|
|
|
|
Franschhoek Traveller's Lodge has opened an on-site Activities booking office, Valley Explorers. We are here to assist you in exploring our wonderful valley and finding an activity that suits your interests. For many, Franschhoek is only wine and food, but there is so much more. Whether you're into x-treme sports and adventure or lazy leisure, we have something for you. Nature lovers will find they are in the right place when visiting the wine valley as there are many activities to keep you happy. Have a look at the sampling of activities listed below. When booking with us, tell us what you are interested in and let us find and book your ideal holiday activity.
What would you like to do today?
(Please click on thumbnails for a full screen view)
(top)
http://www.franschhoek.co.za/where2dine.html There are many restaurants in Franschhoek, from modestly priced to very expensive. Take your pick. http://www.franschhoek.co.za/where2tastewine.html You will need at least a week to visit all the vineyards to taste their wines. Should you prefer to join a wine tasting tour, we are able to book you on a day-trip with a local wine tour guide. MOUNTAIN WALKS FROM FRANSCHHOEK Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 54' 15.45" S 19° 09' 28.59" E The hiking trail starts at the Mont Rochelle Lookout car park on Franschhoek Pass. There are two hikes. You will need a permit from Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourism office to go on the mountain hike. Tel: +27 21 876 3603 http://www.franschhoek.org.za/playKtoZ.htm Click here for a map to Cat se Pad Hiking Trail Click here for a map to Mont Rochelle Hiking Trail (To print these maps, save them to your "My Pictures" folder and print them from there)
There are two professional walking/hiking guides available. Cape Hiking is available almost every day and Prof. Izak Rust, an expert on the history and geography of Franschhoek and environs, is available on request. he does prefer to take groups up to 12 people, at a modest charge. Call us to make an appointment for you.
View of the Franschhoek Valley from the top of the pass
FAIRVIEW GOATS CHEESE AND WINE FARM Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 46' 18.58" S 18° 55' 25.87" E
About 25 km from Franschhoek, in Agter Paarl. Drive along the R45 in the direction of Paarl. Just before the N1 highway, after you pass under an old bridge is the R101. Turn left onto the R101. About 1 km further is a turnoff to the right, signposted "Fairview". Drive until the farm is on your right. Winery, goats milk cheese, bread, restaurant. Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 48' 00.82" S 18° 52' 18.71" E http://www.places.co.za/html/butterflyworld.html The largest free-flying park for butterflies. Aviaries, snakes, spiders and small animals. A must for the kids (and adults too!)
At Klapmuts, just off the N1 highway. from Franschhoek, take the R45. At Vrede en Lust, turn left onto the Klapmuts road. At Klapmuts, turn right towards the N1. Cross the R101. Butterfly World is on your right. http://www.hillcrestberries.co.za Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 54' 37.02" S 18° 56' 33.62" E
On Helshoogte Pass, between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Take the Stellenbosch turnoff from the R45 at Allee Bleue. Drive through the village of Pniel (Carefully, lookout for pedestrians) watch for the sign to Hillcrest on your right just after the road splits into a double carriage. This route is currently under construction and delays of 30 minutes are to be expected. Beautiful mountain views from their restaurant. All sorts of berries and berry products available.
http://www.stellenbosch.org.za/ThingsDetails.aspx?REGIONID=14&categoryId=13&activityId=474 Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 47' 40.58" S 18° 54' 36.65" E
http://www.stellenboschtourism.co.za/ThingsDetails.aspx?REGIONID=14&categoryId=13&activityId=475 Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 49' 08.32" S 18° 56' 40.00" E The farm rears and cares for hundred of crocs which you can see up close and personal in their pens, from baordwalks erected between them. A coffee shop and gift shop are also on the premises. From Franschhoek, take the R45, turn off onto the Wellington Road, past Drakenstein Prison and Pearl Valley. Just before Boschenmeer Estate is a well signposted turn off to the left, which takes you to the Crocodile farm. Pearl Valley Home to the SA Open http://www.pearlvalley.co.za/default.aspx?link=golf Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 49' 14.89" S 18° 59' 16.09" E From Franschhoek, take the R45, turn off onto the Wellington Road, past the Drakenstein Prison. Pearl Valley is about 5 km further on.
Boschenmeer, Paarl Home of Paarl Golf Club http://www.boschenmeer.co.za/golf/golfintro.htm Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 45' 43.00" S 18° 59' 01.30" E From Franschhoek, take the R45, turn off onto the Wellington Road, past Drakenstein Prison and Pearl Valley. Boschenmeer Estate is about 5 km further on.
