3-DAY ITNERARY OF THE HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS IN FRANSCHHOEK

THE CREAM ROUTE DAY TRIPS

The Franschhoek Valley's historical itinerary is intended for art and architectural enthusiasts, as well as anyone interested in exploring the region's many historical sites and tourist attractions in this satellite town of Cape Town. The region is especially well-known for its thatch roofs and white gabled walls, which characterize Cape Dutch architecture. When the first settlers from France and Holland arrived in the region in the 1600s, several of the buildings were already constructed. Referred to as "The Cream Route" with affection, it extends from the Huguenot Memorial Monument and Museum in the east to Babylonstoren Wine Farm in the western direction.

Though this schedule is designed to be 3-day long, it may easily be extended to a 5-day or 6-day itinerary, depending on how long you want to spend taking pictures of the stunning museums and other landmarks.

Though everything is close by and the tours can easily be modified from accommodations at the far end of the valley at Zorgvliet, Babylonstoren, or Zorgvliet, for example, it is assumed that you will be staying in the Town of Franschhoek.


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1.THE MAIN ROAD

Franschhoek is a line town that developed either side of the main road. Today this still forms the heart of the town. Take a stroll on its sidewalks to enjoy the eateries, boutiques, and bars housed in late Victorian and Cape Dutch Revival style buildings from the 1900s, while you're at this destination. Many of the trees and balconies are covered in French flags during the July Bastille celebrations.

THE INFORMATION CENTER

The Franschhoek tourist information center is located directly across from Terbadore restaurant. Here, you may get any help you need for exploring in the area.

BASTILLE DAY IN FRANSCHHOEK

The 14th of July is Bastille Day in France, and this holiday is celebrated in Franschhoek as well. This French Corner of the Cape is decked out in French colors and participating in the Bastille celebrations happening throughout France. The town is even more picturesque than usual since huge flags that indicate the day are draped over walls, balconies, and trees.

2. THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH

The Dutch Reformed church, which was constructed in 1847 at the same time as some of the most notable Neoclassical Period Cape Dutch homes, is the next destination on the Cream Route. The church, which is the oldest structure in the community, has a cross plan, a thatch roof, and pointed Pugin-style windows—a design element popularized as Neo-Gothic architecture. The faithful live in an active community within the church.

The memorial's unveiling ceremony was held on April 18, 1948. Click here for CAPETOWNSPLENDOUR for information about the best Cape Dutch Architecture examples in Cape Town.

3.THE VILLAGE MARKET (SATURDAYS ONLY)

Situated in close proximity to the Dutch Reformed Church, peruse the diverse selection of booths manned by regional artisans and craftsmen. Look for vintage items and specialist apparel, and then take a pause to savor delicious food and live music. Pets and children are welcome at this location.

DURING SEASON: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OPENING HOURS: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

4. COL'CACCHIO RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH

Perhaps the most reputable and oldest restaurant off the main drag is this one. Savor delicious Italian dishes like this salad with beef carpaccio or a pizza with Sedriano cheese.

Recipient of the 2022–2023 Rosetta Award for excellence, bravery, and perseverance in the restaurant business. Savor the wonderful ambiance, children's play area, and gelato in the Italian manner from the Franschhoek Creamery.

VIEW ALSO: LE DOMOCILE

Adjacent to the Col'Cacchio restaurant, this soap and décor business embodies everything that is great about the area. Select from an assortment of handcrafted soaps produced using the French Bastille technique. Invest in a fine Persian rug or a famous sculpture of an elephant or rhino.

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5. THE HUGUENOT MEMORIAL and MUSEUMS

One of the most significant places to see in Cape Town is the memorial.

Constructed around the 1900s, the memorial is comprised of three slender stone arches. In front of the arches is a pond with a sculpture of a woman reading a book while standing atop the world. This sight is picture-perfect, with rose gardens illuminating the foreground and mountains towering beyond. It was created as a way to honor the settlers' historical contributions to Franschhoek's and the Western Cape region's French Huguenot past. The Holy Trinity is symbolized by the three arches.

J.C. was the architect. The unveiling ceremony and Jongens happened on April 18, 1948.

The Huguenot Memorial Museum is located adjacent to the memorial, and the ticket office forms another museum – more on this to follow. The Huguenot Museum is a structure devoted to conserving the clothing and furniture that belonged to the courageous pioneers is located just north of the Huguenot Memorial itself.

The beautiful style is based on the Saasveld building located in the central area of Cape Town. It was formerly a part of a farm complex and was later converted into a second structure. Neocolonial architecture features light connecting components like colonnades and limited bulk because of the narrow span of roof trusses, so the delicate building complements rather than takes away from the natural beauty of the surroundings.

These days, timelines of historical events are detailed on the inside walls. These events can be summed up as follows:

The Huguenots first fled France in order to avoid religious persecution that had lasted for decades and worsened under Marie De Medici, who took over as monarch of France in 1610. The first wave of migrants escaping religious persecution began in 1685 when King Louis XIV rescinded the Edict of Nantes, which had provided some protection to protestants. Many sailors suffered from vitamin inadequacies throughout the dangerous ship voyage from Europe to the coast of Africa. On the way to the East and then Australia, the citrus gardens of the Cape provided a pit stop for refreshments.

