About Franschhoek

The beautiful Franschhoek valley in the heart of the Cape Winelands is the perfect spot for Auberge La Dauphine guesthouse. Breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and the finest wines. Spectacular vineyards cover the mountain slopes steeled 300 years ago by the Huguenots who brought with them their age-old French wine and food culture. This is a valley rich in history centered around a picturesque village of welcoming people.

The main street of the village is lined with coffee shops and restaurants, among them some of the best in South Africa. The village shops offer a wealth of art, craft and antiques. There are also specialist shops such as a fromagerie, chocolate factory and carpet maker.

Franschhoek wines are world famous and the vineyards range from small boutique wineries catering for those in search of something unique to the larger cellars which offer organised tours and conducted tastings. Many of the wine farms have their own restaurants or bistros where you can enjoy a light lunch or a sumptuous dinner while experiencing their own delicious wines. For the more energetic there are numerous walking trails in the surrounding mountains, cycling, horse riding and fly-fishing. Wine tours can be undertaken on horseback. The Huguenot Memorial and museum give an insight into Franschhoek’s history as well as providing a beautiful and peaceful environment to pause for a while and listen to the sounds of the birds and breeze in the lovely old oaks.

Whatever you choose to do in Franschhoek is always accompanied by stunning views of the majestic mountains and the ever-changing play of light from dawn to spectacular sunset.