What to do in Franschhoek

The beautiful and romantic town of Franschhoek has a lot to offer with its rich heritage, wine estates and some of the top restaurants in South Africa. It offers the perfect romantic getaway with a wide selection of beautiful hotels, country estates and guesthouses in picturesque settings from lavender farms to vineyards.

We take a look at a few off-the-map activities to be enjoyed in Franschhoek.

Hire a Bicycle

There's nothing like fresh air and a bit of exercise in the sun. So why not hire a bicycle for the day and explore the town at your own leisure.

Cycle to the surrounding wine farms and go wine tasting, or enjoy a picnic on one of the beautiful Franschhoek wine estates. Bicycles can be hired from Manic Cycles. For more information call 021 876 4956.

Picnic at Solms-Delta

Relax on the grassy lawns at the Solms-Delta Estate while you snack from a freshly packed picnic basket. With a river running below and the vineyards off to the side, it is the perfect place to enjoy some summer sunshine.

The baskets are made on site with the finest snacks and picnic food, and come with a complimentary bottle of wine and a bottle of Vogelvrij spring water. The picnic spot is a 10 minute walk from the restaurant, and a guide will carry your basket for you and help set up your picnic area with blankets provided. You are welcome to cool off in the estate's stream, so make sure to pack your swimming costume and towel.

The picnic baskets cost R145 per adult or R75 per child and are available from 1 September to 30 April. For more information call 021 874 3937.

Visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum

Stop off at the Franschhoek Motor Museum for a slice of automotive history. Whether you're a petrol-head or not you'll find the museum interesting with its unique and varied collection of vehicles, motorbikes and other memorabilia. The collection includes 220 vehicles which range from an 1898 Beeston motor-tricycle to a 2003 Ferrari Enzo supercar.

The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 10h00 to 17h00, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 16h00. R60 per adult and R30 per child. For more information call 021 874 9000.

Movie Evening at Le Quartier Français

Relax with a box of popcorn in the cinema at Le Quartier Français where you can enjoy a classic or recently released film. The room is laid out with comfortable leather seats and the intimate theatre is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a film.

The cinema shows films from Wednesday to Sunday each week. To find out what's showing you can call 021 876 2151.

Stay the Night

Franschhoek offers the perfect weekend getaway for those in the Western Cape. There are a number of options from stylish guesthouses to quaint country BnB's.

Take time out an Exclusive Villa Suite at La Petite Dauphine (4 stars) from just R750 per person sharing. Visit Fransvliet, a welcoming guesthouse with river frontage and well appointed rooms from just R500 per person. Auberge Clermont (4 stars) offers luxurious rooms on a charming wine and fruit farm with rooms from R650 per person sharing.