Travel Guide Franschhoek

In 1687, a group of horsemen led by Simon van der Stel left Stellenbosch to explore the land behind the mountains. The men reached the valley of the Berg River, beyond the Drakenstein massif. To the east, they discovered a hilly area, well protected from the wind, in the heart of a rocky cirque: Olifantshoek, the elephant's corner. Thousands of miles away, in Europe, the Dutch East India Company began a recruitment operation to strengthen the Cape Colony. Of the 60,000 Huguenots who had taken refuge in Holland after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, about 200 were tempted by the African adventure. Van der Stel gave them the Franschhoek valley, which was suitable for wine-growing, on condition that they drove away the elephants. Today, the small town of Franschhoek claims its French origins in every way. The names of the streets and hotels are in French. The vineyards are inspired by the French tradition, just as most of Franschhoek's restaurants are undoubtedly influenced by French gastronomy and the art of living. In fact, the pretty, quiet little town, a bit like the "typical" villages of our beloved Provence, condemned to the constant parade of tourists, was sometimes a victim of its own success. It is true that one particularly likes to stroll in its streets, to stay hours in terrace and to visit the museum of the Huguenots Festivals. In April, the crowds go wild at the Cheese Festival, a unique event in the country held in the vicinity and which, as a result, is a huge success. In July, the same atmosphere is created by the Bastille Day celebrations on July 14. Another reference to France that attracts many expatriates. It is a very patriotic moment, but really nice. A gigantic tent is set up and houses dozens of stands: each vineyard in the area has its own stand and offers to let you discover its wines, red, white, rosé, sparkling... When you buy an entrance ticket, you choose a number of tastings and off you go! You can accompany your glasses by going to the food stands. Oysters, sandwiches, cheese, pancakes... and in the middle, wooden tables. Everyone settles down, chats, shares, then a concert comes to liven up the place and make the French-speaking festival-goers, Francophiles or wine lovers dance.