Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town lies the fertile valley of Franschhoek with its vineyards and orchards framed by rugged mountain peaks. Explore this, the prettiest of the Cape Winelands regions, whilst staying in peaceful luxury at Franschhoek Country House and Villas.
Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town lies the fertile valley of Franschhoek with its vineyards and orchards framed by rugged mountain peaks. Explore this, the prettiest of the Cape Winelands regions, while staying in peaceful luxury at Franschhoek Country House and Villas.
A former perfumery dating back to 1890, Franschhoek Country House and Villas features a Provençal-style manor house along with a number of luxurious rooms set amidst gardens with fountain-filled courtyards and cobbled pathways lined with lavender. Almost all of the rooms open onto private balconies or patios with views across the carefully laid-out gardens or out over the surrounding vineyards to the mountain peaks beyond.
Breakfasts here are a real highlight, with a selection including fresh fruit, chocolate croissants, and creamy eggs benedict. You can ease any post-breakfast guilt by walking into Franschhoek village (an easy 15-minute stroll), or if you’d prefer, there is a complimentary shuttle. And if you don’t feel like going anywhere at all, simply stretch out on a sun lounger alongside the two side-by-side swimming pools (one is heated) or opt for a signature treatment at the spa, which is well worth a visit.
This valley is home to some of South Africa’s top restaurants, including Franschhoek Country House and Villa’s very own Monneaux Restaurant. Look forward to al fresco lunches on the fountain terrace, and in the evenings, choose between the à la carte or five-course tasting menu, both served in the elegant dining room of the original manor house.
The beautifully renovated manor house offers six Standard Rooms, five Luxury Rooms, and two Cottages, most with private balconies. Room interiors blend comfortable country living with modern amenities such as flat-screen LED satellite TVs. One of the two garden cottages features an upstairs lounge with a fold-out bed – a great option for families traveling with young kids!
For even more luxury and space, Franschhoek Country House and Villas also offer twelve Villa Suites. Positioned around the courtyards, these 100m² suites each include a spacious bedroom with a private balcony – perfect for your morning cup of coffee, a lounge opening onto a second balcony, and a marble bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and separate shower. A fireplace, underfloor heating, and music throughout (including the bathroom) complete the indulgent experience.
The small town of Franschhoek is surrounded by excellent boutique wine farms, and a unique way to visit these estates is on the hop-on-hop-off wine tram. Enjoy stops for chocolate-and-wine pairings, cheese platters, cellar tours, and tastings before ending up at Grande Provence Heritage Estate – conveniently located right next door to Franschhoek Country House and Villas.
For restaurants, you’re spoiled for choice in this culinary capital of South Africa. We recommend a lazy lunch at the Bread & Wine Vineyard Restaurant – a firm favorite among food enthusiasts.
There are plenty of more energetic pursuits as well, including hiking and horse riding in the nearby mountains, teeing off at one of the Cape Winelands’ golf courses (Pearl Valley and Boschenmeer are two favorites), or hiring a bicycle and cycling through the charming town of Franschhoek, stopping at art galleries and boutique shops.
November 13, 2024
quick and pleasant
The agent was a pleasure to communicate with and all requests were dealt with quickly. She was able to offer many options that fit our needs. The whole experience could not have gone smoother
September 19, 2024
Candis Cloete was extremely helpful and…
Candis Cloete was extremely helpful and efficient. She made me feel confident in making my booking. She was always prompt in her replies
August 18, 2024
Quick and straightforward
The safari booking process was quick and straightforward with Candis, and now I'm just looking forward to the trip and a great experience!
Dec 12, 2024
Anja Is A Fabulous Travel Consultant
Anja Mayer was extremely knowledgeable, patient, prompt with her responses to questions, and always very helpful. She was also a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend to anyone that asks that Anja is the right person to contact if they are interested in travelling to South Africa or Botswana.
Dec 12, 2024
Anja did a fabulous job!
Anja was knowledgeble, patient prompt with her responses to questions and always very helpful. In addition, it was a pleasure working with her. I would recommend her to anyone without any reservation.
Dec 10, 2024
Mel du Toit was the perfect person to…
Mel du Toit was the perfect person to arrange and organize our trip!! She was on the ball, made sure everything was in place and travel arrangements secured! I highly recommend her!!
Dec 9, 2024
Great support from Shann
Shann made the booking experience seamless - provided very helpful information to ensure we fully understood what the experience would be like and made sure we felt safe with experiences we have booked.
Dec 9, 2024
Quick & efficient
Very fast response, polite - impressive
Dec 7, 2024
Went through Newmarket travel and Hays…
Went through Newmarket travel and Hays travel ..information about flight changes hard to get..but on arrival the holiday was taken over Safari.com..amazing ..experience everything was fine tuned and the staff ..guides drivers fabulous and friendly ..lots of knowledge..lots of fun and the surprises they did was so lovely ...loved every minute ..Paris our guide was amazing..10/10 and Eric driver ..the waiters and waitress every and everyone in the hotels .smiling and friendly..Best holiday of my life
Dec 7, 2024
Anja at Safari.com was a great partner to work with!
Working with Anja at Safari.com was great. She was able to work some magic and got us a few nights at the safari lodge we really wanted, Ngoma. Unfortunately, our flight from the USA to South Africa was canceled and we were rebooked a day later but Anja was great about making sure our lodge and the transports knew about the change in plans and made sure we got to our trip as soon as we could. She was a great partner to have and communicated quickly whenever we reached out. I would highly recommend using her when planning a trip to Africa!
Dec 4, 2024
Prompt & knowledgeable
Prompt & knowledgeable
Dec 4, 2024
Great service from Denise at Safari.com
Denise from Safari.com was extremely helpful. She responded promptly, provided good advice on safari lodgings options and worked up a couple of itinerary options to suit our budget. Denise also organised flights and transfers very quickly so that we could finalize our booking in a short time. Much appreciated.