Franschhoek, Western Cape

Franschhoek at a glance

History
Franschhoek, meaning French Corner, is a quaint town nestled in the Franschhoek mountains with a distinct French village vibe.  One of the oldest towns in SA, Franschhoek was founded in 1688 and was named after the French settlers who fled France as refugees when in 1685, the French King, Louis XIV, banned their Protestant faith.  They soon began establishing farms and businesses which is why a tapestry of French flair is still so prevalent in the area.  Today Franschhoek is known as the Gourmet Capital, home to some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the country.

Location
Franschhoek is approximately 80 kms from Cape Town's central business district and international airport.  The Franschhoek valley spans from the outskirts of Paarl up to the borders of Stellenbosch.  It is accessible from the meandering scenic mountain pass with lookout viewpoints along the way.  Stop and admire breath taking views of purple lavender fields and expansive vineyards.

Climate
Residents of Franschhoek enjoy warm summers and fresh springs with the average midday temperature being a perfect 22 degrees.  Winters sometimes bring snowfall on the mountain tops due to a series of cold fronts partnered with heavy winds and rain, followed by scattered showers and chilly winds from the southwest.

Schools
Bridge House School, just outside Franschhoek is a private school from playschool to matric.  This sought-after school offers boarding and day scholar options.  Other primary schools in the area are Wes-eind and Groendal Primary while other High school options are Franschhoek High School and Groendal Secondary school.

Medical
From dentists to general practitioners, to specialists in private practice, to private hospitals and clinics, as well as home care nursing, all your family members health concerns are well taken care of.

Shopping
Franschhoek has a variety of unique boutique style shops as well as commercial chain stores and the acclaimed Franschhoek Square to satisfy the most prolific shoppers desires.

Restaurants
The culinary jewel in South Africa's cuisine crown, Franschhoek presents some of the world's finest restaurants. When looking for places to celebrate special occasions with family and friends, to go on intimate date nights or just relax, you are spoilt for choice, these are some of the eateries to explore: 
Reubens Restaurant and Bar, owned by renowned SA celebrity chef Reuben Riffel
Grande Provence Estate
The French Connection Bistro
Col'Cacchio
La Petite Colombe
Epice 
The Country Kitchen 

Local attractions
Besides having access to the most appealing restaurants and wine farms on show, Franschhoek residents take time out to relax on the hop-on, hop-off wine tram.  Originally designed in 1904 and recommissioned in 2012, this 28 km railway is the vehicle to safely take you to a plethora of wine farms.

Be transported back in time to 100 years of automotive history at the Franschhoek Motor Museum.

Enjoy a horse drawn carriage trail through the idyllic Vrede en Lust wine estate.

Find your inner cultural self in the art museums and galleries.

The Franschhoek Village Market trades on Saturdays to the sounds of soulful music.  It's a food, craft and art market held under the grand oak trees in Franschhoek's high street and offers fresh farm produce.  Here you will find baristas on call and a playground for the children.

Mountain bike and hike through the most exquisite town to explore one of South Africa's finest gems, that you can call home.

Safety
The small tight knit community, with a population of just over 15000 people, look out for each other through the Community Police Forum where residents and police work together to keep you and your family safe. 

To buy your new home and become part of the friendly, Franschhoek community, call your trusted real estate advisor at Harcourts Winelands today