Cidade Turismo
South Africa

Before you go

Your trip to Franschhoek.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Franschhoek – Cabo Ocidental Destination Cape Winelands about 75 km from Cidade do Cabo

How to get there

  • Aeroporto Internacional da Cidade do Cabo (CPT) Cidade do Cabo · 60 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From the arrival city, Stellenbosch is about 30 km via the Helshoogte road (R310 and R45), roughly 35 minutes by car. From Cape Town International Airport (CPT) it’s about 60 km, and from Cape Town about 75 km via the N1 and R45. There is no regular public transport; use a car, transfer or tour.

How many days

One day for the Huguenot Monument, the museum, the main street and two estates, by car with driver or on the shuttle that links the properties. With two days you can drive the Franschhoek Pass and do a hike in the valley.

When to go

During harvest, from February to April, the valley is busy. Autumn, from March to May, brings yellow and red vineyards. In winter it rains and becomes quite cool, with snow on the peaks some years; many restaurants operate with a fireplace.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

In the village, no: the main street is walkable. For the estates, there is a shuttle that links properties, as well as transfers and cars with drivers. Those who drive should avoid tastings. Driving is on the left.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Franschhoek
  1. Morning
    Huguenot Monument and museum

    Visit the Huguenot Monument at the end of the main street and the Huguenot Memorial Museum next door, about the arrival of the French refugees.

  2. Afternoon
    Valley estates

    Take the shuttle that links the valley estates, with tastings and lunch at one of them.

  3. Late afternoon
    Franschhoek Pass

    Drive up a few kilometers of the Franschhoek Pass and stop at the lookout to see the valley and the village at sunset.

  4. Evening
    Main street

    Dine at one of the restaurants on Huguenot Street, the main street.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How long from Franschhoek to Cape Town?

About 75 km, one hour to one hour fifteen by car via the N1 and R45.

What does Franschhoek mean?

'Canto dos franceses', in Afrikaans, because of the Huguenots who settled in the valley from 1688.

How to visit the farms of Franschhoek without driving?

By the tour that links the farms in the valley, with tasting stops, or by hiring a car and driver.

Is Franschhoek worth the trip from Stellenbosch?

Yes, it's about 30 km along a mountain road with vineyards, and the village has the monument, the museum and many farms.

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