Franschhoek -
tourist trap of the Winelands?

Tourist trap is a harsh description. And yet there are aspects of Franschhoek that might merit it.

Our recent night spent in Franschhoek was both an eye-opener and a treat.

(Want to know where we stayed? Keep reading to find out about our Franschhoek accommodation!

Eye-opening because who can afford to pay multiples of 6 figures for a family home albeit in a stunning setting :o?

A treat because we loved the leisurely pace, watching the grape harvest and indulging in fine food and wine.

After all this is still the Cape winelands even though many wine estates have become "lifestyle assets" managed by employees for otherwise-engaged landlords.

This is also the village with a picture-perfect High Street where almost every shop boasts a French name, despite the fact that Franschhoek has had no truly French-speaking community for a good few generations!

And that same High Street is packed pavement to pavement with restaurants, boutiques and curio shops.
You'd be hard put to find a local resident besides in the bank, Post Office or butchery...

So yes, there are elements that would make Franschhoek (at best) skilfully marketed or (at worst) over-commercialised.

The Saving Graces

Despite the fact that bargains are an endangered species here, this valley and village have a number of redeeming features.

• it is an extraordinarily beautiful place
• the French heritage is 100% genuine (not the result of a marketer grasping at straws!)
• the history is unique and interesting and
• the food and wine is a gastronomic delight!

Here's our delicious dinner venue – the French Connection – where we had a lovely waitress, Jenny

There were tempting food options en route but breakfast was too recently enjoyed to allow further indulgence...

We investigated the whole Huguenot Museum and actually got to read some of the exhibits!

Our accommodation in Franschhoek , Dieu Donne, was of a good standard with no pretensions and we liked the fact that it was run by an older South African couple (it’s nice to interact with fellow countrymen!)

You can browse more Franschhoek accommodation options here.

Highlights of our visit

• you can walk most of the village in a couple of hours, stopping to savour the sights
• food options are shamelessly indulgent and French (we were groaning for mercy by the time we left)
• the art work and crafts on offer are amazing
• the 'real' village is still there, you just have to walk the side streets to find it!

Now you’ll have to go and make up your own mind – Tourist Trap or Must-See ?

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