Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Hannah Stephenson
Situated just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Franschhoek is undeniably one of the most scenic places to visit in the Western Cape – and believe me, that’s saying something!
The town sits in the Franschhoek Valley, in the heart of the Cape Winelands. This means it’s surrounded by some of South Africa’s most beautiful wineries – and as you may be aware, there’s even a tram you can use to hop between them.
So whether you want to visit Franschhoek for a day or spend a few nights here, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide on how to explore. It’s got everything you need to know, from the best ways to go wine tasting to where to stay and what to do aside from drinking wine.
About Franschhoek
Franschhoek is a small, picture-perfect town that actually reminds me of Duloc from Shrek. Not a blade of grass is out of place!
The town itself is the centre of the wider Franschhoek Valley, and it’s also close to Stellenbosch. It takes about 30 minutes to get from town to town but the wider wine regions are right next to each other.
The name actually means “French corner” because it was settled by the French in the 17th century. You’ll probably see quite a few references to the Huguenots in Franschhoek, and these were basically Protestants who fled France after King Louis XIV banned their branch of Christianity.
The French refugees started farming and, in true French style, they started growing vines. Nowadays, there are over 45 wineries in the Franschhoek Valley and the area is famous for its wine tram – but more on that to come.
Getting to Franschhoek
It usually takes between 1-1.5 hours to drive from Cape Town to Franschhoek, depending on traffic. If you plan to stay overnight, the best way to get here is to rent a car and drive yourself. The town itself is super walkable, and then you can use the wine tram to go tasting.
You can also use Uber to get from Cape Town to Franschhoek and back again, but I don’t recommend using Uber to get around the Franschhoek Valley. Since it’s a rural, spread-out area, you just can’t count on a driver being available!
However, accommodation in Franschhoek can be expensive so a day trip from Cape Town can be a great way to save money. I’ll get more into this in a moment, but this wine tram tour is my top pick because it’s affordable and includes both your wine tram tickets and transport from the city.
How Long to Stay in Franschhoek
You don’t have to stay in Franschhoek at all! Since it’s only an hour from Cape Town, you can just take a day trip and return to the city in the evening when you’re all wined-out.
But of course, if you want to dive deeper into the region and experience its amazing restaurants and non-wine-related activities, an overnight stay can be a relaxing escape from the city. In that case, I would suggest staying for one or two nights, depending on your schedule.
The Best Wineries in Franschhoek
Look, I’m going to preface this by saying that I don’t think anyone has visited all of Franschhoek’s 40+ wineries – not even my best friend, who is a true connoisseur and even invests in wine and ages it in a cellar in France.
So while I can’t personally claim to have the definitive guide to the best wineries in Franschhoek, I have visited Franschhoek four times since moving to Cape Town. So below, I’ve listed my personal favourites and a few that I haven’t been to (yet) but that are very reputable among locals:
- Bartinney – This is my all-time favourite winery thanks to its gorgeous views and amazing cheeseboards. Technically it’s in the Stellenbosch region but it’s still on the Navy Line of the wine tram – more on that to come!
- Babylonstoren – I’m yet to visit this one for myself but it’s famous for its farm-to-table philosophy and luxurious but wholesome vibe. You can even stay here!
- Rickety Bridge – This was the first ever winery I visited in Franschhoek! It features on three different wine tram lines (Red, Blue, and Pink) and I love its elegant, old-world vibe.
- Vrede en Lust – The winery offers panoramic vineyard views and the staff wear beautiful red dresses which adds a touch of glamour. I just came here for wine tasting but there are actually some other fun activities on offer here like quad biking and horse riding – more on that later.
- Boschendal – I haven’t visited for myself but I do know that this place is famous for being one of the oldest and largest wineries in South Africa. And, like Babylonstoren, it also offers luxury stays!
- Le Lude – Le Lude is famous for its bubbly! I did an MCC tasting here which was so much fun, and I hope to come back one day soon and dine at the beautiful Orangerie Restaurant.
- Le Pommier – This small winery is a bit of a hidden gem and you can visit on the Navy tram line. Their wines have won multiple awards and the gardens here are absolutely beautiful – in fact, in my photos I think they almost look fake!
- Plaisir – Plaisir sits on the Orange and Navy tram lines. I loved their crisp white wines, but I think the best part is that there’s also a food market on site! Somehow, my friends and I ended up enjoying both an artisan cheeseboard and chicken and chips for breakfast when we came here.
