Experiences
Franschhoek is home to an exceptional collection of eateries and fine dining venues, many of which book out well in advance, so reservations are essential. Across the year, the village hosts celebrated events: the Literary Festival in autumn, the Bastille Festival in the heart of winter, the Art Festival later in the season, and the Cap Classique and Champagne Festival to welcome summer.
Beyond its festivals, Franschhoek offers exceptional wine-tasting experiences at historic estates, art galleries showcasing local and international talent, scenic cycling routes through the Winelands, and guided tours that explore the area’s French Huguenot heritage.
Staying close to the centre means you can enjoy every moment without the hassle of travelling. Our list of Bespoke Experiences make your visit unforgettable, with itineraries tailored to your interests — from private wine tours to art-focused excursions and gourmet dining reservations. We would be delighted to arrange yours.
Bicycle Ride to Leeu Estate
Take a scenic bicycle ride on Dassenburg Road to Leeu Estate and appreciate the beautiful vineyards, or explore the vibrant atmosphere of Franschhoek's main street, lined with an array of hidden treasures.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
The hop-on, hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram offers a scenic and flexible way to visit the valley’s wine estates. Choose from multiple routes, each with its own mix of stops, and enjoy tastings, lunch, and estate activities at your own pace. Options include curated experiences with guided tastings, cellar tours, and food pairings. Bookings are essential, especially for lunch and popular activities.
For a more personal approach, consider a private wine tour with our in-house guide, Karloff.
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Covering 1 759 hectares above the Franschhoek Valley, Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve offers ten hiking routes ranging from easy one-hour walks to six-hour moderate treks. Trails wind through rich fynbos, past mountain streams, and up to lookout points with views over the Winelands. The reserve is also home to prolific birdlife and seasonal wildflowers.
The surrounding mountains and the Berg River Dam offer a network of mountain biking trails and single tracks with the option to choose the level of challenge that suits your ride.
Franschhoek Viewpoints
High on the south-west slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, Dieu Donné offers some of the valley’s most spectacular views, especially at sunset. The terrace overlooks the vineyards and the village below, framed by peaks glowing in the late afternoon light. The tasting room pours wines shaped by the cool mountain climate and rocky granite soils — a perfect pairing as the sun slips behind the mountains.
Tours
Experience the Cape Winelands with a full- or half-day private tour led by our in-house guide, Karloff. His depth of knowledge, engaging storytelling, and familiarity with the region’s finest estates make every stop memorable. We’ll tailor the itinerary to you, sharing insider access to the best wine estates, scenic spots, and hidden gems in and around Franschhoek. Contact Kim to arrange your tour.
The Best Coffee
For expertly brewed coffee in Franschhoek, head to Terbodore Café or The Hoek Espresso Bar. Terbodore pairs exceptional coffee with a menu of inventive dishes and non-coffee options, served indoors or on a garden-facing deck. The Hoek specialises in artisanal espresso drinks prepared by skilled baristas, offering a relaxed spot to enjoy quality coffee in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren is one of South Africa’s most celebrated destinations. The estate is known for its five-hectare garden inspired by Cape Town’s original Company’s Garden. Seasonal plantings and remarkable botanical diversity shape every aspect of the estate. The garden is divided into distinct sections — edible plants, indigenous flora, mature trees, cycads, beehives, and even a rice paddy. Explore at your own pace or join a guided tour with one of the resident gardeners. The estate also houses artisanal workshops where balsamic vinegar, juices, soaps, and essential oils are made from the garden’s harvest.
South African Braai Night
Embrace the warm and hospitable tradition of South African Braai Night, where wood-fired meat brings people together in a feast of flavours. Relish every bite of succulent meat cooked to perfection over an open flame, while soaking up the lively and festive atmosphere of this casual dining experience. Get in touch with Kim to book.
Grande Provence
Take a seat in the dappled shade of the Sculpture Garden at Grande Provence and enjoy freshly shucked oysters paired with the estate’s Cap Classiques. The oysters come straight from the estate’s own oyster tank and are available throughout the day — just be sure to book ahead.