Theewaterskloof, Villiersdorp http://www.golf-course.co.za/theewaterskloof-golf-club.html Google Earth co-ordinates: 34° 02' 54.23" S 19° 17' 21.71" E From Franschhoek, take the road over the Franschhoek Pass. A very scenic drive, but take care, it can take you by surprise. The dam is visible on the other side of the pass. At the T junction, turn left to Villiersdorp. Just before entering the village, turn right onto road signposted to Hermanus. The golf club is about 5 km along this road. Closed until 1st of October 2009 Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 53' 05.51"S 19° 04' 24.21"E About 5km from Franschhoek, along the R45. On the left, wide white brick gateway. Farm breakfast and lunch. Lamb on a spit every Sunday lunch. Booking essential. 021-876-3687
Google Earth co-ordinates: 33 ° 54' 49.49" S 19° 07' 26.41"
Museum dedicated to the history of the French Huguenot Settlers, who were granted farms in the Paarl/Franschhoek Valley. They were instrumental in establishing the Cape Winelands. http://www.solms-delta.co.za/main/overview.html Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 51' 45.90"S 18° 58' 59.80"E Situated on the Solms-Delta wine farm about 15km from Franschhoek, just before the R310 turnoff to Stellenbosch. A fascinating look at the history of the farm and of the Franschhoek/Drakenstein Valley, going back to the early stone age residents of the valley, as well as more contemporary history. The following farm tours are offered, all ending with a wine tasting: * Vineyards, Cellar and Wines * Social History and Wine * Natural Heritage and Wine *Cape Music and Wine *Archaeology and Wine *Cape Food and Wine Pairing. All these tours come highly recommended and can be booked for you in advance. An absolute must for anyone interested in the history of the Cape and the Franschhoek Valley in particular. Entrance free to visitors. Free wine tasting in the original cellar of the farm, now a museum. A delightful picnic area is a recent addition. Buy your picnic basket and enjoy the contents at the riverside picnic area.
Museum van de Caab Seven Palm Trees Stone Age remains The oldest intact floor plan ever found at the Cape
Situated on L'Ormarins Farm about 15 kms from Franschhoek on the R45, just before the R310 turnoff to Stellenbosch. A fascinating collection of classic and modern exotic cars. Tours and transport to the museum can be arranged for you in advance. DRAKENSTEIN CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (formerly Victor Verster Prison) Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 50' 36.43" S 19° 01' 00.04"E Historically important facility in the region due to it being the place where Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990. Visit his house on the grounds and have your picture taken with his larger-than-life statue at the front gates. Tours can be arranged. Booking essential. Breakfast and lunch at the prison restaurant.
Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 54' 23.32" S 19° 03' 45.65" E The new Berg River Dam has been completed and is full to the brim. A look-out seating area has been erected overlooking this large water body.
http://www.ewisa.co.za/misc/DamWCWemmers/default.htm The dam wall was completed in 1957, and is on the Wemmershoek River. A visit to the dam is a must for nature lovers. Hikes can also be arranged by appointment. A permit is required to enter this area. Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 49' 57" S 19° 04' 58.49"E Google Earth co-ordinates: 34° 01' 57.02" S 19° 15' 12.92"E From Franschhoek, take the road over the Franschhoek Pass. A very scenic drive, but take care, it can take you by surprise. The dam is visible on the other side of the pass. To get to the dam wall: At the T junction, turn left to Villiersdorp. Just before entering the village, turn right onto road signposted to Hermanus. The yacht club entrance is close to this turnoff and offers a variety of water sport. The dam wall is about 8 km further on along this road. Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 48' 54.74" S 18° 59' 55.45"E Facility for the 4x4 enthusiast. Take the R45 north. At the Berg River Dam / Wellington crossroads, turn right towards Wellington. Just after Pearl Valley turnoff is Takbok. BIEN DONNE WERF (Exhibition Grounds) Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 50' 26.50" 18° 58' 31.99" From Franschhoek, take the R45 in the direction of Paarl. About 500 meters past the turnoff to Stellenbosch (do not turn off) is the entrance road to Bien Donne. Strawberry Picking in summer from September. Delicious, sweet, fat strawberries. You pick them and pay per kg. Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 59' 53.41.58" S 18° 49' 33.54" E
From Franschhoek, take the R45 and the R303 over Helshoogte to Stellenbosch. Drive through the town to Adam Tas Road. Turn left onto Adam Tas, in the direction of Somerset West / Strand. The farm is on your left at Allendale Road intersection. About 40 km from Franschhoek. At the Paarl sewerage works which is an excellent birding spot. Some concerns have been raised of late regarding the security in the area. Do not go alone, safety in numbers and do not leave valuable equipment or belongings in your car while in the bird hides. Read more about it here: http://www.sabirding.co.za/birdspot/010335.asp Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 41' 28.90" S 18° 58' 36.74" E
From Franschhoek, take R45 into Paarl, follow Main Rd, and then turn right into Berg River Boulevard. Follow the road through two traffic circles past Paarl Hospital. At a T-junction with Optenhorst Street, turn right. Over the bridge the road becomes Oosbosch. Turn Left into Drommedaris and follow the signs to the sanctuary. Or from Franschhoek take R45, turn off onto Wellington Road, which leads into Jan van Riebeeck Drive (R303) in Paarl. Continue through the traffic circle, and then turn left into Oosbosch Street, and right into Drommedaris Street (almost opposite a BP Garage). From here follow the signs to the sanctuary.
