The bell rings, the tram jolts forward and rolls along track first laid in 1904. Back then a 28-kilometre branch line was built from Paarl to Franschhoek, and it closed in the 1990s. Since 2012 the Franschhoek Wine Tram has run on the old line, since 2017 with double-deckers modelled on the Blackpool trams, 78 seats, top speed 32 km/h. Five colour-coded lines of trams and tram buses link more than 30 estates, according to the operator, as of September 2026. Allow at least three hours: each line runs in one direction only, once an hour.
- Huguenots arrive at the Cape
- 1688
- Wine Tram lines, as of September 2026
- 5
- altitude of the town
- 273 m
- residents, 2011 census
- 15,616
The valley used to be called Olifantshoek, after the elephants that roamed it. In 1688 Huguenots reached the Cape, Protestants who had left France after the Edict of Fontainebleau, and were given this valley. How many came is uncertain: English Wikipedia says almost 300, German Wikipedia about 200. Their farms were called La Motte, Champagne, La Cotte, Cabrière, La Provence or Bourgogne, and many estates still carry those names. "Le Coin Français" became Fransche Hoek, and the current spelling has been used since 1947.
The three arches of the Huguenot Monument stand for the Trinity, and the Huguenot Memorial Museum is next door. The sources disagree on the dates. English Wikipedia names J. C. Jongens as architect, completed in 1945 and inaugurated on 17 April 1948. German Wikipedia says Coert Steynberg designed it in 1938 for the 250th anniversary; according to the English article he made only the female figure with the Bible and broken chain. Franschhoek Pass (R45) to Villiersdorp has been closed to everyone since the storms of 13 May 2026, pedestrians and cyclists included. On 7 September 2026 the province promised an update for early October.
- Time needed
- a full day for the tram, two nights for the valley and its restaurants
- When
- February and March for the harvest, July for the Bastille Festival, 5 and 6 December 2026 for the Cap Classique & Champagne Festival
- From Cape Town
- 75 km, 56 minutes
Our tipYou can still reach Franschhoek as usual despite the closure: from Stellenbosch over Helshoogte Pass (R310), or on the R45 from Paarl and Simondium. Only the onward road over the pass to Villiersdorp is shut, as of September 2026, so check before you set off. Book the tram ahead: tickets are limited, and from mid-May to mid-September only some lines run on weekdays.
Wine estates in and around Franschhoek
- Stellenbosch and FranschhoekBoschendal
A Huguenot farm from 1685 with a manor house, picnics on the werf and a farm shop, also reachable by Wine Tram.
- Stellenbosch and FranschhoekLa Motte
A Huguenot farm with a water mill, a manor house and the Rupert story, open for tastings every day.
- Stellenbosch and FranschhoekHaute Cabrière
Sparkling wine from a vaulted cellar: Pierre Jourdan, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and, on Saturdays, a bottle opened with a sabre.
- Stellenbosch and FranschhoekGrande Provence
A Huguenot farm with fine dining, a gallery and nougat with your tasting, served by three tram lines.
- Stellenbosch and FranschhoekLeopard's Leap
A young brand in a modern building: rotisserie at long tables, tastings without booking, closed on Mondays.
- Stellenbosch and FranschhoekRickety Bridge
An old part of the La Provence farm, in new hands since 2023: tastings, a blending course and padel.
Places to stay in Franschhoek
AdvertisementThe links lead to trivago. If you book through them we receive a commission; it does not influence the selection. Prices are examples for the night shown.
Akademie Street Boutique Hotel
5 Akademie St
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Kitchen
- Parking
from €616per night on 29 November 2026
Check prices on trivago
Avondrood Guest House
39 Huguenot St
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Air conditioning
from €292per night on 18 November 2026
Check prices on trivago
Maison Cabrière, Boutique Suites
51 Cabriere Street
- Pool
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Wi-Fi
from €506per night on 27 November 2026
Check prices on trivago
Ashbourne Boutique Guest House
47 Huguenot St
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Air conditioning
from €209per night on 22 October 2026
Check prices on trivago
Fleur du Soleil Luxury Guesthouse
7a van Riebeeck Street
- Pool
- Spa
- Breakfast
- Parking
from €214per night on 27 November 2026
Check prices on trivago
W-Collection Franschhoek at L'Ermitage
Lambrechts Rd
- Pool
- Spa
- Kitchen
- Parking
from €234per night on 7 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoFranschhoek: frequently asked questions
How far is Franschhoek from Cape Town?
Franschhoek is about 75 road kilometres from central Cape Town. Without traffic the drive via the N1 and R45 takes just under an hour; English Wikipedia says 45 minutes, German Wikipedia gives a distance of about 60 kilometres.
How do I get to Franschhoek while the pass is closed?
You reach Franschhoek as usual despite the closure of Franschhoek Pass, either from Stellenbosch over Helshoogte Pass (R310) or on the R45 from Paarl and Simondium. Since 13 May 2026 only the onward road over the pass to Villiersdorp has been shut, as of September 2026.
How does the Franschhoek Wine Tram work?
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a hop-on hop-off service with trams and buses on five colour-coded lines. Each line runs hourly in one direction, starting from the terminal in Franschhoek or in Groot Drakenstein. Tastings at the estates are paid separately.
Why does Franschhoek have a French name?
Franschhoek means French corner. In 1688 Huguenots who had fled France were given the valley, which until then was called Olifantshoek. Many estates still carry the French farm names of that time.