How to Go Wine Tasting in Franschhoek
The trouble in wine tasting in general is that you don’t want to have to drive, because it’s no fun for whoever ends up being the sober driver! So even if you rent a car and drive yourself to Franschhoek, I definitely recommend organising some sort of tour to take you wine tasting. Some options mean you’re with a guide the whole time while others, like the wine tram, are hop-on hop-off experiences so that you can explore by yourself.
You can either arrange a tour to bring you to Franschhoek from Cape Town, or organise one that starts right here in Franschhoek if you’re staying overnight. I’ve outlined several options for you below!
The Wine Tram
The wine tram is iconic, and in my opinion it’s the best way to explore the Franschhoek Valley. Coming to Franschhoek and not going on the wine tram would be like visiting Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower!
From Franschhoek
Duration: 4-8 hours
Inclusions: Tram tickets, welcome drink
Free cancellation? Yes
Rating: 4.6 stars (check reviews here)
Price: R330
If you’re staying in Franschhoek, you can book your tickets directly and choose any line you like. Personally, I love the Navy Line but it honestly doesn’t matter too much which one you go for.
If you go for the Orange or Navy Line, your day on the tram will begin at the Groot Drakenstein terminal. This is about a 15-minute drive from Franschhoek town, so you’ll need to organise a taxi. I suggest using Franschhoek taxis!
Meanwhile, the Pink, Red, and Blue Lines meet at the Franschhoek Terminal which is a 10-15 minute walk from the center of town.
Each line has its own timetable but the first trams of the day usually leave between 9 and 9:30 am. After that, they depart about once an hour. Check the website for up-to-date timetables!
From Cape Town
Duration: 8 hours
Inclusions: Tram tickets, return transport from Cape Town
Free cancellation? Yes
Rating: 4.6 (check 600+ reviews here)
Price: Check price here!
If you don’t plan on staying in Franschhoek, you can book this tour from Cape Town which includes return transport and tram tickets. Different routes are available during different times of year with this tour, but you’ll typically leave the Waterfront at around 8:15 am and then get back at about 5:30 pm.
I absolutely love this tour and I’m not the only one – it has over 600 5-star reviews! It makes it so easy to enjoy the wine tram with zero planning involved. It’s so much better than using Uber, too, because it can take quite a while to get a ride back to Cape Town at the end of the day.
I’ve also got a full review of this tour here, but my friends and I had the best day ever when we did this! When you book, you just need to choose whether to do the tram or tram bus first. It doesn’t matter, but do make sure that everyone in your group makes the same selection!
Book this wine tram tour from Cape Town here and enjoy free cancellation!
Small Group Winelands Tour from Cape Town
Duration: 8.5 hours
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, expert guide, wine tastings, cheese and chocolate pairings, restaurant lunch
Rating: 4.9 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
Free cancellation? Yes
Price: Check price here!
The wine tram is a lot of fun, but if you’d prefer something a little more refined I suggest booking this small group wine tour. You’ll visit two wineries in Franschhoek and one in Paarl, plus there’s a visit to Stellenbosch town so you get to see the best of the winelands in just one day!
The tour starts with a cheese and wine pairing at Fairview, a fork-to-farm wine estate in Paarl. Then you’ll have lunch (and more wine) at the Franschhoek Cellar. I’ve eaten here twice before and the food is excellent. After you’ve eaten you’ll also have some time to wander through the picture-perfect center of Franschhoek. There are some cute coffee shops dotted around if you need a caffeine pick-me-up!
Next up, it’s onto La Bri for a wine and chocolate pairing before rounding off the day with a stroll through Stellenbosch. The town itself is super cute with lots of shops around, and I highly recommend the iced coffee at La Coco C!
This is a small group tour with a maximum of 8 travelers, and I think it would be a good one to join as a solo traveler as you’ll get to know your fellow wine lovers over the course of the day. It’s also one of Cape Town’s top-rated wine tours – read all the great reviews here!
Book this all-inclusive wine tour here and enjoy free cancellation!
Private Wine Tour from Franschhoek
Duration: 8 hours
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional driver and guide, wine tastings
Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
Free cancellation? Yes
Price: Check price here!
If you’re staying in Franschhoek but would prefer a small group tour over the tram, I suggest this one! It’s perfect for those who want to learn as much as possible about the Western Cape’s wine production and culture.
What I like about this tour is the fact that there’s not one set itinerary. Instead, it’s customised each day! It will take you to 3-4 wineries and it covers all of your tasting fees, although lunch is on your own account.
