April 2026

The Jewel of the Cape —History, Art, and Culinary Delights

As mentioned in our previous post, we booked a luxury camping weekend outside Franschhoek (read here). We were looking forward to strolling up and down Franschhoek’s famous main street while admiring the buildings, restaurants, artwork, and – well basically just everything beautiful.

Franschhoek (Afrikaans for ‘French Corner’) is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. It is hard to believe that this town was previously known as Olifants Hoek because of large groups of elephants that roamed the valley. These days it is better known as a tourist town surrounded by vineyards and wine farms.

When Protestantism was banned in France in 1685, hundreds of French Huguenots were forced to flee their country. In 1688, about 300 French Huguenots arrived in Cape Town by ship, and the Franschhoek Valley was given to them to settle. It’s therefore by no means surprising to see the French influence everywhere in town – whether it’s street names, shops, or even wineries.

The best way to explore Franschhoek is on foot. We parked our car under big oak trees next to the Dutch Reformed Church and then walked up and down the main street.

Dutch Reformed Church (built in 1847)

Church Bell (built in 1855)

The church garden is beautifully maintained and it was lovely to see my favourite flower (and South Africa’s national flower), the Protea, in the garden.

The beautiful Protea

There is a wide variety of restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries. You will probably need more than just a morning to look into every little shop and alleyway. Feel free to walk with us through Franschhoek’s main street and see for yourself how beautiful it is.

There is no shortage of flowers and fountains in Franschhoek

Colourful pillars in front of a boutique shop

Restaurant tables on the pavement – the French Connection Bistro

Walking down alleyways

Restaurant and shops in a courtyard

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or not, you will enjoy the wide selection of art galleries and antique shops in Franschhoek. And don’t hesitate to stop for a moment at the street vendors’ tables on the sidewalk where they display their handmade arts and crafts.

Just one of many art galleries

Unique artwork

Art in front of an art gallery

Colourful giraffe

Wall art

Street vendors’ arts and crafts

You can even create your own artwork

Franschhoek is home to several historical buildings that reflect its rich history and architectural heritage. We have only a few photos of these, but almost every building has its own style and character.

Gift- and Book shop

Even the banks are noted for its architectural details

Leeu House – luxury hotel in the main street

Lovely front garden with water fountain

At the end of the main street is probably the most prominent monument in Franschhoek, the impressive Huguenot Monument. It is situated in a beautiful garden landscape with the Franschhoek mountains in the background.

Huguenot Monument

The monument is dedicated to the cultural influences that the Huguenots have brought to the Cape Colony (and ultimately the whole of South Africa).

Huguenot Monument

After we lingered for a while at the monument, we turned back and walked slowly down the main street again – this time on the other side of the road.

The main street in Franschhoek

Coffee house and clothing shop

More artwork

Cape Dutch style City Hall

Tourists taking a break at one of the many coffee shops

We also came across the Franschhoek Wine Tram ticket office in the middle of the town where you can buy tickets for the wine tram. We had already bought our tickets online and will tell you more about this fun day in our next post.

Wine Tram ticket office

We decided not to have lunch in the town, but rather to buy a few snacks at a deli and then drive back to our campsite. Away from the crowds, where we could sit back and enjoy life quietly.

We bought a variety of snacks at the Le Petit Manoir

Back at our campsite at Franschhoek Camping

Life is good

Franschhoek, with its welcoming atmosphere and undeniable charm leaves a lasting impression. Strolling past its elegant Cape Dutch buildings, admiring local galleries, and pausing at the Huguenot Monument, you feel the town’s rich heritage woven into every corner. If you’re seeking a town that blends culture, beauty, and character, Franschhoek should be at the very top of your list.

Quick fact: The Franschhoek Bastille Festival take place every year in July. This annual event celebrates French heritage with the town adorned in the ‘tricolore’ of France – a real festive occasion with wine and cheese tastings, gourmet food stalls and live entertainment.

We have attended this festival a few times already, and it’s lots of fun. See you again in July Franschhoek.