Explore the incredible wine valley from the luxury of Le Franschhoek

Large white and brown house with greenery out the front

4.24min read

Published 28 December 2021


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Nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa sits quietly unassuming surrounded by magnificent mountain vistas. Ease into pure luxury, and be treated to elegant finishes and careful attention to detail. Bordered by leafy vineyards in the small town of Franschhoek, Le Franschhoek Hotel offers a remarkable selection of inspiring venues, delectable restaurants, and indulgent spa treatments, to present luxurious hotel accommodation at its best.

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa tucked away in South Africa's 'French Corner', offers unmatched accommodation in the Winelands

This luxury Franschhoek hotel features 61 en-suite rooms and suites, 8 classic one-bedroom villas, 8 classic two-bedroom villas and 2 deluxe two-bedroom villas set against a backdrop of towering mountains and manicured gardens. Experience the rich history of the area through the iconic Cape Dutch architecture, and relax with comfort into an unforgettable Winelands experience that stands out from the rest.

 

A large double bed with posts in a motel room with French doors leading to trees

Eat your heart out in the culinary capital of South Africa

By way of dining, Le Franschhoek offers guests the choice of their upmarket dining restaurant Sauvage, the more laid-back La Pavillion, and the stylish Bar & Lounge. And with five versatile event and conference venues, including a fairy-tale chapel, the setting of Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa is ideal for any business event or special occasion.

With picturesque vineyards a stone's throw away, the sophisticated charm of Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa is elegantly portrayed in their fine dining restaurants.

The upmarket restaurant at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa – Sauvage Restaurant – offers diners an opportunity to indulge in a scrumptious a la carte menu. It is one of the most renowned Franschhoek restaurants, complemented by warm service, and picturesque placement. The menu is seasonal and under the direction of Executive Head Chef Kyle Norris.

In addition to the wonderful array at Sauvage Restaurant, Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa also offers guests the accompanying Terrace Bar and Lounge areas. With a selection of fine coffee and teas in the elegant lounge, and a fantastic choice of wine, beers, and cocktails at the stylish bar, it's perfect for before-dinner aperitifs, accompanied by the setting sun, or to end off a delectable meal. Choose to relax on the sunny terrace for some of the best views the Winelands has on offer.

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa's High Tea is a reason to be spoilt with a tiered platter of hand-selected, delicate sweets and mouth-watering savoury canapes. Sip Cap Classique and indulge in delicious treats from Friday to Sunday between 13h00 – 16h00. It's essential to book for this renowned occasion.

 

Explore South Africa's French Corner

The perfect base from which to explore the illustrious Franschhoek valley and surrounding Cape Winelands is from Le Franschhoek, as it's ideally located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, within the vicinity of over 50 different Franschhoek activities.

Choose from a wide variety of things to do in Franschhoek, ranging from outdoors and adventure sports, to leisurely wine tasting and shopping, or enjoy some of the exquisite onsite activities Le Franschhoek has on offer. The surrounding countryside plays host to pristine wine estates, where you can sample internationally-acclaimed wines and an exceptional range of excellent fine dining restaurants. Franschhoek's historic mountains are ideal for healthy outdoor activities such as horseback wine-tasting or hiking.

And what's more, the bustling city of Cape Town is a mere hour's drive away should you feel like a change of pace. This outstanding variety makes Franschhoek a first-class option for both local and international travellers. With Le Franschhoek as your base, you can explore the area with ease. However, if you'd prefer a more relaxing experience of South Africa's 'French Corner' opt to stay within the striking grounds and treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment or indulgent massage at our in-house spa.

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa's friendly in-house Travel Desk can assist in finding the best things to do in Franschhoek and its interesting neighbouring areas. Here are just a few to look forward to;

•            Horse riding – including wine tasting on horseback

•            Hiking in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve

•            Numerous wine tours and food and wine pairings at over 20 local wine estates

•            Tours on the wine tram

•            Fine dining options at award-winning restaurants

•            Cheese tastings

•            Chocolate tastings

•            Fly fishing in exquisite surroundings

•            Tours to the Diamond Works

•            Museums

•            The Nelson Mandela statue at Doorndraai Prison, the site of his release

•            Art galleries

•            Golf at Pearl Valley

Franschhoek boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, which dates as far back as the late 1600s, and is commemorated in a multitude of ways throughout the small town. With impressive memorials, an assortment of history museums and charming Cape Dutch architecture, a trip to Franschhoek offers more than just a scenic vista. Meander through the vineyards, or along the broad avenues, and feel the history of the place around every corner.

In 1685, Protestantism was outlawed in France, thus forcing hundreds of people to flee from their homes. Almost 300 of these so-called Huguenots arrived at the Cape of Good Hope by ship and were soon given land by the then Dutch government in a valley called Oliphantshoek (Elephant's Corner), where they would come to settle. With the influx of French occupants, this valley, which once derived its name from the vast herds of elephants that made their way into the area to calve, soon became known as le Coin Français (French Corner, in French), and later Franschhoek (French Corner, in Dutch).

 

This interesting and resilient Franschhoek history is still honoured in the modern-day town, and several attractions both celebrate and elaborate on the town's origins. In much the same way, various aspects of the town are dedicated to the arts and are worth a visit on your trip to Franschhoek. Choose from an exciting selection of arts & culture activities in Franschhoek:

•            Visit the Huguenot Museum

•            Admire the Huguenot Memorial

•            Take a trip to the Franschhoek Motor Museum

•            Board the Franschhoek Wine Tram

•            Appreciate the unspoilt Cape Dutch architecture

•            Pay a visit to the Museum van de Caab

•            Celebrate with the Bastille Festival

The perfect wellness retreat

Camelot Spa at Le Franschhoek promises a complete sensory experience, enhancing both your physical and mental wellbeing. A comprehensive range of treatments are offered by this Franschhoek spa – both traditional and contemporary. The Grecian liquid-sound flotation room, Moulin rouge colour therapy adventure, fragrant herbal sauna and steamy Swiss shower are just some of the cutting edge therapies offered at this spa. Your comfort and relaxation are paramount, and expert beauty therapists and masseuses will ensure that everything is taken care of to exceed your expectations.

Couples' treatments, teen's treatments and a gentleman's executive package are also on the menu at Camelot Spa as well as the option of booking a 'Spa-ty' for groups of three friends or more.

Camelot Spa is the perfect place to prepare for any big event with a complete selection of manicures, facials, pedicures and waxing treatments. These can be booked individually or as a package. End your Franschhoek spa experience with a stint in the relaxation room, and a deliciously healthy treat in the peaceful courtyard, where the fresh country air completes your journey to absolute well-being.

 

Le Franschhoek has got all the little intricacies covered when it comes to a complete retreat from suburban stresses.

Aside from the luxury accommodation and superb dining opportunities, not to mention the breath-taking surroundings that the hotel offers, the onsite Franschhoek spa is equipped to cater to your every whim. Sit back and experience ultimate relaxation, and receive the indulgent pampering you deserve during your stay. Walk the unique labyrinth path around an ancient oak, overlooked by the timeless Franschhoek Mountains, and experience indulgence in its purest form.

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