It’s a friendly, small group experience so it’s a fantastic way to meet new people. If you’re looking for a personal tour that just feels like going tasting with a group of friends, this is the one to book.
Read the 5-star reviews and book this small group tasting tour here!
E-Bike Tour from Franschhoek
Duration: 3.5 hours
Inclusions: Use of e-bikes, helmet, professional guide
Rating: 4.8 stars (check reviews here)
Free cancellation? No
Price: Check price here!
If you enjoy cycling, then this e-bike tour from Franschhoek could be a really fun way to explore the valley. It’s such a beautiful area so this is a great chance to explore in the open air. And since you’ll be on an e-bike rather than a push bike, you won’t work up much of a sweat either!
The tour includes the e-bike and guide but the tastings are on your own account. There’s not one fixed route and it’s a small group tour, so it will be tailored to suit the group’s interests and pace. It’s definitely easier than planning a route yourself, working out the timings, and booking the wine tastings separately. Plus, you’ll get to hear lots of stories about Franschhoek from a local who has the insider scoop!
I would also recommend this tour if you’ve done the wine tram before and are looking for something a bit different! And since it’s a half-day experience, you can choose to go in the morning or afternoon and then fit another activity into the rest of your day.
Book this exciting e-bike tour here!
Other Things to Do in Franschhoek
Horse Riding at a Gorgeous Wine Farm
Duration: 1 hour
Inclusions: Horse ride, qualified guide, helmet
Rating: 4.5 stars (check reviews here)
Free cancellation? Yes
Price: Check price here!
Whether you love horse riding or are just keen to give it a go, you can book this 1-hour ride at the lovely Vrede en Lust winery. I mentioned Vrede en Lust earlier in the post in my overview of Franschhoek’s best wineries, but it really is stunning.
The ride is gentle, so it’s suitable for those with zero riding experience and kids as young as 8. The route takes you through the vineyards and up to scenic viewpoints where you can soak in the beauty of the Franschhoek Valley.
You do have to book this tour for at least two people, but at least you’ve got the option to reserve it now and pay later! And since it’s just an hour long, it should be pretty easy to fit into your Franschhoek itinerary, whether you want to head out early or go in the afternoon.
Reserve your spot on this scenic horse ride here!
Quad Biking at Vrede en Lust
Duration: 1 hour
Inclusions: Quad bike, permit, safety gear, instructor
Rating: 4.8 stars (check reviews here)
Free cancellation? Yes
Price: Check price here!
If you’re in the market for a thrill, this quad bike ride at Vrede en Lust is the perfect Franschhoek experience. Rather than a gentle horse ride around the estate, this tour will have you zooming along dirt trails and see the wine valley in a totally unique way.
You don’t need to have quad biking experience to take part in this tour. The instructors will give you a safety briefing and teach you how to use the quad bikes, and they’ll be on hand to help throughout.
There are usually six different time slots available for this tour. If you want to go wine tasting on the same day, then I suggest booking this activity for the morning. You can’t get on a quad bike if you’ve been drinking!
Check availability and book this epic quad bike ride here!
Learn How to Cook Gourmet Cuisine
Duration: 4 hours
Inclusions: Professional chef instructor, all ingredients and equipment, dinner, wine
Rating: 5 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
Free cancellation? Yes
Price: Check price here!
I think that this gourmet cooking class has to be one of the best ways to spend an evening in Franschhoek! It’s a small group class led by a celebrated local chef who will show you how to prepare some of South Africa’s most beloved dishes, including Cape Malay mussels, steak, and the famous milk tart for dessert. I mean, you can’t go to South Africa without trying milk tart!
I think that sipping wine and getting hands-on in the kitchen sounds dreamy. The class has glowing reviews and it sounds like a great way to meet fellow foodies. Best of all, after you’ve prepared all of the food you’ll get to sit down and tuck in together. There will be music, laughter, and lots of stories.
This is such a great way to learn about South African cuisine. You’ll learn so much more this way than you would by just trying a few different dishes in a restaurant (not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course). For those who are really passionate about food, I think this class is ideal!
Book this immersive cooking experience here and pay nothing until 48 hours beforehand!
Visit the Motor Museum
If you’re a gearhead, be sure to pay a visit to the Franschhoek Motor Museum while you’re in town. It takes you through over 100 years of automobile history and showcases at least 80 vehicles at a time.
