About Franschhoek

Franschhoek, meaning "French Corner," was settled by French Huguenot refugees in the late 1680s, fleeing religious persecution in Europe, and their arrival is commemorated at the Huguenot Memorial Museum and Monument at the head of the valley. The town lies in a narrow mountain valley in the Cape Winelands, reached via the scenic Franschhoek Pass, and has built a reputation as South Africa's food and wine capital thanks to a dense cluster of acclaimed wine estates and restaurants. Many of its farms still carry French names dating back to the original Huguenot land grants. The Franschhoek Motor Museum, housed on the L'Ormarins estate, adds a further layer to the town's identity beyond wine.

Franschhoek's calendar mixes wine-country sport, music and craft over the coming months. On 6 September athletes take on the Terra Nova Adventure Race, while music lovers can catch Mark Haze presents Masters of Rock at Franschhoek Cellar on 18 September. Motoring fans should mark 3 October for the Classic Car Festival among the vineyards, and craft shoppers can browse KAMERS/Makers | Winelands | Spring/Summer 2026 when it opens in late October. The season builds toward summer with the Franschhoek Cap Classique Festival in December, celebrating the valley's signature sparkling wine.