On exhibition are the various tools they used to make wine, clothes they wore, and interpretation of their culture and goals. The franschhoek literary fair a celebration of books and. By 1659, the first wine production started what has become a cultural heritage and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Elegantly restored in the cape huguenot tradition, the last word franschhoek is right in the heart of a food and wine lovers utopia. Readers, writers, booksellers and publishers all join together for discussions, presentations, concerts and more. For more photos of my stay in south africas wine country, check out my facebook album here. Apartheid and the ensuing international embargo on the country lifted about 20 odd years ago and south african wine has gained in popularity ever since. The last word franschhoek, south africa mahlatini luxury. Via the dutch republic, a small number fled their homes to the cape, mostly between 1688 and 1689. Visit family in the city and then we spend a few days in the winelands, notably, franschhoek. A recent trip found me exploring the franschhoek cap classique route, which consists of 24 mcc producers and is. Franschhoek and stellenbosch are the main plum producing areas of south africa, while pears, peaches, nectarines, apples and table grapes are also produced here in great quantities.
Jenny crwyswilliams looks at some of exclusive books bestselling books over christmas 2015. This particular day was a beaut of a winters day, with clear skies and a warm sun guiding us to the food and wine capital of south africa, where we strolled down main street, taking in the beautiful buildings, the stunning art, and the bustle of the many foreign tourists that bring franschhoek to life. Exploring the franschhoek cap classique route inspired. Stellenbosch, franschhoek and paarl valley wine day trip. Owners johan and carin roux van rensburg, welcome guests from all over the world with warm south african hospitality and treat them to a truly.
Delice is an international network of likeminded cities engaged in promoting the benefits of culinary excellence and good food. Franschhoek was granted membership to this prestigious network in october 2014, and is the only member in the southern hemisphere. The franschhoek flag is a french flag with a grey elephant in the centre. Last year saw chantelle and myself tackle the fantastic franschhoek wine tram experience once more, and following our first tasting over at the rickety bridge winery, our next stop came in the form of the grand, art rich and 300 year old franschhoek institution, the grande provence estate. Franschhoek french corner in dutch is a picturesque village where the laid back cafe culture has a distinctly french charm. With its ingenious use of space rooms downstairs opening onto the pool, living area upstairs. An introduction to the magnificent franschhoek wine valley in the cape winelands of south africa.
The last word franschhoek prides themselves on the food they produce, and rightly so, its some of the best food around. And with an impressive menu like theirs youll find yourself wanting to stay longer just to finish the menu. After our 5day safari in the middle of the bush at kruger national park, we hopped on a plane in johannesburg and landed in cape town two hours later. Franschhoek is a fantastic town to visit, beautiful surroundings, incredible wine estates, brilliant restaurants, a grand monument but in truth isnt really all that geared for visiting families, given the general upmarket offerings of the area. The last word franschhoek is an exclusive, fivestar, historic residence in the centre of what many regard as the most charming and picturesque village in the cape winelands. Franschhoek is known as one of the most visited tourist destinations in the western cape. Franschhoek is the most spectacular of the three wine centers. The first french huguenot settlers arrived in south africa at franschhoek in 1688 and their influence lives on, for this is a destination undeniably devoted to the creation and enjoyment of good food and wine. For more information on south africas wine country, see wine. The nearby huguenot memorial museum adjacent to the monument explores the history of the french huguenots who settled in the cape, and especially in the franschhoek valley. Popular attractions dutch reformed church and franschhoek art house are located nearby. The small and luxurious guest house features a pond. The franschhoek literary festival 2015 and the elephant in.
The hotel pays extra attention to the finer details and you can look forward to vases of fresh flowers, a complimentary minibar and a tea and coffee tray as well as fragrant flower petals on your comfortable bed. The library, franschhoek houses for rent in franschhoek. Perhaps the most unique accommodation in franschhoek. Franschhoek art house and senechalsenekal art gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the areas landmarks include dutch reformed church and huguenot monument. Grande provence estate wears her 325year history with dignity sitting in the magnificent franschhoek valley in south africas western cape, her lush vines spread across 47acres with gentle vistas over the valley floor, with the rugged mountains beyond.
A blissful 45 minute drive from the cape town international airport, you will discover this enchanting 30 acre estate located in the charming town of franschhoek. The second reason for the books instant elevation is the topdrawer selection of recipes by most of franschhoek s top chefs. The franschhoek fruit packers cooperative was established on 21st may, 1981 in order to promote uniform packing procedures. A recent trip found me exploring the franschhoek cap classique route, which consists of 24 mcc producers and is the largest of its kind in south africa. The last word franschhoek south africa expert africa. As cape town was the first settler town in south africa, farming in this area began in the 1600s to supply the fort and citizens.