I’ll be real with you: I’m not into cars at all, but even I can recognise that this place has a very carefully curated collection. It’s actually owned by the famous billionaire Johann Rupert and it sits on the L’Ormarins Estate… which he also owns. L’Ormarins actually make my favourite South African bubbly, so you could always swing by the tasting room afterwards!
The museum is open from 10 am until 5 pm from Monday to Friday, with last entry at 4 pm. It closes an hour earlier on weekends and public holidays. General admission costs R90 and you can book tickets via the website or pay on the day. If you pay on the day, do be aware that they don’t take cash!
Enjoy the World Class Restaurants
Franschhoek is not only famous for wine, it’s also home to some of South Africa’s top restaurants. La Petite Colombe is the big dog, if you will. It’s the sister restaurant of La Colombe in Constantia, and it’s a 3-star fine dining restaurant! They offer creative, beautifully presented set menus that will show you the creme de la creme of South African food.
I also loved dining at La Petite Ferme. It’s a contemporary restaurant with a seasonal menu. I came here during winter and had the most amazing meal I think I’ve ever had! I had the most tender lamb that just fell apart and a warming malva pudding for dessert.
Best Time to Visit Franschhoek
Any time really! I don’t think there’s a bad time to go.
The summer does get pretty hot. Since Franschhoek is inland, it’s always a few degrees warmer than Cape Town. However, this is peak tourist season which means there’s a great atmosphere in town and on the tram!
Spring and autumn are a bit more comfortable in terms of temperature and you’ll still get plenty of sunshine. The town and wineries still see plenty of visitors, but accommodation prices are more reasonable.
I’ve also been to Franschhoek in the winter. It’s nice to sip reds in cozy tasting rooms and eat heart food at the restaurants . Plus, you can find some great winter specials and get great deals on accommodation.
Where to Stay in Franschhoek
Now, Franschhoek is not a cheap place to stay. Accommodation here tends towards luxury, since it’s a popular destination for wine lovers and weekend getaways from Cape Town. It’s all about beautiful views and gourmet food around here!
While you’ll struggle to find anything dirt cheap here, not every spot comes with a 5-star price tag. I’ve shared my top 3 picks for where to stay below for a range of budgets.
Luxury – $$$
Babylonstoren is a famously upscale winery with a huge emphasis on farm-to-table produce. It’s a historic Cape Dutch estate with a wholesome vibe, as well as an amazing spa on site!
There are suites, chalets, and villas available here and they’re spacious and beautiful, with clean, farm-style decor. The pool is gorgeous and the on-site restaurant, Babel, has an ever-evolving menu that totally depends on what’s growing in the garden on any given day.
Stays here don’t come cheap. Suites start at R15,000 per night and go up to R45,000 during peak season. And since this place has such a stellar reputation, it sells out fast so you’ll want to book your stay well in advance.
Mid-range – $$
Le Petit Manor is a true gem of a boutique hotel, and it’s situated right on Huguenot Road – aka Franschhoek’s main street. The location is super convenient but this spot is so much more than just a bed for the night. It’s beautifully decorated with lots of plants and a boho, Bali-style pool area as well as a gorgeous spa that offers amazing massages. It’s the perfect antidote to a wine-related hangover!
The rooms are also lovely, with big standalone bathrooms, softly backlit mirrors, and big beds. But honestly, you don’t just have to take my word for all of this because you can read the amazing reviews here.
Suites start at around R8,500 per night and can go up to R19,000 during peak season. Find out more and book your stay here!
Budget – $
Last but not least, The LAB is a stylish, minimalist hotel with a relaxed vibe. It may not be as fancy as the above two options but it’s certainly no slouch, and I think it delivers great value for money.
The rooms are modern with big bathtubs and mountain views, and there’s a small pool where you can cool off between wine tastings. You’ll be grateful for this during the summer, trust me! Breakfast is included with your stay and everything here is spotless. If you’re looking for a more affordable stay in Franschhoek, I think this is the perfect choice!
Prices start at R1,700 per night and can reach up to R6,300 during peak season. Check availability and book your stay here!
Is Franschhoek Worth Visiting?
Yes! Franschhoek really is a must-visit destination on the Western Cape, and the wine tram is one of my favourite activities ever. Whether you take a day trip or treat yourself to an overnight stay is up to you. I think a day tour works well for many, but if you’re really into food and wine then it’s definitely worth booking a hotel and diving deeper into Franschhoek’s gourmet scene.
Either way, I hope that this blog post has helped you to plan your perfect Franschhoek adventure. I know how much fun visiting this region can be, and I hope that you love it just as much as I do.