HUGUENOT MUSEUM
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A must-see museum in Franschhoek, to learn more about the Huguenots, discover a historical Bible and a copy of the Edict of Nantes.
If you're interested in the history of the place you're visiting, you'll want to check out this comprehensive museum. The Huguenots have made Franschhoek's history since their arrival in the 17th century. At the Huguenot Museum, you'll see the Bible that Pierre Joubert is said to have brought out of France in a loaf of bread. Joubert himself left La Motte-d'Aigues in the Vaucluse at the age of 24. After a detour via Geneva and Rotterdam, he arrived in South Africa. By 1700, he owned 16,000 vines and 300 sheep. On display is a copy of the Edict of Nantes and a complete list of Huguenots in South Africa, with their French region of origin. The museum is very well documented, with chronological frescoes, period objects and archives. If by chance you're feeling like a researcher, you can even submit your genealogical queries to the museum management, who will do the research for you. The main building was constructed in 1967 to the design of "Saasveld", the house built in Cape Town in 1791 by French architect Louis-Michel Thibault. At the rear of the building is the headquarters of the learned society The Huguenot Society, which anyone can join to receive the annual historical newsletter. You can also visit South Africa's first perfume museum, with its fine collection of old bottles and distilling equipment. Further afield, near the monument, you can stroll through the Huguenot cemetery, which features several names of French origin.
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Members' reviews on HUGUENOT MUSEUM
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A noter que le commentaire de Loufoc concerne le monument, pas le musée...