Franschhoek, Western Cape
Brief description.
ranschhoek's story is as interesting as some of the other Cape Dutch towns in the Western Cape and has been called the food and wine capital of the province. A small rural village situated only 80km from central Cape Town, in the heart of the Cape Win elands, it was the place where the seventeenth century French Huguenot immigrants settled, bringing with them their wine making expertise.
Many of South Africa's Afrikaans speakers are their descendent, including former President FW De Klerk.
The village is among the top five tourist destinations in South Africa. The town lies in a green valley surrounded by majestic mountains - like a little Switzerland.
It boasts 26 local restaurants, 20 wine estates and 350 beds in guest houses and hotels, and with architectural styles dating back to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the place is exquisite, which is probably why there are quite a few gay and lesbian establishments.
Accommodation.
The Fig Tree Guest Lodge
15 Berg St, Franschhoek; Tel: 021 876-2366; gay-operated, six en-suite bedrooms.
La Gileppe B&B
47 Huguenot Road, cnr De Wet Street, Franschhoek; Tel: 021 876-2146; gay friendly, three rooms all en-suite, two double, one two singles; smart Victorian house, quite secluded with great breakfasts.
Restaurants.
Café la Gare
Main Street; PO Box 578, Franschhoek 7690; Tel 021 876-4323; Fax 021 876-3663; Email tracks@mweb.co.za Café la Gare is situated in the wine district. Live shows, cabaret; restaurant, bar ("Wunder-Bar"), beer garden, traditional South African cuisine (home-made dishes, game) Wir schprechen Deutsch.
Chez Michel
Main Road, Franschhoek; 021 876-2671; gay-owned, French colonial cuisine.
Le Rendez-vous
Main Road, Oude Stallen Building, Franschhoek; 021 876 3548 - Terrence; gay-owned, Cape colonial cuisine (unique to the Cape).
