Franschhoek (French Corner in Afrikaans) is a lovely town located in the picturesque valley at the foot of the mountains, 75 km from Cape Town. With its mountain peaks, lush scenery and a never-ending list of wine estates, time spent in this historical town never quite feels long enough. Here are some amazing things to do in this beautiful town.
Horse ride in the vineyards
Get ready to saddle up and explore Franschhoek on horseback. As you meander through the vineyards taking in the sheer beauty that’s around every corner and over every hill, you’ll get to learn about this incredible wine region and its history that dates back over 300 years. Feeling a little parched after the ride? Finish off this unique experience tasting a few of the wines produced from the vineyards that you explored – a great way to experience the vine to glass journey.
Savour the wines at Dieu Donne Vineyards
Dieu Donne Vineyards is the classic combination of a good drink and breathtaking scenery.
There is a tasting facility filled with new and old-world wines such as the Bordeaux, which you can drink in the upper terrace while you absorb the scenery’s ambiance.
Visit the Grande Provence Estate
The Grande Provence Estate is a must-visit for any tourist in Franschhoek. Known as one of the best restaurants in South Africa, this establishment offers French cuisine supplemented with a contemporary interpretation. There are also plenty of other things to do, such as admiring the artworks made by emerging South African artists in The Gallery and buying African artifacts in The Shop.
Make your own beauty products
Renowned for its breathtaking gardens, Babylonstoren attracts a slew of tourists every day to experience its wine, food and natural beauty. A recent addition to the farm is the Factory – a bright space that houses the Scented Room, the Juicery and the Balsamic Vinegar Battery – which allows visitors to witness the magical production of some of the farm’s products. But what makes this space extra special is that guests can now create their own beauty products, one of the newer fun things to do in Franschhoek. Get creative and concoct a scented bath soak, face mask or hand and foot scrub using ingredients grown on the farm.
Hike the La Motte Wine Estate
Given the province’s beautiful landscape, it’s normal for people to challenge themselves by hiking, which the La Motte Wine Estate offers. This wine estate has a 5-kilometer hiking trail where you can witness the garden, birdlife, vineyard, mammals, reptiles, and landscape.
The next time you’re looking for fun things to do in Franschhoek, give one of these options a try. If you are looking for exciting career opportunities in South Africa, please click through to our job section.