With 47 acres of vineyard and over 330 years of winemaking heritage, Grande Provence offers a setting as memorable as the flavours on your plate.
Jack Nicholas Golf Course
Take a seat in the dappled shade of the Sculpture Garden at Grande Provence and enjoy freshly shucked oysters paired with the estate’s Cap Classiques. The oysters come straight from the estate’s own oyster tank and are available throughout the day — just be sure to book ahead.
With 47 acres of vineyard and over 330 years of winemaking heritage, Grande Provence offers a setting as memorable as the flavours on your plate.
Franschhoek Village Market
Shop for unique craft, art, vintage clothing, and antiques at The Franschhoek Village Market — a must-visit for those seeking to feel the true sense of community and creativity that thrives in our picturesque town. On Saturdays and the first weekend of each month, the air is alive with the scent of freshly baked treats and the buzz of locals mingling. We love their curated selection of local fresh produce, delicatessens, craft beers, coffee brewers, and other treats.
Franschhoek Motor Museum
Housing more than 220 vintage vehicles, the Franschhoek Motor Museum showcases over a century of motoring history. Four exhibition halls display an ever-changing line-up of antique, vintage, and classic cars, as well as motorbikes, bicycles, and rare automotive memorabilia. Iconic marques include Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Buick, and Ford — from the Model T to the Mustang. All vehicles are maintained in pristine condition, and guided tours are available at no extra charge. Visits must be pre-booked online.
Tours
Discover the true essence of Franschhoek with a personalised full or half-day tour by the Oyster Collection, led by our expert in-house guide, Karloff. For an intimate and exclusive experience, allow us to plan a private tour just for you and your loved ones. With our insider knowledge of the area, we'll create an itinerary that showcases the very best of the Cape Winelands. Get in touch with Justin to book.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
Savour the region's finest wines as you journey through the scenic vineyards and rolling hills of Franschhoek’s wine farms with the world-renowned Franschhoek Wine Tram. The hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley. Let our team guide you in selecting the perfect tram line to suit your palate and preferences. With an array of different routes to choose from, there's something for every taste and every traveler.
Babylonstoren
Stroll through the picturesque gardens of Babylonstoren, where you’ll be surrounded by 200 acres of remarkable, organic farmlands, orchards, formal vegetable gardens, indigenous plants, fragrant lawns, and vineyards which you can explore to your hearts content. There is a farm restaurant, Babel, where everything is fresh and comes either from their garden or the neighbouring farms.
Franschhoek Village Market
Shop for unique craft, art, vintage clothing, and antiques at The Franschhoek Village Market — a must-visit for those seeking to feel the true sense of community and creativity that thrives in our picturesque town. On Saturdays and the first weekend of each month, the air is alive with the scent of freshly baked treats and the buzz of locals mingling. We love their curated selection of local fresh produce, delicatessens, craft beers, coffee brewers, and other treats.
Franschhoek Viewpoints
Experience a sensory feast at one of Franschhoek's most sought-after viewpoints - Dieu Donne & The Country Grande Restaurant. As the sun paints the sky, take in the panoramic views of the valley and mountains while indulging in a delectable meal. It's the perfect way to end a day and a moment you'll remember forever.South African Braai Night
Embrace the warm and hospitable tradition of South African Braai Night, where wood-fired meat brings people together in a feast of flavours. Relish every bite of succulent meat cooked to perfection over an open flame, while soaking up the lively and festive atmosphere of this casual dining experience. Get in touch with Justin to book.
Tours
Embark on an adventure to uncover the beautiful secrets of the Cape Winelands with the Oyster Collection’s tour vehicles. If your wanderlust takes you beyond the rolling hills of the wine farms and vineyards in the Winelands, our experienced driver will gladly take you on a scenic tour to Cape Point, the bustling city of Cape Town, or even whale-watching in Hermanus. Whether it’s a bespoke tour that hits all your must-see spots, or a carefully curated package, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Let us be your guide to the best of South Africa.
