Franschhoek
Franschhoek was originally known as Olifants Hoek, after elephants took to calving in the sheltered valley of plentiful food and water. In 1694, nine farms were apportioned to Hugenots fleeing persecution in France. Finding the climate similar to that of France, the settlers planted vines. Today (21) members of the Vignerons produce wines consumed throughout the world. Franschhoek is well known for its excellent restaurants, top accommodation establishments, splendid mountains and openhearted hospitality. Spend time browsing its many arts-and-craft shops, galleries and antique stores.
Franschhoek the charming village and beautiful wine valley. Stay here to discover the Cape.

Tourism Bureau
Huguenot Rd
Franschhoek 7690.
Tel.+27(021) 876 3603
Fax. +27(021) 876 2768.
Email: info@franschhoek.org.za

Major Attractions

Franschhoek pass
Huguenot Memorial Museum and Monument (021-876 2532)
Vignerons de Franschhoek (Wine Route - 021-876 3062)
Award-winning Restaurants (Available at the Bureau - 021-876 3603)
Outdoors and Sport

Flyfishing, Hiking, Mountain biking, Horse riding - SAFCOL (Permits available at the Bureau - 021-876 3603)
Hiking - Mont Rochelle (Permits available at bureau - 021-876 3603)
Friendly cricket + Hockey - Groot Drakenstein Games Club (021-874 1906)
Tennis - J van Rensburg (021-876 3194)
Boules/Petanque - Bordeaux Sreet Gallery (021-876 2165)
History and culture

After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in France in1685, when Protestantism was outlawed,hundreds of so-called Huguenots fled their homeland, 277 of them arriving by ship at the Cape of Good Hope. Many of them were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Oliphantshoek named because of the vast herds of elephants that roamed the area. Soon after they settled there it became known as Franschhoek, meaning French corner. This heritage lives on today with the Huguenot monument standing proudly at the end of the village.

Eco/Wildlife

Huguenot Museum + Monument gardens - (021-876 2532)
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve - (021-876 3603)
Theewaterskloof Conservancy

Huguenot Monument and Huguenot Memorial Museum (Winelands)  

 The Huguenot Monument was erected in 1938 to commemorate the French Huguenots who arrived in South Africa in 1688. The museum next to the monument depicts the rich heritage and history as well as the development of the Franschhoek Valley, including its fynbos, fauna and early inhabitants.

Contact the museum on tel. +27 (021) 876 2532, e-mail: hugenoot@museum.co.za or visit www.museum.co.za for information on the various services that they offer.