Experiences
Franschhoek is known for its food and wine, with restaurants ranging from award-winning fine dining to casual cafés, and wine estates offering tastings of some of South Africa’s most celebrated vintages. Bookings are essential at many of the valley’s dining rooms, especially in peak season.
The village calendar is busy year-round: the Bastille Festival in July, the Franschhoek Literary Festival in May, the Cap Classique and Champagne Festival in December, and a number of art fairs and seasonal markets. Beyond the events, you’ll find cycling and hiking trails, guided heritage walks, and museums that tell the story of the French Huguenots who settled here. From La Fontaine’s central location, you can walk to many of these highlights or let our team arrange tailored experiences — private wine tours, day trips to neighbouring valleys, or tickets to sought-after events.
Culinary Experiences
Franschhoek is synonymous with culinary excellence. Acclaimed chefs, award-winning restaurants, and boutique wine estates make it a must-visit for travellers in search of world-class dining. Start with one of Kim’s famous cocktails at the La Fontaine Wine Bar, then indulge in chef-driven tasting menus at renowned restaurants like La Petite Colombe or Le Coin Français. For something different, sample artisanal chocolates with local wines, or discover handcrafted olive oils, cheeses, and preserves straight from the farms
Franschhoek Wine Tram
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the valley’s celebrated estates. With several routes to choose from, each offering a different selection of stops, You can design your day of tastings, estate activities, and leisurely lunches. If you’re looking for something extra, curated options include guided tastings, cellar tours, and food-and-wine pairings. Advance booking is a must, particularly for lunch reservations and sought-after experiences.
The Best Coffee
For standout coffee in Franschhoek, stop by Terbodore Café or The Hoek Espresso Bar. At Terbodore, exceptional brews are complemented by a creative menu of dishes and non-coffee options, served either indoors or on a deck overlooking the garden.
Tours
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.
Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren is a renowned Cape Winelands destination, centered around its extraordinary five-hectare garden. With seasonal plantings and an impressive variety of botanicals, the garden influences nearly every part of the estate. You can wander the grounds independently or join a guided walk led by expert gardeners. The estate also features artisanal workshops where harvests are transformed into balsamic vinegar, juices, soaps, and essential oils.
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve spans 1,759 hectares above the Franschhoek Valley and features ten hiking trails, from gentle one-hour walks to six-hour treks. Paths wind through fynbos and mountain streams, leading to viewpoints over the Winelands, with seasonal wildflowers and abundant birdlife along the way. The surrounding mountains and Berg River Dam also offer a network of mountain biking routes and single tracks, with options for every level of rider.
Bike Ride
Take a scenic bike ride and admire the art galleries and cafes along the way or wander through the Franschhoek Village Market and experience the local crafts.
Jack Nicholas Golf Course
Tee off at Pearl Valley, a championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus and consistently ranked among South Africa’s finest. Surrounded by the Simonsberg Mountains, the course features immaculate fairways, clever bunkering, and challenging water hazards throughout the year. Golfers can book 9 or 18 holes, with club rentals and a well-equipped pro shop available. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
Haute Cabriere Viewpoint
End the day with a spectacular sunset at the Haute Cabrière viewpoint. As the sky turns shades of gold and rose, raise a glass of the estate’s signature Méthode Cap Classique (MCC), South Africa’s answer to Champagne. It’s an unforgettable way to close out a day in the Winelands.
Franschhoek Motor Museum
The Franschhoek Motor Museum holds more than 220 vintage vehicles, tracing over a century of motoring history. Four exhibition halls showcase rotating displays of antique, vintage, and classic cars, along with motorbikes, bicycles, and rare memorabilia. Iconic marques include Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Buick, and Ford. Guided tours can be arranged at no extra cost.
Culinary Experiences
Indulge in the finest culinary experiences Franschhoek has to offer: Sip on one of Kim's famous cocktails at the La Fontaine Wine Bar, taste the stars with an Oyster & Bubbly pairing at Grande Provence, or treat yourself to a delectable High Tea at the Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room, with picture-perfect views of the Drakenstein Mountains.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
Join the Franschhoek Wine Tram and taste the many wines the region has to offer. For a more intimate experience, plan a private tour with Karloff, our in-house guide.
The Best Coffe
Savour the best coffee in the valley at Terbodore Café or The Hoek.
Bike Ride
Take a scenic bike ride and admire the art galleries and cafes along the way or wander through the Franschhoek Village Market and experience the local crafts.
Haute Cabriere Viewpoint
End the day with a breathtaking sunset at the Haute Cabriere viewpoint, paired with some MCC!
Tours
Take a guided full or half-day tour with Oyster Collection Travel and Tours.
Babylonstoren
Admire the beauty of Babylonstoren gardens.
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Hike through the pristine Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve or take on challenging mountain bike trails around the Berg River Dam.
Jack Nicholas Golf Course
Tee off at the Jack Nicholas signature golf course, Pearl Valley.
Franschhoek Motor Museum
Discover over 220 vintage vehicles at the Franschhoek Motor Museum.
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.
