Cape Winelands
Franschhoek
The French Corner
A mountain valley settled by French Huguenots, now celebrated for its wine and its food.
Franschhoek's story begins in the 17th century, when French Huguenot settlers planted the first vineyards in the valley. Tree-lined streets and historic buildings still carry that Old World character.
World-class wineries fill the valley, and the Franschhoek Wine Tram links estates in a single, unhurried journey.
Beyond the vines: nature reserves to hike, scenic routes to cycle, and long evenings as the sun sets over the valley.
Franschhoek, in context.
- Region
- Cape Winelands
- Position
- 33°54.79′S 19°07.26′E
- Distance
- 64 km from the City Bowl, as the crow flies
- Getting there
- Most of our journeys include pickup from your Cape Town accommodation
Journeys that go here
All tours
Travel notes
- Driving
- South Africa drives on the left. Our journeys include transport, so you won't need a car for them.
- Time zone
- South African Standard Time (SAST), UTC+2. No daylight saving.
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR). Prices on this site are in rand.
- Weather
- Cape weather changes quickly, especially on the mountain and the coast. Bring a warm layer, even in summer.
Next stop · Whale Coast · Walker Bay
Hermanus
Franschhoek, your way.
Tell us when you'll be in the Cape and we'll plan your time in Franschhoek — on its own or as part of a longer trip.