Cape Wine, French Design

The story, flavours and beauty of Franschhoek — the Cape’s most elegant escape

Rickety Bridge Winery railway station for tourist tram ride between vineyards in the Franschhoek Valley Southern Africa - Shutterstock

---

Tucked between dramatic mountain peaks and sweeping vineyards, Franschhoek is one of South Africa’s oldest and most charming towns. Its name means “French Corner,” a tribute to the Huguenot refugees who arrived here in the late 1600s, fleeing religious persecution in Europe. They brought with them centuries-old winemaking traditions, which still shape the valley’s identity today. Walk its oak-lined streets and you’ll find French architecture, Cape Dutch farmsteads, and some of the best food and wine in the country.

But Franschhoek offers more than just a pretty face. Visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum to explore the town’s French past, then take a ride on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, which stops at award-winning estates like Haute Cabrière and Rickety Bridge. Stroll through the village, browse local art galleries, or stop for a meal at one of the many fine restaurants such as La Petite Colombe or Le Bon Vivant. For outdoor lovers, there are mountain hikes in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, while the Franschhoek Pass offers one of the most scenic drives in the Western Cape. Whether you're here for culture, cuisine, or countryside calm, Franschhoek blends its European heritage and South African spirit into a destination that feels both refined and deeply rooted.

In today’s email:-

• Cape Wine, French Design - With its French heritage, world-class vineyards, fine dining, and stunning landscapes, Franschhoek is where tradition meets indulgence. Whether you're here to explore, unwind, or simply eat and drink your way through the village, every visit feels like something worth savouring.:

  • Huguenot Memorial Museum

  • Franschhoek Wine Tram

  • Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

  • Haute Cabrière Wine Estate

  • Rickety Bridge Winery

  • La Petite Colombe

  • Le Bon Vivant

  • Franschhoek Motor Museum

  • La Motte Wine Estate

  • Babylonstoren

  • Dieu Donné Vineyards

  • Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate

  • Franschhoek Pass

  • The French Corner Market (Franschhoek Village Market)

  • Tuk Tuk Microbrewery

Cape Wine, French Design:-