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. Trails wind through flowers and wildlife at mont rochelle nature. Franschhoeks french heritage of more than 300 years is evident in the wine and food tradition. May 05, 2016 books by authors who will be at franschhoek literary festival. Franschhoek is a town in south africas western cape with centuriesold vineyards and cape dutch architecture. Book the the last word franschhoek stay at this 5star luxury guesthouse in franschhoek. Well even let you know about secret offers and sales when you sign up to our emails. There are more awardwinning restaurants concentrated here than anywhere else in the land. It is about 75 kilometres from cape town and has a population of slightly over 15,000 people. Franschhoek history activities in franschhoek le franschhoek. Turn left at the tjunction into the r310 to franschhoek. Books by authors who will be at franschhoek literary festival. Located at the foot of the franschhoek mountains, our guest house has a breathtaking view of the franschhoek valley and its vineyards. With a rich franschhoek history behind it, the town is now home to around 6600 people.
The franschhoek fruit packers cooperative was established on 21st may, 1981. With cape town less than 1 hour away and paarl and stellenbosch only 20 minutes, it is the ideal base for a winelands holiday. That said, there is one restaurant that does actual cater for those needing a more casual experience the franschhoek station pub. All the shows, movies, bands, sports events, expos in franschhoek. Since 2000 it has been incorporated into stellenbosch municipality. Lunch and dinner at the hotel is provided upon request. The last word franschhoek is located in franschhoek. Whether youre a wine connoisseur or a lover of natural beauty youll be swept away on this wine tour to the famous stellenbosch, paarl valley and franschhoek wineries.
In general, the last word franschhoek was very good, but suffered a bit by comparison. Franschhoek was founded by french huguenots settlers hence the name, who fled the inquisition in europe and were looking for a little hideout on the other side of the world. Everard read franschhoek, franschhoek, western cape. They found it in the fertile valley of franschhoek which they called oliphantshoek, as the valley had a lot of elephants. And for all that the franschhoek literary festival is irredeemably disengaged from the lived reality of much of south africa. The theme of the huguenot museum in franschhoek is the history of the huguenots before and after their arrival at the cape of good hope. Afrikaans for french corner, dutch spelling before 1947 fransche hoek is a small town in the western cape province and one of the oldest towns of the republic of south africa. Find things to do for the whole family in franschhoek.
The french corner of the cape, franschhoek lies in one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world, just 45 minutes from cape town and within half an hour of the stellenbosch, paarl, wellington and somerset west wine routes this traditionally french town is the food and wine capital of the country and one would be hard pressed to dispute the claim. Follow the road past boschenmeer and pearl valley golf estates. If you would like more information or wish to book our cottages, please contact us using the form below. If you have the skills, you can use these recipes to cook up a dinner.
Franschhoek is also a member of the delice network of good food cities of the world. Combining historic villages, stunning scenery and fabulous wines, this day trip will have your senses working overtime. A page for residents of franschhoek, past and present, who wish to contribute toward my research on the history of. The last word franschhoek, south africa mahlatini luxury travel. Its a very short walk from restaurants, shops and art galleries and a good base from which to explore the surrounding vineyards during the day. The last elephant was seen departing the valley in 1850. The elephant reminds us of the herds which originally roamed the franschhoek mountains. Wine tasting at grande provence in franschhoek 20161001.
Franschhoek project gutenberg selfpublishing ebooks. This year the franschhoek literary festival takes place from friday 14 to sunday 16 may and for those of you who like me werent so sure on the details, this is a 3 day book feast. Be sure not to miss outdoor adventures like hikingbiking trails and mountain biking, or hop on a bike rental nearby and take a selfguided tour around franschhoek. Everard read is south africas oldest and largest group of galleries. We rented a car and headed east to visit some of western capes wine region. The second reason for the books instant elevation is the topdrawer selection of recipes by most of franschhoeks top chefs. Often known as simply the franschhoek, the last word franschhoek is a small, smart small boutique hotel with just six rooms in the town of franschhoek, in the heart of the capes winelands. Franschhoek is the most beautiful wine valley in the world. The last word franschhoek has six luxurious rooms, four of which are superior doubles which open onto private patio gardens.
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