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In what was then called as the "Elephants Valley," the settlers first made a living. By the early 1700s, they were flourishing, and the Cape Dutch gables that decorated their manor homes on expansive estates came to represent their wealth.

Slaves from Malaysia were employed as highly trained craftspeople during this period, and they were able to create unique and recognizable designs in the plasterwork. Slaves were summoned to work by bell towers located on farms. While slaves enjoyed respectable living conditions and housing on a few of the farms, the overcrowding and dim lighting of the outbuildings on many of the farms still bear the scars of oppression. Click onfor more built sightseeing attractions in Franschhoek and the Winelands.

At the Cape, the French language quickly vanished, to be replaced by Dutch, which mixed with Xhosa and English to become Afrikaans. The surnames of many Afrikaans people, including those who have made significant contributions to the nation, and the distinctly French names of farms that still exist today, however, bear witness to the legacy. Experience something profound and illuminating in a magnificent location by visiting this museum.

The memorial's tickets are available at the museum located on the other side of the street, at the intersection of Lambrecht and Akademie Streets. It includes important historical artifacts like plows, carts, and musical instruments and focuses primarily on the growth of Franschhoek as a town.

The price for locals in 2023 is R100 per adult and R50 per child.

The cost for foreigners is R200.

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STOP 6: DRIVE UP FRANSCHHOEK PASS

A BREATHTAKING SCENIC DRIVE

End your day with sunset views of the entire valley. The R45 regional road connects Villiersdorp and Franschhoek, and it passes through the Western Cape Province of South Africa. However, instead of going all the way to Villiersdorp, you just need to climb Franschhoek Mountain for a few kilometers—possibly as far as the entrance to Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. Visitors can pause at a number of picnic spots off the main road to capture the gorgeous valley views on camera. Stop at L'Ermitage, La Petite Ferme, or Haute Cabriere along the way for lunch or to taste cheese, wine, or coffee. There will be additional details on these restaurants with amazing views later in the agenda.

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DAY 2: NEARBY CAPE DUTCH HOUSES

1.LA MOTTE HOMESTEAD & ART GALLERY

Built with a t-shaped layout, the farmhouse on the estate is a historically significant structure. It is estimated that the watermill was built in 1720. Although the main house's gable is dated 1836, the structure is probably considerably older. Its well proportioned design could be regarded as a gable that bridges the gap between the more austere neoclassical style and the baroque style. By the gable's date, the style is strictly speaking considered late-neoclassical.

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While the public cannot access the historical portions of the farm, they may easily observe the structures when they visit the wine shops, bakery, and art gallery. Reserve a seat during a classical concert to see the Estate Cellar's interior.

STATUE OF THE LA MOTTE LADY

This stunning artwork was created in recent times and welcomes guests to the estate. It is reminiscent of the Huguenot Monument's Lady, who represents intellectual and spiritual independence. The monument is now a well-known landmark and popular tourist destination. Please get in touch with us if you know who created this classic sculpture.

MUSIC EVENTS

One notable historic structure is the Estate Cellar, which hosts classical music events. One of the best grand pianos in the Western Cape is the huge one.

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THE PIERNEEF ART GALLERY

Enjoy a collection of works by one of the most well-known artists in South Africa, in keeping with the estate's feeling of the greater things in life. Currently open to the public for a very affordable admission price.

A GARDEN CAFÉ AND ARTISINAL BAKERY

Savor croissants with chocolate, bread, and camembert cheese as if you were in Paris, and take in the gorgeous ambiance created by the well-maintained lawns and shaded trees. Use this large outdoor chess board to play a game of checkers.

STOP 2: LA GRANDE PROVENCE HISTORICAL FARMHOUSE

The manor house's gable, which dates to 1800, is a fine illustration of neoclassicism at its pinnacle. The double casement window in the middle of the design is softened by a garland. The restaurant, gallery, and contemporary art shop are all perfectly situated, with established trees shading the façade and adding a vibrant autumnal warmth. The farm offers a variety of thrilling family-friendly activities, such quad biking and vineyard hikes.

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THE RESTAURANT

Enjoy great quality and service, with a menu focused on light meals sourcced with local ingrediets.Delectable food is provided in an elegant setting. Ingredients sourced locally support the Franschhoek community.

3. LAVENDAR HOUSE

This lesser-known mansion, situated within the quintessential Cape Wineland landscape, is an architectural gem, practically just across from La Peserene Wine Farm. The vineyards' foreground is given a purple hue by lavender fields. The house is visible as you pass it on the main road (R45), however there isn't any parking and the home is unfortunately only visible in passing and not open to visitors.

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4. THE MOTOR MUSEUM IN FRANSCHHOEK

See one of the world's greatest private collections of vintage automatives for a new kind of history! In addition to 20 cars each, the four spacious Cape Vernacular-style barns also house motorbikes, bicycles, toys, and accessories. The visitor gets deeply invigorated in a way that only this valley can, encircled by the Drakensberg Mountains and nestled amid lush indigenous fynbos. Johann Rupert is the owner of the collection, which got its start in Johannesburg, in the nation's north. To strengthen security and ultimately improve the tourist experience, please be sure to make an appointment before visiting this location. Make sure not to miss this unusual attraction; it's definitely worth a little additional preparation.

Dial 021 874 9002

2023 Tickets: R80 per person

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