
heritage of arts, architecture and hospitality, all of which survives to this
day. The main street is lined with galleries displaying local arts, craft shops
and antique shops.
Accommodation and Conference Facilities
Accommodation is of a high standard with personal service to cater for every
need. A variety of packages are available, ranging from self catering cottages,
through bed and breakfast guesthouses, to one of the most popular country hotels
in South Africa. Conference facilities are also available.
Walks and Trails
Being almost surrounded by mountains there are some breathtaking scenic hikes in
the nature reserve, Mont Rochelle. Permits are available from the municipality,
museum and the information office.
The Boland Hiking Trail is a two or three day hike and permits are obtainable
from Jonkershoek.
Sporting Facilities
Sporting facilities include a variety of ball sports, notebly petanque, tennis,
rugby, squash and cricket. Horse riding, mountain biking and swimming are also
available.
Restaurants
Franschhoek is often referred to as "the gourmet capital of the Cape" and this
title is justly deserved as it has some of the finest restaurants in the
country. With meals ranging from French cuisine, to typical Cape cooking, to
simple country fare, there is a menu for every taste and for every pocket.
Linked Interest Between Towns
Situated 83km from Cape Town, along the N1, in less than an hour one can be in
Franschhoek. This makes it perfect for a day trip and its proximity to
Stellenbosch, 30km; Paarl 30km; Wellington 45km and 45km to Somerset West makes
it ideal to explore the Winelands.
Franschhoek Info: 876-3603
876-2768 (faks)
info@franschhoek.org.za
www.franschhoek.org.za
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