PAARL ROCK (so named because it glistens like a pearl when wet.)
Google Earth co-ordinates: 33° 45' 60.47" S 18° 56' 33.51" E
Paarl Rock dominates the skyline for kilometers around. It is the second largest continuous granite rock in the world (second only to Sugarloaf in Rio de Janeiro). The drive up to the rock is a long, rocky dirt road and circles the mountain, most suitable for 4x4's and bakkies (pick-ups) but it is possible in a sedan with good brakes. After heavy rains, the road can be a bit treacherous so take care. At the end of the road is a well laid out picnic / braai area as well as the Botanical gardens filled with South Africa's national flower, the Protea and other Fynbos indigenous to the area. Bird life abounds and the walk up the mountain is lovely with many benches and gazebo's along the way to rest and relax next to the gurgling steam. Continue on past the picnic and botanical garden area and you will find the chain ladder climb up to the very top of the pearl-like rock.
TAAL (Afrikaans for Language) MONUMENT www.taalmonument.co.za - website currently not working. The Taal (or Language) Monument was erected to celebrate the Afrikaans language. It is an impressive art sculpture/building. From Franschhoek, drive along the R45 to Paarl main road. Just into Paarl look out for the signboard on the left. a winding, climbing road takes you to the monument. There is a small entrance fee, discount for scholars and pensioners.
To get closer to the Rock, there is a turnoff to the right about 500 meters before the gates of the monument.
Our village is full of wonderfully artistic people who are more than willing to share their knowledge and love of art and crafts with you. After a morning of glass slumping with renowned potter David Walters , you will go home with 2 self-made, hand decorated glass dishes to show off to your family and friends. Perfect therapy for those always in the rat-race. Contact us to make a reservation for you.
Short art classes are available for those who fall in love with our mountains and beautiful scenery and feel the urge to capture it on canvas (or paper). Let our village artists show you how to do just that and take home your own little master piece to remind you of our wonderful valley.
Our town geologist will take you for a leisurely walk around the area and show you the geological structures and how they came about. A great way to spend a morning.
Our resident bird watcher will take you on an early morning walk and show you the wide variety of birds to be seen in and around the streets of Franschhoek, from the tiniest Swee Waxbill and Cape Siskin to the majestic Fish Eagle, birding in Franschhoek is a pleasure. The quiet and beautiful narrow streets of the town are home to Amethyst, Southern Double Collared and Malachite Sunbirds and if you are very lucky, you will get to see and hear the resident Spotted Eagle Owls in the evening.
For the more adventurous, there are many new experiences waiting for you to try. While most of them do not take place in Franschhoek itself, we are happy to book them for you and arrange transport to the venue if necessary. Amongst other things, you can do scuba diving at the Two Oceans Aquarium, view sharks from a safe cage in Hermanus, Gansbaai or Struisbaai, do kloofing or abseiling in the Franschhoek mountains, ride quad bikes or mountain bikes, go white water rafting down the Berg River or sandboarding on the dunes of Atlantis and you can even take your significant other for a wonderful hot air balloon ride over the Paarl Valley. Contact us before you arrive here so that we can do all the necessary arrangements. Our shuttle service is ready to take you there if necessary.
From novices to experienced riders, there is no better way to experience the wine lands than by horse back. Take a gentle ride into the vineyards and the orchards or go wine tasting on horse back. There is a horse right for you. booking is usually a good idea, so contact us early to avoid disappointment.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Corner Reservoir & Akademie Str, Franschhoek P O Box 637, Franschhoek, 7690, Western Cape, South Africa Tel: 021 876 2537 ~ Fax: 086-514-3462 eMail us |
(This is
Ollie, our very own resident Cape Eagle Owl)
