Franschhoek, Franschhoek

Franschhoek at a glance

Franschhoek is a bustling, cosmopolitan town that attracts artists, visitors, retirees, and wealthy individuals from all over the world. The infrastructure of Franschhoek is first-rate, with freshly rebuilt roads, a top-notch private school, easy access to shopping, and first-rate medical services.

Apart from its illustrious wine estates, five-star accommodations, and Michelin-rated restaurants, Franschhoek also boasts a thriving contemporary art scene, a great network of hiking and mountain biking trails, and sophisticated café culture, all of which make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation and appeal to foodies, families, and nature enthusiasts.

The wonderful property options in Franschhoek range from safe retirement communities to storied wine estates. The town is home to several historic structures and remarkable representations of Cape Dutch architecture.

A brief history of the area

Although the territory was previously inhabited by the Khoi and San people, Franschhoek's formal history goes back to 1687, when Simon van der Stel and 23 other Dutch immigrants landed and established a midway point for passing ships.

The next year, 300 French Huguenots came to the region, and the Dutch offered them the land in return for their expertise in viniculture. The French made a lasting impression on the valley, which, three centuries later, is considered one of the world's top viticulture areas. 

The nearby monument and Huguenot Memorial Museum pay tribute to the region's 17th- and 18th-century French settlers. The Franschhoek Motor Museum features classic vehicles amidst farms in the mountains.

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)

The distance between Franschhoek and Cape Town International Airport is 75 km. In normal traffic, this trip will take you around 70 minutes.

Driving from Franschhoek to Cape Town via the R45 and N1 takes around 68 minutes in typical traffic and covers a distance of approximately 81 kilometres. 

Climate

The climate in Franschhoek is warm and temperate. In winter, there is much more rainfall in Franschhoek than in summer. Franschhoek's average temperature is 14.6 °C. With an average temperature of 20.1 °C, February is the hottest month of the year, while the average temperature in July is 9.4 °C. It is the year's coldest average temperature. The rainfall here is around 774 mm per year.

Schools in the area

It's never simple to decide which school to send your child to, but Franschhoek has several excellent options. Numerous schools also provide boarding and multilingual education.

Bridge House is an independent, co-educational school, which serves students in Preschool through Grade 12, and is situated outside of Franschhoek in a picturesque rural location. It is a reputable day and boarding school that emphasises relevance and future thinking and provides an all-encompassing, child-centred education.

There are several other well-known schools in the region that have left their mark and produced a lengthy list of exceptional students. Among the best schools in the region are Franschhoek High School, Wes-Eind Primary School, Groendal Secondary School, and Simond Private School.

Healthcare in the area

The Franschhoek Clinic is a good place to go if you need medical treatment in Franschhoek. Groendal Clinic and a number of private experts ready to assist you with your ailments are among the other conveniences in the area.

As an alternative, the Clicks Pharmacy may offer you over-the-counter medicine and basic medical treatment.

Shopping centres

The Franschhoek Village Market is a must-visit even though there are many shopping options in Franschhoek and the adjacent towns. Spend a Saturday here with family and friends while taking in delectable cuisine, fine crafts, energetic live music, and good times while relaxing in the shade of age-old oak trees. And don't forget to take advantage of the children's play area and free parking.

Other shopping facilities in the area include Franschhoek Square and Paarl Mall. 

Restaurants

The town of Franschhoek takes pride in being known as the "culinary capital of SA" because of its excellent food. You have a wide variety of five star dining options and a vast array of culinary creations.

Arkeste, located on Chamonix Wine Farm in Franschhoek, is the pinnacle of chef Richard Carstens' Asian-fusion, classical French methods, and his most recent musings: clean eating and pescetarianism, which are all represented on the Arkeste menu. Enjoy healthful, well-prepared, and delectable meals while surrounded by a 40-seater treed deck with floor-to-ceiling glass panes, allowing the tranquil vegetation to infuse.

La Petite Colombe, a real diamond in the Franschhoek cuisine crown, remains one of the Cape's most sought dining experiences. Other notable restaurants to visit in Franschhoek are Le Chêne, Chefs Warehouse at Maison, The Deli at Boschendal, and Le Coin Français.

Special attractions 

The area offers a wide range of athletic and leisure pursuits, such as horseback riding, fishing, sailing on the neighbouring Theewaterskloof Dam, mountain biking, and hiking in the nearby mountains.

One of the main attractions for experiencing the genuine spirit of the Franschhoek valley is the hop-on hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram trip. Its undulating vineyards, magnificent scenery, kind hospitality, world-class gastronomy, fine wines, and 300-year heritage will make you feel at one with nature.

Take a one-of-a-kind e-bike journey through some of South Africa's greatest wineland beauty. Cycle from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, meet locals, and sample some of the region's delectable food.

The top-secret facilities of the Franschhoek Beer Company's brewmasters are open to guests for a thrilling tour. An hour-long tour of the test brewery, the main brewery, and the organic garden will teach you how beer is created and allow you to sample some of their fantastic brews.

Make Franschhoek your home. Let it be your story.

Contact the Seeff team now to learn about your property options for sale and rent in the lovely town of Franschhoek.